Top 4 Best Practices For Electrical Safety

Safe work practices are vital to anyone working with electrical equipment. Electrical incidents can cause severe accidents and injuries, which is why it is essential to follow best practices for electrical safety when working with electrical equipment. See the below best practices and recommendations for Arc Flash, De-Energizing, Lockout/Tagout, and Personal Protective Equipment, by following these you can help to create a safe working environment, prevent accidents, and protect the health and well-being of yourself and your employees.

• Arc Flash Awareness: Each year over 2,000 workers are injured due to arc flash incidences, which is why arc flash awareness is crucial for anyone working in or around electrical systems. By understanding the risks associated with arc flashes and taking appropriate safety measures, we can minimize the chances of accidents and ensure safety. Additionally arc flash awareness can help prevent damage to equipment and reduce downtown which can have a significant impact on productivity and profitability. We recommend using our Arc Flash Labels to increase risk awareness and enforce arc flash safety protocols.

• De-Energize: The number one way to prevent electrical injuries is to de-energize the equipment being worked on. To ensure employees de-energize their equipment before working on it, it’s important to have clear and comprehensive safety procedures in place, as well as proper training provided to all employees. Additionally, you or another supervisor should monitor work areas to ensure that all safety protocols are being followed and take corrective action if necessary. We recommend using our Equipment Tags to provide important de-energizing instructions that can be installed directly on any equipment. 

• Lockout/Tagout: Every day nearly 3 million people participate in work tasks where lockout/tagout procedures should be used. Unfortunately, many of those people still put themselves unnecessarily at risk by working energized or neglecting to follow their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. These procedures save workers from unexpected energization or startup. Compliance with OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures is the standard way to prevent accidents & injuries. We recommend utilizing our Accident Prevention Tags to label and convey specific procedures, maintenance instructions, or electrical warnings. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers often find themselves in environments where they are exposed to unseen electrical hazards. PPE is essential when working with electrical equipment, it is the last line of defense against electrical hazards. To ensure employees wear appropriate PPE, it is important to provide clear instructions on the type of PPE required. We recommend using our Operational & Safety Signs to provide personnel with necessary PPE requirements.  

Following the above best practices for electrical safety will reduce the risk of electrical accidents and increase safety. A friendly reminder that we are here to help! If you need assistance with electrical safety we offer labeling products and services for all of it, reach out to us below to speak with one of our experienced electrical labeling representatives.