Thanks to the power of electricity, homes and businesses can have light available at any time with the flick of a switch. You can always power all your gadgets that technological innovations create. In other words, the expertise of your local electricians makes life easier. Have you ever seen these professionals in motion, and wondered what they do to stay safe while doing such a dangerous job? Here are ways these professionals stay safe while working on everything from an electrical inspection to electrical installation.

Required PPE Gear

Electricians understand the importance of wearing personal protection equipment, also known as PPE gear. After all, electricity can be dangerous, and a small spark in the wrong place can be devastating. Even a trained electrician is capable of getting shocked or electrocuted, due to a mistake or mishap. These professionals equip themselves with a range of protection, such as earplugs, safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hats, and insulated gloves that protect their hands from electrical currents. According to Better Homes and Gardens, a lifestyle magazine, a typical functioning outlet outputs 120 volts. While electricity can be flammable, your professionals have the right protective gear on duty. In case there's a fire or spark that lets loose, they use flame-resistant clothing and equipment to prevent injury.

Proper Clothing

As mentioned, doing an electrical installation requires the use of flame-resistant clothing. Electricians must wear long sleeves on their arms and legs so debris or sparks don't touch their skin. Clothing should also include a high-visibility vest, especially when working at night. These types of clothes help visibility in areas where there's heavy traffic or low light. Clothing should also properly fit. After all, loose articles of clothing can easily get caught in ladders, electrical components, or machinery. Professionals shouldn't wear any loose accessories either, such as necklaces or anything that can get caught in something.

Attentiveness

It's always important to remain aware of your surroundings. Electricians can work in different environments, some of which are more dangerous than others. An electrical installation may take place from great heights, especially on powerlines. Therefore, an electrical professional must be aware of weather conditions. When weather conditions are extreme with wind or rain, it could make working conditions extra dangerous, leading to falls or electrocution. They also need to watch out for wild animals, other vehicles, trees, and anything that can prove to be an obstruction to outside electrical work.

Equipment Awareness

A range of equipment is required for an electrical installation or repair. Before an electrician heads out for the job, they must check the equipment for any issues or wear and tear. They inspect all the power tools beforehand as damaged ones could be a safety risk. Ladders are checked for stability, especially if electricians must climb to extreme heights to reach an elevated line.

Water Avoidance

Being near moisture is never good for any professional electrician. After all, moisture could short-circuit certain equipment. In worst-case scenarios, being near a body of water could exacerbate the likelihood of electrocution. Therefore, professionals must ensure they maintain a safe distance from liquids and bodies of water to avoid a devastating accident that could be fatal.

Regulation Knowledge

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The focus of this organization is to ensure workers across various industries, particularly the trades, have the proper protections. The electrical standards under OSHA guidelines help protect professional electricians from electrocution fires, shocks, and explosions. These standards involve federal regulations regarding the types of PPE equipment that should be used throughout any trade industry like construction, food service, or electrical work, among others.

OSHA also has guidelines for solutions that eliminate risks associated with the job. They may have guidelines for applying guards, grounding electrical poles and other equipment, protective devices, insulation that prevents electrical transfer, and other safe work practices. Thanks to these regulations and training guidelines, your commercial and residential electricians have the proper training to safely do work.

Rest assured that your professional electricians have training, safety guidelines, proper equipment, and enough experience to keep themselves and the people around them safe while working. Mountain Valley Electric has over 20 years of experience and provides same-day service for electrical installation. For commercial or residential electrical care, contact us today.