Electrical Methods
1) Plan your work and plan for safety
Take time to plan your work, by yourself and with others. Safety planning is an important part of
any task. It takes effort to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards. If you are thinking about
your work tasks or about what others think of you, it is hard to take the time to plan for safety.
But YOU MUST PLAN.
a) Work with a “buddy”— Do not work alone. Both of you should be trained in CPR. Both
of you must know what to do in an emergency.
b) Know how to shut off and de-energize circuits— You must find where circuit breakers,
fuses, and switches are located. Then, the circuits that you will be working on (even low-
voltage circuits) MUST BE TURNED OFF! Test the circuits before beginning work to make
sure they are completely de-energized.
c) Plan to lock out and tag out circuits and equipment— Make certain all energy sources
are locked out and tagged out before performing any work on an electrical circuit or
electrical device. Working on energized (“hot”) circuits is one of the most dangerous
things any worker could do. If someone turns on a circuit without warning, you can be
shocked, burned, or electrocuted. The unexpected starting of electrical equipment can
cause severe injury or death.
d) Remove jewelry and metal objects—Remove jewelry and other metal objects or
apparel from your body before beginning work. These things can cause burns if worn
near high currents and can get caught as you work.
e) Plan to avoid falls—Injuries can result from falling off scaffolding or ladders. Other
workers may also be injured from equipment and debris falling from scaffolding and
ladders.
2) Avoid wet working conditions and other dangers
Remember that any hazard becomes much more dangerous in damp or wet conditions. To be on
the safe side, assume there is dampness in any work location, even if you do not see water. Even
sweat can create a damp condition!
a) Do not work wet—Do not work on circuits or use electrical equipment in damp or wet
areas. If necessary, clear the area of loose material or hanging objects. Cover wet floors
with wooden planking that can be kept dry. Wear insulating rubber boots or shoes. Your
hands must be dry when plugging and unplugging power cords and extension cords. Do
not get cleaning solutions on energized equipment.
3) Avoid overhead powerlines
Be very careful not to contact overhead powerlines or other exposed wires. More than half of all
electrocutions are caused by contact with overhead lines. When working in an elevated position
near overhead lines, avoid locations where you (and any conductive object you hold) could
contact an unguarded or uninsulated line. You should be at least 10 feet away from high-voltage
transmission lines.
4) Use proper wiring and connectors
a) Avoid overloads—Do not overload circuits.
b) Test GFCI’s—Test GFCI’s monthly using the “test” button.
c) Check switches and insulation—Tools and other equipment must operate properly.
Make sure that switches and insulating parts are in good condition.
d) Use extension cords properly—If an extension cord must be used, choose one with
sufficient ampacity for the tool being used. An undersized cord can overheat and cause
a drop in voltage and tool power.
e) Do not pull on cords—Always disconnect a cord by the plug.
f) Use correct connectors—Use electrical plugs and receptacles that are right for your
current and voltage needs. Connectors are designed for specific currents and voltages so
that only matching plugs and receptacles will fit together.
5) Use and maintain tools properly
Your tools are at the heart of your craft. Tools help you do your job with a high degree of
quality. Tools can do something else, too. They can cause injury or even death! You must use the
right tools for the job. Proper maintenance of tools and other equipment is very important.
Inadequate maintenance can cause equipment to deteriorate, creating dangerous conditions.
You must take care of your tools so they can help you and not hurt you.
a) Inspect tools before using them—Check for cracked casings, dents, missing or broken
parts, and contamination (oil, moisture, dirt, corrosion). Damaged tools must be
removed from service and properly tagged. These tools should not be used until they
are repaired and tested.
b) Use the right tool correctly—Use tools correctly and for their intended purposes. Follow
the safety instructions and operating procedures recommended by the manufacturer.
When working on a circuit, use approved tools with insulated handles.
c) Protect your tools—Keep tools and cords away from heat, oil, and sharp objects. These
hazards can damage insulation. If a tool or cord heats up, stop using it! Report the
condition to a supervisor or instructor immediately. If equipment has been repaired,
make sure that it has been tested and certified as safe before using it. Never carry a tool
by the cord.
d) Use multiple safe practices— A circuit may not be wired correctly. Wires may contact
other “hot” circuits. Someone else may do something to place you in danger. Take all
possible precautions.
6) Wear correct PPE
a) Wear safety glasses—Wear safety glasses to avoid eye injury.
b) Wear proper clothing—Wear clothing that is neither floppy nor too tight. Loose clothing
will catch on corners and rough surfaces. Clothing that binds is uncomfortable and
distracting.
c) Contain and secure loose hair—Wear your hair in such a way that it does not interfere
with your work or safety.
d) Wear proper foot protection—Wear shoes or boots that have been approved for
electrical work. (Tennis shoes will not protect you from electrical hazards.) If there are
non-electrical hazards present (nails on the floor, heavy objects, etc.), use footwear that
is approved to protect against these hazards as well.
e) Wear a hard hat—Wear a hard hat to protect your head from bumps and falling objects.
Hard hats must be worn with the bill forward to protect you properly.
f) Wear hearing protectors—Wear hearing protectors in noisy areas to prevent hearing
loss.
g) Follow directions—Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning and maintaining
PPE.
