Don't Get Zapped - Be Safe with Electricity

Electricity provides power to operate machinery, lights, heaters, air conditioners, and many other forms of equipment. When not used correctly, electricity can be very dangerous. Accidental contact with electrical currents can cause injury, property damage, and even death.
Certain types of jobs put some workers at a higher risk - supervisors, electricians, painters, machine operators, and welders, just to name a few. No matter what the job or type of facility, electrical hazards must be evaluated.

OSHA Electrical Safety Regulations use two basic terms: Qualified Person versus Unqualified Person. A Qualified Person is one who has been trained to avoid electrical hazards when working on or near exposed energized parts. An Unqualified Person is someone who has little or no training regarding electrical hazards. Even though Unqualified Persons may not be exposed to energized parts, training should still be given - at minimum, they must be familiar with any electrical-related safety practice. This could be as simple as telling an Unqualified Person to shut off a machine if there is a problem and call a supervisor for assistance.

To use electricity safely, employees must be able to identify the most common electrical hazards and protect themselves, such as:

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  Wearing protective clothing - rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes/boots when working around electricity
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  Inspecting tools - inspect tools on a regular basis, including the large tools such as table saws, drill presses, and bench grinders
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  Examining the power cord - inspection should be conducted to ensure the insulation around the power cord is in good condition. Power cords in poor condition should be replaced - never taped or spliced. Always inspect the cord BEFORE plugging it into the power outlet!
  
• Grounding properly - electrical equipment can protect you if the equipment is working properly. Never remove the grounding conductor from a plug. Electrical cords and plugs should never be modified from the original (OEM) condition.

By developing, implementing, and enforcing a well-defined electrical safety program, risk of injury to your staff can be minimized.