Electrical hazards have become the cause of injuries and fatalities in the workplace. It is one of the leading causes of accidents at a construction site, which is why having adequate Electrical safety equipment is important. As per Safe Work Australia (SWA) statistics of 12 years, 142 people have lost their lives due to close contact with electricity. That means on an average 11 lives were lost every year that could have been saved, if simple electrical safety measures were followed.

Construction sites are usually a prime location for potential electrical fire hazards. Even a short contact with a 100-volt alternating current (a.c) can have serious consequences on a person’s health, so one can only imagine the impact of an ultra-high voltage of electricity at a construction site.

The human body is a good conductor of electricity. When the skin directly touches the electric current, it passes through the body and is called an electric shock. An electric shock can lead to the death of a person or may cause serious irreparable damage to the body.

The most common electrical hazards that cause injuries at job sites are:

1. Lack of electrical safety equipment could lead to direct or indirect contact with a live wire
2. Accidental stepping on a conductive medium or a higher voltage conductor
3. Workers can lose balance and fall from a platform or a ladder
4. Improper use of electrical products lead to short-circuits and fire
5. Burning of an electrical equipment may release various poisonous gases and contaminants
6. Wet or damp surroundings can lead to equipment damage. Wetness makes its surrounding objects a conductive medium for electrocution
7. Cramped spaces at job site possess the risk of equipment damage that can lead to electric shock on contact

It is evident that construction workers are constantly exposed to electric shock, explosion, fire, toxic gas and contaminants with electrical installations and electrical work at a construction site. It is highly advisable that workers must have personal protective equipment and gear to safeguard themselves from serious injuries. Electrical safety should not be taken casually.

Lack of electrical safety products can lead to accidents that can cause

1. Death of a person
2. Severe external / internal burns
3. Damage to internal organs
4. Neurological disorders or permanent nerve damage
5. Others like unconsciousness, muscle spasms, palpitations, nausea, dehydration etc.

Individuals and companies have realized the need of safety practices as any mishap poses a serious risk to property and the general public as well. Such unforeseen circumstances have been proven to be expensive. State governing bodies are also vigilant in ensuring construction sites are provided with a safe work environment to the workers.

Safe Work Australia (SWA) is a government statutory body which develops national policies related to Work Health and Safety (WHS) and Workers’ Compensation. As per SWA code, a person conducting the business or undertaking (PCBU) has the responsibility to have all the security measures and quality equipment to ensure workers are not exposed to electrical risks.

To fulfill electrical safety the following electrical safety equipment must be available at the construction site at all times.

1. Personal Protective Equipment

In many ways, personal protective equipment becomes the most important safety equipment because it directly protects against electrical accidents. The amount of personal protection will depend upon the degree of exposure to the electrical risk. Basic protective gear would include a helmet, gloves, and footwear.

They provide protection from potential life-threatening contact with an unseen exposed electrical hazard at a job site. Other safety precautions that are used for risk of electric fire are protective eyewear, fire-resistant helmet, protective earmuffs, face shield etc.

2. Electrical Supplies and cord Protectors

There are ranges of electrical supplies that are used at a construction site. The site is surrounded by workers and a variety of conduit, cable protector, cable brackets, can protect the cables and prevent workers to trip on the work site. Extra protection to power cords and outlets is a good start to safety practices. For precaution, use cable covers and cord protectors. Electrical leads safe stand are used for cables to avoid damaged cause by running across the floors, doorways, or sharp edges. Cable meshes are a flexible cable support system that is used for cramped and complex construction sites.

3. Voltage Regulators and Circuit Breakers

These are key pieces of safety equipment that are designed to provide emergency protection as soon as there is a mishap. Standard Duty Emergency Stop Switch shuts off the power supply during such emergencies. Additionally, electrical safety devices are fiberglass pillars that are designed for safekeeping of fuses and similar devices, a voltage regulator prevents equipment damage during a fluctuation in electricity.

4. Electrical Power Testing Equipment

One should never attempt at handling live wiring or electrical equipment without proper knowledge. Electrical power testing equipment provides essential security from surprises. A tester, voltage detectors, clamp meters.

One must comply with Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 (the ES Regulation) that spells out the specifics of electrical safety duties for an electrical worker or licensor. If you are in charge of a construction site, following these safety solutions will minimize electrical hazards.

A. Conduct safety training

Always conduct a safety training for worker on safety measures for electrical and other risky work. Teach them the proper way to use the electrical products and electrical safety equipment. Conduct regular trainings for reiteration of safety rule to workers.

B. Ensure Compliance with Safety and Health Standards

Approve code of practice from the statutory body managing electrical risk. Statistics show that out of the deaths that happened due to electrical installations, over 50 % casualties were related to the construction industry. It is necessary to have insulation equipment like rubber mats and duct around the electrical components at construction job sites. Putting up basic signs to let workers know of the areas that have electrical hazards is also a good safety practice.

C. Have Safety Equipment and Control

Most construction sites have different staff working at the same time therefore simple precautionary measures can ensure the safety of all. A simple thing like an emergency stop switch or use of a floor cable protector to eliminate trip hazards for pedestrians accessing the area.

A lead stand or having a fiberglass pillar can possibly avert a potential disaster. There is a range of different power points & plugs available that increases the safety against the dangers of electrocution and short-circuiting.

D. Security Administrator

A constant vigilance at job sites negates many dangers. Appoint a security administrator who will ensure that the workers are following safe work practices. Make sure that the workers use protective equipment like a fire-resistant helmet, electrical gloves and footwear while handling electrical supplies all the time. It is never a bad idea to take extra precautions and timely rechecking them to see if the electrical equipment is used as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Workers are abiding by the instructions for exclusion zones, use of permits and warning signs.

E. Maintain Electrical Supplies

Tools and equipment must be inspected regularly and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions. One can find details of the requirement in part 9 of the “new managing electrical risks” in the workplace code of practice by SWA. Regular visual inspections and testing of electrical equipment for its optimal working condition are highly recommended. Use of electrical pipes, cable covers and cord protectors for the storing of cables can be an extra measure.

A job site will always be at risk however, the above safety solutions can eliminate most of the common electrical hazards and hazardous work practices. Do not overlook any danger; make all attempts to reduce this risk. Encourage worker to immediately report, any abnormality at work site like a burning smell or spotting a spark. Constant risk assessment at the job site can save lives. Therefore, choose the right electrical equipment for your construction workers. Their safety is your responsibility.

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