No matter how long you have worked at a grain facility, there is always the need to be thoughtful when working with electricity. Electrical safety includes some of the following precautions to take when you are working around any electrical installation or equipment:
- There is no substitute for planning your work. Try to schedule work so that you are not working alone.
- If you are unsure on how to proceed, ask your supervisor for advice. Sometimes a different point of view will catch a mistake or misunderstanding.
- Know the voltage that you will be working with. Verify that your test equipment will handle the voltage.
- What hand tools are you using? Do they have insulated handles? Are they in good shape?
- Keep your tools away from the “fall zone.”
- Keep proper clearance. If workers are having difficulty visualizing the prescribed safety zone, think about the area of a regular refrigerator. That is approximately the area you need for a clear work area.
- Be sure to inspect your work area. To prevent shocks, make sure there are no puddles or wet areas.
- Always use the appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Do not wear jewelry, watches, metal buttons, or snaps. Do not wear frayed clothing.
- Wear fire-resistant clothing when working with electricity.
- Be sure to keep spectators and workers not associated with the electrical work away from the work area.
Lynn Larsen is president of Safety Solutions Inc., a safety consulting firm in Knoxville, TN; 701-261-9587.
Reprinted from Grain Journal May/June 2018 Issue
