When you are working in an industrial setting, safety should always be your top priority. This is especially true when working with industrial electrical equipment, since it is highly powerful and can present numerous dangers to employees who may not be aware of various hazards associated with the equipment. Fortunately, most companies have strict safety rules in place for such situations. Should your job have you working with industrial electrical equipment, always remember the following safety rules.
Maintain a Safe Distance
To begin with, try to maintain a safe distance when working with industrial electrical equipment. As a general rule, using equipment that has a current greater than 50 volts should always mean panel doors being shut, no exposed wires in the area, and only experienced personnel be nearby.
Lockout/Tagout
To prevent accidents and make others aware that the industrial electrical equipment is out of service and being repaired, always use your facility’s lockout/tagout procedures. Often required by OSHA, having authorized personnel use lockout/tagout to disable machinery will prevent equipment from starting up unexpectedly when being serviced.
Install Physical Barriers
When you are in the process of industrial equipment delivery and want to ensure the safety of employees and others, having certain physical barriers installed around your equipment can make things much safer for everyone. Since different types of equipment and supplies such as wiring will likely be delivered at the same time, physical barriers such as shields, guardrails, and other safety measures can be effective in maintaining a high level of safety.
Be Aware of Conductive Cleaning Materials
Should you be cleaning industrial electrical equipment, never assume that danger does not exist. In reality, many cleaning materials used for such equipment can be conductive, meaning that if the equipment is turned on, the possibility for electrical shock and injury exists. Thus, always remember that any solvents and water-based cleaning supplies are conductive, as are metalized cloth and even steel wool pads.
Look Out for Overhead Electrical Lines
In some facilities, overhead electrical lines exist near work areas, meaning extreme caution should be taken when using or servicing equipment. Unfortunately, many workers are injured while on ladders or elevated platforms. To prevent this from occurring, use ladders with non-conductive side railing, and always stay at least 10 feet away from electrical lines that are exposed.
By implementing these safety strategies when working on equipment or having equipment and supplies delivered and installed, you and others in your workplace can stay safe while on the job.
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks.
