How Can You Prevent Electrical Hazards On Your Home?
Electrical hazards are the important part of every safety and health program. The most effective protection against all three classes of electrical hazards is turning off the power before working on electrical equipment and systems. The daily use of electricity and consequent exposure to electrical hazards is almost unavoidable.
The most surefire way to eliminate electrical hazards is to de-energize equipment before working, testing or repairing systems. Electrical hazards are addressed in specific standards for the general industry, shipyard employment, and marine terminals. Electrical hazards are generally a result of a short, fault, or the opening or closing of an energized circuit. The changes reflect the concept that injury due to electrical hazards is a product of the likelihood that a hazard will be present and the consequences of the hazard should an exposure occur.
What are electrical hazards
An electrical hazard is a dangerous condition where a worker can or does make electrical contact with energized equipment or a conductor. From that contact, the person may sustain an injury from shock, and there is a potential for the worker to receive an arc flash (electrical explosion) burn, thermal burn or blast injury.
Electricity can either be “static” or “dynamic”. Dynamic electricity is the uniform motion of electrons through condition (electric current). Static electricity is the accumulation of charge on surfaces as a result of contact and friction with another surface.
According to the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) there were 83¹ electrocutions in Ontario from 2001 through 2010. According to ESA, the most common cause of occupational electrocution is using an improper procedure (60%)². Read more here.
Overhead wires and electrical hazards are just one of the many dangers that crane operators must look out for. Learning how to recognize possible workplace electrical hazards is the best way to avoid a serious accident.
Check your home for the following electrical hazards
- Frayed or worn electric cords
- Appliance plugs “piggy backed” on a single switch
- Electrical appliances such as radios, hairdryers, shavers, portable lamps, or radiators used near showers, baths or swimming pools
- Extension cords being used instead of permanent indoor/outdoor wiring
- Wet floors are present where electricity is used
- Electrical appliances that blow fuses, overheat, or spark heavily
The best way to reduce the risk of death from electric shock at home is to have a safety switch, called a residual current device (RCD), fitted within your household fuse box. If there is faulty or wet wiring, or any electric current passing through a person, the safety switch will cut off the power within a fraction of a second. While the safety switch is not guaranteed to stop an electrical shock, it is guaranteed to make the injury much less serious. See more here.
Awareness of electrical hazards is the key to reducing the staggering number of electrically-related home fires, injuries, and deaths that occur every year.
10 Easy Ways to Prevent Electrical Hazards
1.Have only licensed electricians install, repair and dismantle jobsite wiring. That way, everything will be completed according to electrical safety codes, ensuring greater protection for the workers who will be using the wiring to power tools and equipment. Bringing in a professional electrician also prevents the injuries that result when less-qualified individuals attempt electrical jobs that they aren’t properly trained to do.
2. Always plug into a GFCI. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection is required at every plug-in point associated with your jobsite’s temporary electrical supply – right down to extension cords. Make sure that only GFCI receptacles are installed, and that portable GFCIs are kept on hand in case additional grounding needs arise.
3. Check each extension cord before use. Ensure that insulation is completely intact (free from cracks, tears, or abrasion) and that power extension cables haven’t been knotted, which can cause conductor damage and increase the risk of fire. Read full article here.
Electrical Hazards Can Be Very Dangerous
It is important also to practice electrical safety when outside since many electrical hazards can be found near homes and not just inside their walls. Understanding electrical hazards can be a matter of life or death in such a situation. It is not just only present indoors, but can also occur outside. This can cause burns, shocks, and electrocution (death) and can harm the health of people and animals.
The best and most effective way to prevent arc flash and other electrical hazards is to display visually instructive labels and signage that communicate hazards and warning messages. And way to safeguard against electrical hazard is to have a professional electrician install, inspect and if necessary upgrade your wiring. A variety of information, products, and services related to electrical hazards is available from our experts in Electrician Murrieta don’t hesitate to reach us here: (951) 805-1262 to assist you.
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