Did you know that the available current and voltage in a home or business has enough power to electrocute and cause death? All electrical systems can cause harm as your body is a natural electricity conductor. Thus, it is vulnerable to electrical burns and shocks. Working with electricity is a serious thing. Therefore, it is best when faced with an electrical problem you contact professional electricians from St Louis Missouri to sort it. Below are 6 essential safety measures that every electrician should know and respect in concern to electricity.
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1.Avoid touching someone who has been electrocuted
Naturally, when you have a friend or family member who has been shocked by electricity. You may want to help them. However, do not do so as the body is a conductor of electricity. Thus, the current will travel from their body to yours causing more trouble. The thing to do immediately is to turn the power source off and then call for assistance. If you have CPR knowledge, you can start working on them as you wait for an ambulance. If you cannot turn the power source, push them away with a non-conducting material.
2.Inspect and maintain your electrical tools
As an electrician, always inspect your tools before using them. In case it needs repair, avoid using it. Check your tools for exposed wires, frayed cords, and loose or missing prongs. So, keep an eye out for cracks on body casings and handles of your tools and damaged switches before you tag them for repairs. If there is any damage, take it out of use immediately, to make sure no one uses it, tag it and invest in high-quality maintenance.
3.Avoid power lines
Power lines pose a threat to electricians and other people. They are often present around construction sites. In a power line contact accident that occurs on a construction site, there was a metal ladder involved. Although the line looks safe with no sparking or exposed wires. A slight touch will send thousands of electricity volts through your body. Such electrocution will cause internal and external burns, require amputation of a limb or make your heart stop. Thus, familiarize yourself with local power line rules. Maintain distance with power lines unless you are a professional and know what you are handling with the right protective gear.
4.Wear the right safety gear
This applies to all electricians, whether you are starting on your training or you are a master electrician with a lot of experience. Always wear the right safety gear as you do any works with electricity. Some of the protection equipment are insulated gloves, goggles, hoods, sleeves, line hose, and non-conducting hard hats. Inspect these gears like you would your tools before every use. If not serviceable, it should be discarded and sent to repair.
5.Using GFCIS in wet or damp areas
If you have to work around water, the risk of electric shock is high. Therefore, ensure you install ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIS) before you begin work in such an area. Ensure all your cords and tools are grounded and are plugged into a GFCI protected receptacle if used in a wet area. The GFCIS use is to interrupt the circuit before it enters your body and causes harm.
6.Know your electrical code
No matter where you took your electrical training. You must have learned about the electrical code of your area or your state. The purpose of this code is to protect electrical workers and make electrical equipment and installation safer. For this reason, know the code and stay on top of the new rules in your area. Also, the best practices for maintenance, wiring, and installation to be safe on the job.
To sum up, the above are some of the safety measures that every electrician should follow. Others like choosing the right ladder for work and following proper tag-out procedures are important that you follow them. These essential measures are important and are a part of electrician training. It is vital to adhere to them. This will keep you safe and be of use as you called out for work.