Working with electricity, as we all know, can be a hazard even for professionals. There are many cases that even experienced professionals may fail to account for which can lead to an accident. No one can really predict anything when it comes to electrical hazards. The experienced Electricians know what to expect but as far as knowing the exact outcome, no one can be certain.
To avoid any accidents, the best thing to do is to practice safety precaution all the time. Even the most mundane safety precautions should be practiced always. These safety precautions are there for a reason. Here are the 10 best tips to prevent electrical hazards.
- Hire professionals to do the job for you
It’s better to hire professionals to do the electrical job for you especially if you don’t have any experience in dealing with electricity before. The money you save is not worth the risk of potentially harming yourself through bad electrical safety methods.
- Plug in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
This device is required at every plug-in point associated with electrical supply.
- Make sure every cord is functional
Check each extension cord before use. Ensure that no wires are exposed and the insulations are intact.
- Before cutting through a wall, make sure that no wires run through it
If you make contact with unseen electrical line, it could be catastrophic. You’ll likely get electrocuted and it can be lead to serious injury.
- Check your tools for any signs of damage
Check the insulation covers of your tools since this is the part that is easily damaged. A bad insulation can get you electrocuted when you make contact with the tool. If you see any signs of wear on the insulation, replace this part before you start using it.
- Keep your extension cords in a safe place
When you are using your extension cords, make sure to put them in a place where they won’t get driven over or stepped on. When your extension cord is being stepped on regularly, it can lead to the wires being exposed which is a huge electrical hazard.
- Make sure your work place is dry
Ensure that your work area is dry before working on any electrical equipment. It’s one of the cardinal rules when dealing with electricity – don’t ever mix electricity and water.
- Use the right rating for your equipment
Ensure that everything you’re working on has the proper rating. Make sure that the wattage rating of the extension cord you’re using can fully support whatever kind of equipment you intend on using. Using an extension cord to supply more wattage that it is capable of can cause overheating problems.