Mechanical Cable

Advantages of Mechanical Cable

Safety Tips for Working with Electrical Wires

Make a Plan
The best way to avoid harm is to draft a project plan beforehand. During the planning phase, workers can assess the equipment and environment to spot any potential hazards. Planning can ensure that workers will use the proper PPE and IPE during the job and that they'll know where the correct circuit is for shutting off power.

Wear the Right Clothing and Gear
As we mentioned, OSHA requirements say that workers should have rubber gloves, insulating sleeves, and safety glasses on at all times. Fire-resistant clothing can also help prevent injury because the fibers are not very conductive or are treated with a flame-retardant. During the planning stage, employers and employees can determine whether additional PPE is necessary. Workers should also avoid wearing any metal, such as watches or jewelry.

Use the Buddy System
Should the worst happen, your workers shouldn't be by themselves on the job. A buddy system helps ensure that someone can always call for help if necessary or perform CPR. Both individuals should be trained in electrical safety and CPR before starting work.

Use the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) System
There are six steps to the LOTO system, and they can help ensure that all circuits are shut off and de-energized before working. De-energizing a circuit simply means making sure that there is no residual power left in the wires or machinery.

Step One: Inspect the System- Before starting work, employees should be able to assess hazards on the fly, even if they didn't come up during the planning phase.

Step Two: Shut Down the Circuit- Workers should know how to power down the circuit entirely so that there is no low-level residual energy.

Step Three: Isolate the Equipment- Shut off any valves, unplug any cords, and separate the machinery from all electrical sources.

Step Four: Lock and Tag- Any switches or buttons that can turn the equipment on should be locked in the off position. Doing this ensures that no one can accidentally activate the system. Each lock should have a corresponding tag with the worker's name and contact information.

Step Five: Check for Stored Energy- Depending on the equipment, workers should be able to test for any residual electricity within the system. If they detect anything, they should also be able to discharge any stored energy.

Step Six: Verify Everything- Employees should double-check and walk through all previous steps again to ensure that they didn't miss anything.

Avoid Working in Wet Areas
Since water is such a potent electrical conductor, it can pose significant safety risks on a job site. Even damp areas can be a problem, so workers must be able to address it. For example, if there is standing water on the ground, employees can either dry it off or cover it with non-conductive material (i.e., a wooden board).

Use a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
GFCIs are portable devices that workers can plug into an outlet or circuit. If there is a power surge because someone is getting electrocuted, the GFCI will detect it and kill the power automatically. Using these devices can act as a final failsafe just in case something else goes wrong.

Stay Away from Overhead Power Lines
OSHA recommends a minimum safe distance of 10 feet from any overhead electrical wires. Many injuries and accidents happen because of overhead lines, so workers should be hyper-aware of them.

Inspect Power Cords and Outlets for Damage
Finally, workers should check all electrical wires and elements, including plugs and outlets. Any damaged components should get replaced immediately. For example, if a three-pronged plug is missing the grounding prong, employees should swap it out with a new plug. They should look for signs of burning or charring, as that can indicate exposed wiring and potential electrical sparks.