Electrical Safety: Rules of Thumb

Electric shock is a leading cause of death and injury in the workplace. Safety.BLR.com offers safety tips for working around electricity and electrical equipment.

Old Saybrook, CT (PRWEB) July 18, 2004 -- A key to electrical safety is ensuring that workers are qualified to use electrical equipment.

Qualified workers are those who are trained; authorized to work on or around energized "live" electrical parts, including overhead power lines; and who implement lockout/tagout and other safety procedures.

Safety.BLR.com offers these basic rules for electrical safety: 1) Use insulated tools and PPE when working around electricity; 2) Be careful of live parts in "blind" areas; 3) Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines; 4) Use nonconducting or insulated tools and equipment (such as ladders) when working near electricity; 5) Never use damaged power tools or electrical cords; 6) Don't touch electric tools, equipment, or cords that are wet, or with wet hands.

Workers are also advised to check wiring for proper insulation, match plugs and outlets (three-pronged plugs go in three-pronged outlets only), and make sure that all electrical connections are tight.

Located in Old Saybrook, CT, Business & Legal Reports has been the plain-English source for state safety, human resources, environmental, and compensation compliance and training products since 1977.

http://hr.blr.com/index.cfm?source=EPC&effort=5