Electrical Construction Safety

Most electric-related accidents and injuries occurEnsure all wiring, lines, extension cords, outlets,
as a result of water existing in and around theplus, and power pickups contain a Ground Fault
construction site where electrical equipment andCircuit Interrupter.
lines are being used and worked on. One of theA Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, or GFCI, are
biggest things you can do to reduce electric shockoutlets containing a "test" and "reset" buttons that
and electrical injury is to work to prevent waterprevent electric shock and electrocution by
from coming into contact with electrical equipmentmonitoring the flow of electricity, or current,
and lines.through the circuit of the outlet. If the electric
Constructions workers should, in general, exercisecurrent changes in any way (for example, if a
extreme caution at all times when working withcord comes into contact with water), the GFCI
any and all types of electrical equipment, such asimmediately shuts off the flow of electricity.
panels, light fixtures, alarm systems, computers,GFCIs should be used any time there is a source
transformers, conduit, and junction boxes, amongof electricity or electric outlet near a source of
others-particularly when near sources of water.water, both on construction sites and in and
Construction workers should also take the time toaround the home.
familiarize themselves with the construction siteThere are also a number of things you should
and all pieces of electrical equipment and spot anyavoid in order to increase electric-related safety
potential electric hazards in the site before theyaround the construction site. First, don't let water
get to work, as well as to identify any electricalcollect on the floor while you're working with
equipment that could become damaged throughelectric equipment and lines. Remove water
the use of various wet methods of removal.before it can accumulate. Water and electricity do
It's also important to "de-energize" all electricalnot mix! Next, avoid stringing along electrical wires
equipment as much as it can be feasibly done.and lines over floors. This is a safety hazard and
Use non-electrical alternatives wherever you can.must be avoided. Finally, be careful not to damage
For example, use portable floodlight systems forinsulated covers and protectors.
lighting, and use vacuum attachments andFinally, in order to increase construction safety
scrapers made out of plastic, rubber, or woodaround electricity, construction workers and team
instead of metal or other conductive materials.members should always assume that any piece
When working with electricity, maintainof electrical equipment or any lines (wiring, etc.) in
construction safety by wearing protective gear,and around the site are "live," or energized, unless
which in this case includes insulated rubber bootsotherwise tested and publicly noted.
and insulated rubber gloves.If any of your electrical equipment that you
There are a few more precautions thatregularly use on construction sites comes with
construction teams should implement with respectany safety manuals, be sure to read them
to electrical construction safety. All live power linethrough thoroughly before operating them.
and cables should be covered with hot line covers,General electrical safety may also be explained in
and all electrical outlets must be sealed tightly.safety manuals.