Working with power lines can be one of the most challenging and extremely dangerous occupations. Electrical exposure is common among engineers, lineman, electricians, construction workers, but some more than others who are directly exposed are overhead power lines, circuit assemblies and cable harness workers. Research studies show that exposure to electricity is still a major cause of deaths among construction workers. According to OSHA, in 2014, “the leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites were falls, followed by electrocution, struck by object, and caught-in/between.” Therefore educating and training workers on Safety and Healthy practices are of paramount importance.
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Electrical Hazards
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The number of fatalities from occupational electrocution is a serious issue and both the employer and workers must ensure that health and safety guidelines are followed to avoid casualities. Exposure to electrical energy can cause permanent damage or death and this can simply be from not wearing required insulated protective equipment as affirmed by OSHA electrical standards. Some examples of Electrical hazards include:
1.Burns
2.Fire
3.Fall
4.Electrical Shock
5.Electrocution
Working with Power Line
Working with power lines can be terrifying especially when elevated by harness or ladder. Low Voltage does not necessarily mean low hazard and can cause immediate injury. According to OSHA Fact sheet “overhead and buried power lines are especially hazardous because they carry extremely high voltage. Fatal Electrocution is the main risk but burns and falls are also hazards”. Some safety practices to follow when working around electricity:
1.Look for overhead powerlines and buried power line indicator
2.Stay atleast 10 feet away from overhead power lines and assume they are energized
3.De-energize and ground lines when working near them
4.Use non-conductive wood or fiberglass ladders when working near power lines
OSHA Electrician Standards
In addition to wearing PPE, electrical workers often use Insulating Protective Equipment such as rubber insulating blankets, rubber insulating matting, rubber insulating covers, rubber insulating line hose, rubber insulating gloves, and rubber insulating sleeves. The display of safety signs and tags, barricade and attendants are some technique that are normally used to caution eletricians of danger. These can potential reduce the risk of an incident once marked.
Some Safety Tips and tricks! Be Safe not SORRY
•Assessing the risk and ensure visual inspection of electrical equipment is done before use.
•Ensuring correct Equipment is worn based on voltage exposure that aligns with OSHA standards.
•Examine the height and depth of elevation from the ground and ensure a harness is worn in the event of a fall.
•Be alert to electrical hazard while working whether for ladders, scaffolding or cable harness.
