Here at Empower Electric, we take safety seriously. Every project we work on is completed with the highest safety practices in place. This helps our technicians stay safe and allows us to perform our tasks more efficiently, ensuring that every job is implemented with the utmost care and attention. As such, we’d like to share our top safety tips for industrial electrical work so that you can be safety smart. Keep reading to learn more.
Complete a Risk Assessment
Before anyone enters the site, a risk assessment should be completed to identify any and all risks to people and the severity of potential injuries. It should also take into consideration the type of electrical equipment used, how, and the environment it will be used in. There are five parts to a risk assessment, including:
- Identify any electrical hazards and the electrical system/process
- Identify the work to be performed within the electrical system
- Evaluate the risks and decide on precautions
- Record your findings and implement the precautions
- Review and update the assessment when necessary
Adhere to the Lockout/Tagout Procedure
The lockout/tagout procedure on machinery is crucial to worker safety when maintaining or repairing a machine. Wherever industrial machinery is used, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires a formal lockout/tagout program to be in place. This ensures that no one will restart the machinery while another worker is inside or near the equipment and could be injured. Every worker on an industrial site should be thoroughly trained on the lockout/tagout program before starting work, as well as be provided with the proper lockout/tagout equipment.
Avoid Outlet Overload
Whenever you’re using extension cords for equipment, ensure that the things you’re plugging in do not exceed the maximum current rating marked for the extension cord. Be sure to routinely inspect the extension cords you’re using to ensure there is no damage or fraying. You also don’t want to overload power sockets as this can cause fires. If you’re using a switchboard to meter electricity to different parts and devices, ensure that the power entering the switchboard matches the amount of power it distributes.
Limit Access to Electrical Hazards
When working on an industrial site, there can be many different people coming and going on a daily basis. Ensure that industrial equipment, especially that with a high voltage, is limited access to qualified personnel only to prevent accidents. When anything that is highly energized is being worked on, place barriers up to block others from coming in proximity and post warning signs about the potential electrical safety hazards.
Maintain Your Equipment
It should go without saying that you need to keep your equipment maintained in order to get the best results and to ensure that you stay safe. Keeping all of your machinery, tools, and equipment properly maintained increases its longevity without needing full repairs. Always check machines and equipment for wear and tear and perform regular service and cleaning in order to keep things running smoothly and prevent potential injuries from equipment malfunction. Ensuring that your equipment is properly maintained will not only increase its life span, you’ll also be able to spot any warning signs of damage.
Hire the Experts
Our best tip for ensuring industrial electrical safety is to always call an expert if you’re unsure about completing a task on your own. While we assume no one would be trying DIY for the first time on an industrial site, we cannot stress the importance of hiring a professional industrial electrician for your site’s electrical needs. At Empower Electric, we believe that safety should be applied every step of the way, from training to implementation. We are committed to maintaining a safe work site for both our employees and our clients. You can find out more about our commitment to safety here. When you’re ready to get started on your next industrial project, contact us for a team that follows the highest standard of safety practices across the board.
