Electric Safety - For Business

Electrical accidents rank 6th among all causes of work-related deaths in the U.S. Be aware of electrical safety hazards on the job and report any safety concerns to your supervisor.

If you encounter someone who just received an electric shock and is unconscious or lying on the ground, do not immediately go and touch them. They may still be in contact with the energized wire and by touching them, you could get electrocuted yourself or become seriously burned. Attempt to find the power source and turn it off. If it is an overhead power line, call 911 for help immediately.

Avoid using frayed power cords.
Make proper repairs or replace the cord to avoid a shock hazard.
Wear proper safety gear such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves etc.
Identify the electric shock and arc flash, as well as other hazards that may be present.
Test every circuit and every conductor every time before you touch it.
Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.
Work on electrical equipment and conductors only when de-energized, unless procedures and safeguards have been established to ensure zero exposure for the worker and other people in the area.
Wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools in areas where there are possible electrical hazards.
Check and double-check safety regulations.
Call the local electric utility for assistance.
Make sure all equipment and extension cords bear the mark of an independent testing laboratory such as UL, CSA, ETL or MET Labs.
Protect flexible cords and cables from physical damage. Check cords for cut, broken, or cracked insulation.
Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electrical terminals.
Extension cords are for temporary use. Install permanent wiring when use is no longer temporary.
Water, electrical equipment, and power cords do not mix! Use GFCI protection in wet or damp environments.
Verify the location of all buried or embedded electrical circuits before digging or cutting.
Know where your overcurrent devices are (i.e. circuit breakers and fuses) so they can be easily and quickly reached in case of emergency.
When replacing lamps and bulbs, verify that the replacement matches fixture requirements.

 

  Electric Utility Division
pcordts@stcharlesil.gov
(630) 377-4407 (24-Hr. 443-3681)