Electrical shock is a common cause of fatality in the workplace and is a serious problem in many industries. The prevalence of electrical equipment in today’s workplace highlights the importance of taking measures to reduce the likelihood of injury.
The dangers of electricity should be understood even if you rarely work with high-voltage tools. Here are some measures the managers of the construction sites can take to lessen the likelihood of fatalities caused by an electrical shock in newly constructed building areas.
i) Use of Well-Insulated Cables to Safeguard the Gears
With adequate wiring in place, workplace electrical risks get reduced to a great extent. When building or relocating machinery, companies should utilize solid lines with lots of insulation. Factory-installed wires may not be well-insulated.
After years of service, wire insulation can break. If you work in a construction site where there is a constant movement of products, replacing old lines with new, insulated ones at regular intervals is a must.
ii) Conduits Should Be Used to Safeguard Cables
Electrical cables, in particular workplaces, may need extra protection. Any outdoor or high-volume building site should use protective conduits to organize and shield wires. These inexpensive methods can protect your belongings.
Some conduits can operate from -58 to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, making them acceptable for outdoor building sites. Even indoors, conduits can organize cables and protect them from snagging and compression.
iii) Work Away from Electricity Lines If Feasible
Building and electrical line workers are at risk of severe shocks. Excavating crews may be at risk from cables like this. Workers should avoid electrical lines and be informed of their locations.
Teams can contact 811 a few days before starting a task to mark the approximate position of buried utility wires. They should keep as much physical space as their tasks allow between themselves and these regions.
iv) Report Electrical Hazards
Electric shocks often result from wiring errors or exposed wires. Workers can avoid damage by inspecting electrical equipment before use. To resolve a threat, inform the authorities. Some companies utilize sensors to alert management of issues.
Companies with the resources should consider using this technology-focused approach to danger reporting instead of relying on staff who may forget or be distracted.
v) Use Voltage-Specific Protective Gear
Any electrical wiring job requires shock-proof PPE. Thermal underwear, rubber gloves, and goggles are examples. This PPE has a voltage rating, so employees should use it with the right equipment for their duty voltage. Employees should inspect their safety gear before starting work. Check the insulation for holes or tears that could endanger their lives.
vi) Provide Electrical Safety Training for Staff
No matter what, employers must provide sufficient training. If an employee commits a mistake, no measure can prevent harm.
Thus, personnel need proper education about electrical hazards to avoid them. Refreshers may help regular users of high-voltage equipment. Thanks to these training sessions, workers will be as safe as possible.
Causes Behind the Electrical Death
More than half of all electrocutions among electricians are caused by coming into contact with live electrical devices and wires, such as light fittings, circuit breakers, panel boards, junction boxes, and transformers.
These infractions are mostly caused by temporary power usage during building and remodelling. NECA established a standard to gain a consensus on this problem. The guideline covers numerous topics, but some of the most common OSHA infractions are poor planning, receptacle use, and temporary lighting.
More non-electricians than electricians get killed while coming in contact with dangling or buried power lines. These fatalities occurred because of insufficient clearance and a failure to properly de-energize or protect the electrical lines.
Another major cause of electrocution is improper power extension cord use. The construction site workers should be provided with the universal power cord from SK Cable to avoid any electrical hazards.
Construction labourers, roofers, and service workers were overrepresented in electrical accident fatalities. Electrical experts and other construction site owners must realize the need for electrical safety training. The employees should get electrical safety training in their native languages.
How to Prevent?
Electrocutions remain the leading cause of fatality in the construction industry despite being completely preventable. Those working as independent contractors in the construction business are in danger. Reliability, safety, and best practices should all play a role in selecting general contractors.
The obligation to provide subcontractors with guidance should fall on the general contractor and the subcontractor. No compromising of safety for the sake of productivity should ever occur, thus it’s important that the contract clearly outlines who’s responsible for what in terms of health and safety. Contractors should not overpromise their ability to complete tasks in a certain time frame. CPWR has created helpful educational materials for construction site supervisors.
It is crucial to control exposure to electrical voltages and the currents they can produce to reduce or eliminate the number of electrocutions. Keeping equipment and machinery in good operating order, not touching live wires, turning off the electricity to the machinery before checking and fixing it, and wearing protective clothing are all crucial safety considerations.
Contract workers should be aware of the danger of electrocution and take measures to protect themselves. Beginning workers and apprentices in the electrical industry should be required to complete a rigorous safety training programme.
Methods That Can Improve Safety at Construction Sites
- Ground-fault circuit interrupters and careful system planning in preparation are essential for locations using temporary electrical power (GFCIs). Good rules for temporary electricity are available from the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). These guidelines address responsibility, planning, and load estimates, among other important concerns (NECA 2016). With a little forethought, many wires and outlets are included in the temporary setup.
- Make sure you know where any power lines are before you dig. If you find yourself within ten feet of any power lines, you should immediately contact the appropriate utility company.
- Always turn off the power and tag out any live switches before working on any electrical equipment.
- See whether anything is grounded or use a voltage tester to ensure everything is safe.
- If any of the equipment appears damaged, it must be fixed or replaced immediately. Damaged machinery needs to be taken out of service.
- Ensure the power is off before you begin any inspection or maintenance on electrical components.
- Never put a metal object near a live electrical circuit or part.
Conclusion
Accidents involving electrical currents are avoidable to a great extent if construction workers are given the correct training and are trained to use certified cords like the universal power cord and power extension cord from SF Cable
. Most electrical risks are preventable or manageable with sufficient common sense and regular inspections.
Why SF Cable?
For more than 15 years, SF Cable, Inc. has been there for its clients whenever they needed a new cable or piece of technology. Our business has grown largely due to positive word-of-mouth and the reputation we have earned among our customers.
Our commitment to high-quality technology at low prices has kept us in business. SF Cable strives to provide exceptional customer service, complete projects on time, and work efficiently. We constantly improve the market and deliver value. Our client’s positive impressions help us grow.
State-of-the-art quality, service you love, and amazing price are the three pillars on which we build our business and maintain customer loyalty.
