5 essential points to observe the safety of commercial electricity
As our electricity use in life and industry increases, we need to monitor electrical safety points more. But the question here is, what is electrical safety? What solutions will this topic offer to the users? Stay with the KCS Group in this article to get the answers to these questions.
1. What is the safety of commercial electricity? (Electrical safety)
The progress of industry and technology has increased the use of electricity and electric current more than ever. But the widespread use of electricity will have consequences for its users. Non-observance of safety tips by users can cause unpleasant accidents that can sometimes lead to their death.
It is where you feel the need to use explicit instruction to reduce the risks of contact with electrical currents under the name of electrical safety. Without observing safety precautions, sometimes even a simple light bulb replacement can be dangerous for you and lead to an unpleasant accident. You can consider any electrical system as a harmful factor for people.
Electric current is the constant movement of electrons through a conductor. In other words, conductive bodies are a factor in moving electric power, and most metals are included in this category. But most importantly, the human body is considered a conductor. The conductivity of the human body is due to the presence of water-containing ions as part of the constituents of each person’s body.
Commercial electrical safety uses a set of instructions and technical equipment to prevent irreparable effects of users’ contact with electric currents, electric arcs, electromagnetic fields, and static electricity. These ions and electrolytes allow the electric current to pass through the body. So, when the human body is connected to electricity, the current of electricity will pass from the person’s body to the ground.
2. The importance of safety at work
The work environment will be safe for users with the presence of electric currents when they can identify and control the dangers caused by the existence of this current in principle and correctly. Some factors neglecting them will lead to an irreparable accident, such as electrocution and the death of people as a result, such as:
• Lack of proper training for workers and technicians
• Insufficient experience
• Lack of recognition of upcoming risks
Accidents often occur due to people’s direct contact with commercial power lines, machines and sometimes manual metal tools. Meanwhile, the construction and commercial wiring industries account for the highest number of casualties due to electrocution incidents. It is where we realize the need to follow commercial electrical safety guidelines in the workplace.
In the past 12 years, there have been 135 electrical fatalities in Ontario. From 2010 to 2019, 52 people have died from electrocution (non-intentional death caused by contact with electricity) or by the effects of electrical burns, and 83 have died as a result of electrical fires (where the ignition fuel was identified as electricity and the ignition source was electrical distribution equipment). In comparison, the previous period reported 54 deaths from electrocutions and burns and 85 fire deaths where the ignition source was identified as electrical. The trend rate of electrical-related fatalities continues to decrease.
Therefore, by accurately identifying the dangers of electric currents, you can help raise people’s awareness of the risks in your workplace to a great extent.
Electrical Safety will show you how to create a safe environment by providing a list to assess the electrical hazards around you. But who do you think is more exposed to the dangers of commercial electricity in industrial and work environments? It is the question that we will answer in the following article.
3. Who is exposed to electrocution?
The list would undoubtedly be extended if we were to compile a list of businesses and individuals that must comply with commercial electrical safety guidelines. But electrical engineers and power line workers are at the top of this list. Things like installing or repairing power lines, testing electrical equipment and jobs related to monitoring and maintaining this equipment can be essential risky activities.
Of course, the employees and personnel of the administrative departments, who indirectly deal with electric current, can be exposed to the dangers caused by electric current.
4. Equipment used in commercial electrical safety
One part of commercial electrical safety is using electrical protective equipment or PPE. Personal equipment is specially designed and produced to protect workers in different fields. These equipment are among the essentials of high-risk work environments, which include the following:
• Protective gloves against electricity
• Insulation mats
• Helmet
• Protective glasses
• Tools with an insulating coating
One of the advantages of KCS Company is that it uses safe equipment to carry out its projects, and by training its technicians, it has been able to create 100% safety for all its projects.
5. Electrical Hazards and Safety Tips
This section will mention some common risks related to electric current and commercial electricity safety tips to reduce these risks. When dealing with electrical wires, assume that electricity is flowing in them. Never consider a wire insulated and safe. Do not touch power lines. If you come across power lines, get down, contact the relevant centers and avoid any arbitrary action.
If you work in high-altitude environments with electrical wires and cables, ensure you are at least 3 meters away from the wires. Commercial electricians should be careful to avoid contact with separate air flow lines. Never touch electrical devices when your body is in contact with water.
You can only repair electrical equipment when you have the necessary skills. If you need more skills, feel free to contact KCS Expertise. They can solve your electrical problems by fully observing the safety tips.
Of course, remember that personal protective equipment alone cannot be a factor in eliminating the risk in the workplace. Instead, using this equipment is one of the last stages of electrical safety and risk management.
Note that humid environments are one of the factors that increase the risk of electric shock. If the electrical equipment gets wet, ensure it is healthy with the help of the relevant technician before connecting it to the electricity. Only repair or modify a commercial electrical service if you are qualified, skilled, and licensed.
Be careful with aerial wiring while driving the vehicle. Some heavy vehicles, such as trucks or cranes with overhead power lines, may collide. This contact can cause an electric shock or even cause the death of the drivers of these vehicles. If faced with such a situation, do not leave the car and warn others not to approach the vehicle.