Work Smart. Stay Safe. Connect With These 10 Electrical Safety Tips

Being safe and smart around electricity seems like a “no-brainer.” But we’ve all seen some things—maybe someone cutting a corner here or there or skipping over a safety protocol because they’re in a hurry—that can result in serious injury or death.

Here are ten tips that will help you keep electrical safety top of mind, everywhere and every day.

 

1. Think Before You Touch. Sure, that could apply to a lot of situations in life. But electricity is unforgiving. You don’t get many “do-overs” when determining if a circuit is live or not. Act as if all devices are energized and proceed with caution.

 

2. Disconnect, Then Fix The Problem. If something isn’t working correctly, disconnect the power source before investigating. Of course, the same applies to any scheduled repair or maintenance activity.

 

3. Don’t Play “Find-the-Panel.” Locate the panel and circuit breakers before you begin any job in the event of an emergency. Know which breakers serve which outlets. Ensure the box is not blocked by shelving, equipment, or other stored items.

 

4. Use The Right (NON-CONDUCTING) Tool For The Job. Use tools with non-conducting handles when working with electricity. And speaking of conducting, never use metallic pencils, rulers, or wear metallic rings or other jewelry while working with live circuits.

 

5. Dress for Success With Insulated Clothing. When handling live equipment, wear non-conductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles.

 

6. Avoid That “Tingly” Feeling. Getting a tingle from an outlet or other equipment may not be as bad as an electrical shock; However, it is a sign that something is wrong and could be dangerous. Disconnect and check for damage or miswiring.

 

7. Stay Out Of The Water. Keep water out of or off your equipment, and avoid running power cords through puddled water on the floor. Make sure your hands are dry before handling equipment. If working in a damp area or near water, ensure that GFCIs are properly installed.

 

8. Check The Weather. If you’re working outside or in an environment that’s not fully enclosed, be aware of any potential weather conditions that could impact you and your equipment.

 

9. Your Ladder Matters. Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails such as fiberglass when working with or near electricity or power lines. Be aware of your ladder height around lines. 

 

10. Play It Safe With Your Storage Space. If you’re stowing equipment at a job site, ensure that the space is clean, dry, and secure. Job boxes can leak or might have been damaged and may not close properly. Double-check before you call it a day!  

 

When it comes to safety, you’re the most important person on any job. Thanks for letting us share these tips. Stay safe!

 

All Current Electrical Sales sells exclusively to wholesale electrical distributors. It is headquartered in Moorestown, N.J., and operates distribution centers across the U.S. With three UL panel shops and a fabrication shop, it can also manufacture custom fabricated and assembled products.

 

Learn more at allcurrent.com | 800.223.0483