Electrical Safety Procedures In The Workplace

Electrical Safety Procedures are an essential part of any electrical safety program. Electrical workers must know where the disconnect switches and electrical panels are located in the workplace so that the electrical equipment can be quickly de-energized during an electrical accident. Posting the location of the electrical panel on servicing equipment is also a great way to enhance electrical safety.
Establishing strict Electrical Safety Procedures must include properly labelling electrical equipment. This means disconnect switches and electrical panels are clearly labelled and in clear view to show what equipment or power source the electrical equipment controls. At least three feet must be clear from obstruction at all times to safely operate and maintain electrical panels.
Electrical fires and shocks kill electrical workers every year, so it's important to establish and adhere to any established electrical safety procedures.
Electrical accidents can occur from overloaded circuits or wires. Sparks coming from electrical equipment can also ignite flammable vapours or other combustible materials. Unfortunately, most electrical incidents occur due to improper or faulty electrical equipment. The following electrical safety procedures, set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), can greatly reduce the risk of an electrical incident.
Electrical Safety Procedures must include a way to prevent overloads by preventing overloaded wiring and circuits. This will avoid arcs and overheating wires, which can cause shock injuries and electrical fires.
Electrical Safety Procedures must include inspecting electrical equipment and ensuring all electrical equipment (power tools, extension cords, appliances, among others) is inspected before use. Plugs and cables should not be twisted, abraded, frayed, worn, or corroded, and exposed wires should not be missing ground pins. Live electrical parts must be physically guarded or properly insulated. Damaged equipment with defective plugs or cords must not be used until fixed by a qualified electrician.
Comprehensive Electrical Safety Procedures include Checking Grounding Connections. Check all electrical outlets and ensure they have a good grounding connection (plugs should be three-pronged and double-insulated wires).
Electrical Safety Procedures involve using highly qualified electrical Personnel to ensure that wiring, electrical outlets, and all the building’s electrical equipment are inspected, maintained, and repaired by highly qualified personnel (electricians, among others).
Electrical Safety Procedures also include Working On De-Energized Equipment. This means checking to see that all electrical equipment is de-energized when work is done. Many electrical incidents occur because personnel try to work when electrical equipment is live. Ensure that plugs and cords are disconnected from all equipment and that no one else can reactivate this equipment until all work is done. When servicing is done on hard-wired equipment, the circuit breaker must be turned off, locked, and tagged with a tag and special padlock. Work on live equipment can only be done by electricians with Lockout/Tagout training.
Most Electrical Safety Procedures include isolating Flammables, Solvents, and Chemicals from the point of ignition. This means isolating all organic solvents and corrosive chemicals from electrical cords because they can easily erode wires and insulation. Materials that can easily catch on fire should also be isolated from electrical equipment.
Electrical Safety Procedures also mean keeping Electrical Equipment dry, which means keeping it away from damp or wet locations (unless it is specifically rated for these conditions).
Electrical Safety Procedures include keeping the electrical workplace dry. This reduces the risk of an electrical incident by ensuring that your feet, hands, and body are free from perspiration or dampness when operating electrical equipment. Electrical equipment should never be operated while standing on a wet floor.
Electrical Safety Procedures include Calling 911 In Case Of an Electrical Fire. Abandon your work area and call 911 if an electrical fire occurs. Also, trigger the fire alarm and do not attempt to put the electrical fire out using water. The proper fire extinguisher used is “ABD” or “C.” Only shut down the main power source if it’s safe and possible.
Electrical Safety Procedures also include avoiding Contact With Shock Victims. Avoid touching anyone (or any electrical equipment) that falls victim to electrical shock. Call 911 immediately so that a firefighter or paramedic can treat the person. Only shut down the main power source if it’s safe and possible.
For more Arc Flash information, see:
- Read More Here: Arc Flash and Electrical Safety
- Read More Here: Arc Flash Training
- Read More Here: Arc Flash Clothing
- Read More Here: Electrical Training
- Read More Here: Electricity
On-site training
Interested in cost effective, professional on-site electrical smart grid training?
We can present an On-site Training Course to your electrical engineering and maintenance staff, on your premises, tailored to your specific equipment and requirements. Click on the link below to request a FREE quotation.
Live Online Electrical Training Schedule
Arc Flash Group Training

We can present this Course to your electrical engineering and maintenance staff, on your premises, tailored to your specific equipment and requirements. We are ready to help design this program for you. Click on the link below to request a FREE quotation.