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Home > Public Safety and Education > Electrical Safety At Work

Electrical Safety At Work

Safety is an important issue everywhere, and the workplace is no different. Many accidents and injuries can be prevented with a little attention to basic safety principles. Employees who are exposed daily to electrical equipment and wiring systems should not ignore basic safety practices to get the job done faster or cheaper. Even people who are not exposed daily to wiring systems can play a part in workplace safety. Most electrical fires are the result of overheated circuits and overloaded equipment.

The following tips will help you stay safe at work around electricity.

Any work done, no matter how minor or temporary, should be performed according to all applicable codes and standards.

Before a job is started, check electric cords for wear. Never yank, kink or bend cords, and store them loosely coiled in a dry place.

Never carry a tool by its cord. And make sure to keep all tools, work areas and storage spaces clean and dry.

Personal protective equipment is an essential in the defense against shock or electrical burns. Make sure to keep boots, gloves and other gear in good condition.

Don't overload an outlet. Don't use an extension cord as a permanent wiring solution.

Don't run a cord under a rug or furniture. It may be damaged or get overheated.

If a piece of equipment gives off a mild shock, unusual heat or odd smells, don't use it.

Uncoil an extension cord fully before use. Make sure the amperage is adequate.

Protect flexible cords and cables from physical damage.

Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electrical terminals.

Determine the reason that a fuse operated or circuit breaker tripped before replacing or resetting.

 

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Why don’t birds get electrocuted on power lines?
As long as a bird is not touching anything but the power line, the bird and the line are at the same voltage, meaning they're both in the air. However, if a bird lands on a power line and touches another object such as a utility pole or a tree at the same time it is in contact with a power line, the bird gives electricity a path to the ground. Electricity will flow through the bird to get to the ground and most likely electrocute it.