When it comes to working with electrical equipment, putting safety precautions in place for any electrical project is always a top priority. From basic knowledge and equipment safety to personal precautions and equipment performance, knowing what to do to help prevent injuries and ensure safety can be a lifesaver.
Avoid Water
A critical precaution when working with electrical equipment is staying out of water. If you’re working in an area where there is a good chance you’ll be around it, wear rubber boots at all times, but avoid standing on a wet surface while working with electrical equipment. Also, when working with equipment near electrical circuits, don’t work with wet hands. Keep towels nearby so you don’t run the risk of becoming the conduit for an electric current.
Check for Live Wires
Before beginning work, check to ensure what you’re working on is not energized. Use an electrical current tester to check for live or hot wires. Check all wires and the metallic flap that covers the service panel, too. Never assume electrical devices are not energized. Check first and be safe.
Before taking a single step to service electrical equipment, disconnect the power source. It’s the only way to be 100 percent sure no current is running through the wires. For added safety, place a note on the service panel alerting others not to turn the power on.
Use the Right Fuse
When making repairs to a circuit breaker panel, be sure to use the appropriate fuse, otherwise it may result in a short circuit.
Prevent Shocks
Prevent shocks from happening by covering the bare ends of a wire in a service panel with a small plastic cap. If you touch the end by mistake, the cap works as an insulator for the copper and eliminates being shocked.
Should someone you’re working with come in direct contact with an electrical conductor, it is imperative that you not touch the person, the equipment, or the equipment cord. Shut off the power at the circuit breaker or use a leather belt to disconnect the plug from the wall.
Equipment and Personal Safety
To prevent accidents, wear rubber boots and insulated rubber gloves, shoes with insulated soles, protective garments, and safety goggles.
When working with electricity, it's best to use a wooden or fiberglass ladder versus steel or aluminum. With either an aluminum or steel ladder, should an electrical surge occur you will become one with the electric current as it passes through your body.
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