Electrical safety is just one consideration under the much larger workplace safety umbrella, but it's an important one. Today, we'll cover a few of the biggest electrical safety risks on today's work sites and how employees can become more comfortable identifying and avoiding these risks.
The Best Solution for Workplace Safety
A lot goes into keeping your workers safe from electrical hazards. There are all kinds of details to brush up on, changing regulations to learn, and best practices to memorize--which means it's not easy to manage all these things on your own.
That's why the best solution for electrical safety--and workplace safety overall--is to invest in online training courses.
Why? Here are just a few reasons:
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Consistency: When you utilize an online course to help improve workplace electrical safety, you know everyone is getting the same instruction and will be following the same rules. That way, you don't risk leaving certain employees uninformed because they missed an in-person training session.
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Simplicity: Electrical safety can be a stressful topic. An online course helps simplify the details so relevant information is easier to digest and less stressful for attendees.
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Accessibility: Online training courses are easy to access and give everyone the opportunity to take an active role in their own education. These courses are designed to maximize engagement while minimizing obstacles to learning.
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Quality: Enrolling in an online electrical training course means you can count on high-quality workplace safety instruction across the board. Expert trainers share precise information on regulations, risks, best practices, and tips for staying safe on the job.
Electrical Safety Tips
Although an online training course might be the best way to improve electrical safety, it's also helpful to do some of your own research. Here are some of the most common electrical hazards and what you should know about each one:
Power lines
Power lines are a conspicuous part of most work sites, but many employees may not realize the true electrical hazard overhead. In truth, these power lines usually aren't insulated--which means they can cause fatal electrocution, burns, and even falls after non-fatal shocks.
To avoid such risks, it's best to stay at least 10 feet away from power lines at all times. Where possible, use equipment made of non-conductive material (like a wooden ladder) when working near power lines. You should also perform necessary research to identify the location of underground power lines and avoid these as well.
Extension cord failure
Extension cords are common sight on the job. However, they can sometimes represent electrical safety risks of their own. Over time, the insulation on an extension cord may become weakened or ruined, causing the exposure of dangerous wires.
Of course, you can't stop using extension cords--so the solution is to implement best practices instead. For example, look for extension cords that have been marked for "hard" or "extra-hard" usage, which indicates they'll be more reliable in tough conditions. You should also regularly review the condition of every extension cord you use, checking each one from end to end so you can identify any weaknesses or exposed wires.
Overloads
It often seems efficient to plug multiple cords into a single outlet. However, this is actually a significant electrical safety risk. That's because electrical systems have a maximum current amount, and exceeding this amount means the system is no longer working properly or safely.
The best way to avoid this is to avoid overusing outlets. However, since outlets aren't always in convenient places, it's sometimes necessary to use a circuit breaker or fuse so you can plug more cords into a single outlet without overloading the system. Both options will shut off the electrical current if an overload is detected.
Wet conditions
Rain is perhaps the most obvious type of wet condition, but it's not the only electrical safety hazard of its type. High humidity, standing water puddles, and even sweat can also cause dangerous conditions.
To avoid these hazards, always be on the lookout for any kind of moisture that might make it unsafe to use electrical equipment. It's also important to have equipment inspected if it gets wet.
Conclusion
All elements of workplace safety--especially electrical safety--are critical for your work site. However, these elements can be difficult to manage, especially if you need to educate a large group of employees with different schedules. That's why online training courses are the best way to make workplace safety a priority and help employees brush up on best practices, requirements, and more.
Interested in electrical safety courses? Contact us today to choose the option that works best for you.