Prevent electrocutions

Electrical hazards cause more than 300 electrocutions and 4,000 injuries in the workplace each year, according to the Rosslyn, VA-based Electrical Safety Foundation International. Many of these incidents could have been avoided with increased awareness about electricity, according to the organization.

ESFI recommends the following guidelines:

• Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.
• Plan every job in advance and consider what could go wrong.
• Identify electrical shock and arc flash hazards before beginning work.
• Always use proper tools for the job.
• Isolate all equipment from energy sources.
• Test every circuit and conductor every time before working on it.
• Do not work on electrical equipment and conductors until they have been de-energized.
  Treat de-energized equipment and conductors as energized until lockout/tagout, test and grounding procedures are implemented.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and use insulated tools for tasks with possible electrical hazards.