Electrical Work and Maintenance Safety

Published on Feb 25, 2020 • 3 min read
Blog image on Electrical Work and Maintenance Safety

Introduction

It is not uncommon for electricians to think that electrical-related accidents cannot happen to them, yet we know that most electrical accidents take place during maintenance work. Poor training, lack of appropriate supervision, and an improper risk assessment are the main culprits that lead to electrical injuries. The latter can be easily prevented with adequate safety training.

Potential Hazards

The most widespread electrical work and maintenance risks are:

  • Falls from Height.

    Electrical maintenance crews must often climb ladders in order to reach indoor control panels or circuits. In outdoor areas, technicians must work at steep heights, on aerial lifts that allow access to electrical boxes or commercial powerlines. In these instances, the slightest instability or jolt can send one falling from a dangerous distance. Such accidents can be prevented or mitigated, at the very least, with adequate fall arrest training.
  • Confined Spaces.

    Many large cities or crowded neighbourhoods have moved their outdoor powerlines underground. In such instances, electrical maintenance workers have to perform both installations and maintenance tasks in specially designed electrical manholes. The latter are tight and highly restricting underground structures that give little room for maneuvering or error.
  • Electric Shocks, Burns, or Arcs.

    Although some accidents happen due to inadvertent electrical discharges, most injuries are shown to be caused by hot circuitry. Shocks occur when electrical current passes through the human body and, at high voltages, severe skin burns will likely occur. If the current happens to pass through the worker’s head or chest, death is a distinct possibility.

Incident Prevention

Electrical installation and maintenance crews work around extremely high voltages, which is why personal protective equipment will often be of limited assistance in case of an accident. The emphasis must be placed on proper risk-assessment and safety protocols, both of which will lead to life-saving circumstances.

The general rule of thumb for electrical technicians is to first ensure that live parts are de-energized. This guarantees that there is no electrical current that can pass through the body or arch upon a nearby conductive object. Arc flashes will heat up adjacent air up to 35,000º F and instantly vaporize any metal that might be present in the equipment. Sometimes, fully locking out might not be possible at all.

With the appropriate training, workers will always conduct their work with safety in mind. Whenever technically possible, they will de-energize the circuits prior to working on them, regardless of how time-consuming the process might be. If they do have to work in proximity to hot circuits, employees will know exactly how to properly assess the risk for electrical accidents, as well as how to prepare for such tasks using appropriate equipment and safety protocols.

Recommended Safety Courses

Elevating Work Platform
Course Duration: 1h 00m
Elevating Work Platform Online Training course
Recommended
Blended Course
OHS Compliant
CSA B354.7/B354.8
Certificate of Completion
Available on Desktop & Mobile
Course Duration: 1h 00m
This program is addressed to MEWP operators needing a certificate/license to operate their devices and to employers who strive to meet the requirements imposed by the OHS Act and Worker Compensation Boards following the CSA Standards B354.7/B354.8 standards of training.
$47.95
Price per course
Confined Space
Course Duration: 1h 40m
Confined Space Online Training course
Recommended
Blended Course
OHS Compliant
CSA Z1006-16
Certificate of Completion
Available on Desktop & Mobile
Course Duration: 1h 40m
Confined spaces are not designed to be inhabited for long periods, so specialized training is needed to manage the associated risks. As such, workers who monitor or may enter restricted areas as part of their job responsibilities need Confined Space safety training.
$47.95
Price per course
Fall Protection
Course Duration: 1h 50m
Fall Protection Online Training course
Recommended
Blended Course
OHS Compliant
Certificate of Completion
Available on Desktop & Mobile
Course Duration: 1h 50m
Following the OHS Act, Fall Protection theoretical training and evaluation course is addressed to individuals working at heights of more than 3 metres (10 feet). In addition to theoretical training, employers/supervisors must ensure that workplace-specific hands-on practice in emergency response procedures and inspecting, fitting, adjusting, and connecting fall protection systems and their components, is provided.
$57.95
Price per course

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Whether you’re a field engineer, electrician, or maintenance and installation technician, you have the right to be informed about the full extent of the hazards associated with your workplace. Employers are legally required to provide appropriate safety training for everyone they hire. By following the protocols described in these courses, you can avoid, as well as manage the risks associated with electrical work and maintenance.

To view a complete list of safety courses associated with electrical work and maintenance, please visit our Energy and Electricity industry page and select your occupation from the list.

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