Electrical Safety Tips for Contractors
Whether framing, roofing, or working with electricity, contractors have an inherently dangerous profession. When an electrical accident occurs on the job, it can result in serious injury or even death. An accident not only affects the worker, but it also impacts his or her family, friends, co-workers, and community. Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) would like to share tips to help contractors stay safe when working with or around electricity.
“Safety is REC’s main priority. We focus not only on the safety of our employees, but also that of our members and anyone working near our lines and equipment,” says Maxie Rozell, REC’s manager of safety, security and risk management. “Accidents can happen quickly and during the most routine jobs, so we encourage everyone to take safety precautions seriously and avoid taking shortcuts.”
When working with and around electricity, follow all safety precautions. Always maintain situational awareness and identify the location of overhead power lines before working on outdoor projects. If an object you are holding, such as a metal ladder, comes into contact with a power line, you risk injury from electrical shock or even electrocution. Always look up and out before moving tall objects near overhead lines, and keep equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines in all directions at all times.
Always call VA811 a few business days before you plan to begin any project that involves digging. Once you have reported where you plan to dig and what type of work you will complete, the area will be surveyed and marked for public utilities within two to three days. This service is free of charge. When digging, respect the marks, and keep at least two feet away from the utility line markings to provide a safety zone. If any digging must be done within that zone, excavate by hand with extreme caution.
Take the proper safety precautions if you plan on using a generator for a job. Make sure to operate the generator in a well-ventilated, outdoor area to avoid breathing in toxic fumes. Read all the information on installation, safety and maintenance.
When a generator is not properly installed, it can “backfeed” through the transformer and produce an output of 7,200 volts on the distribution line. As a result, a line crew working on the system would be put in danger. For everyone’s sake, isolate your generator from the co-op’s power lines. This means you should connect appliances or other devices directly to the generator with the appropriate-sized cords. If you connect it directly to your building’s wiring, a transfer, double-throw switch is required to separate your generator from the co-op’s system.
Follow safe practices when using extension cords. Always use properly rated and laboratory certified extension cords to avoid the risk of shock and fire. Never remove the grounding pin (or third prong) from an extension cord to make it fit into a two-prong outlet, and replace any cords that are damaged.
Never use power tools in wet conditions. When water and electricity mix, the result can be deadly. Whether you plan on working on a project indoors or outdoors, plug your equipment into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to protect against electrical shock. A GFCI constantly monitors the flow of electricity through a circuit and will shut the circuit down if it senses a ground fault.
Know and follow relevant federal and state safety regulations. When it comes to electricity, don’t take any chances.
For additional electrical safety information, visit www.myrec.coop.
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