Being an electrician can be awesome, but it comes with a high demand for safety practises. There are plenty of potential hazards keeping sparkies on their toes, but the live wires at Fergus have you covered.
They’ve joined forces with the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) to enhance electrician safety awareness.
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“By merging Fergus’ technological expertise with the extensive industry knowledge of NECA, we’re now in a unique position to provide electricians with practical tools and insights,” Fergus CEO David Holmes said.
“This collaboration is all about helping electricians tackle their day-to-day risks head-on.”
Fergus and the NECA have compiled these below tips for electricians to ensure they’re as safe as possible on a day-to-day basis.
Be prepared for emergencies
Emergencies can strike without warning. So, always have your first aid, CPR, and specialised rescue techniques at the ready. Remember that even just 50 volts can be life-threatening. Regularly refresh your training to stay sharp, and schedule periodic retraining sessions so you don’t fall behind.
Wear proper safety gear
Never underestimate the protection your safety gear offers. Make sure to don your hard hats, safety goggles, electrical-resistant gloves, and non-conductive boots every time. Consider your clothing too – it can be a barrier against risks like sweat meeting electricity. Make a checklist of your essential safety gear and review it before starting any job, and make sure to replace ripped or broken gear immediately.
Practice common sense with equipment and workspaces
Always err on the side of caution. Treat every device as if it’s powered. If you spot any damage – be it on cords, installations, or plugs – report it straight away. And remember, using another electrician’s tools without permission is a no-go. As for your workspace, keep it neat. A tidy space reduces the chances of accidents. At the end of each day, do a quick review of your workspace to ensure it’s clean and safe for the next day.
Conduct regular risk assessments
Before diving into a task, always evaluate the risks. By identifying and understanding potential hazards, you’ll know what to address first and can plan your work accordingly. Keep a risk assessment checklist on hand to ensure you cover all the bases.
Digital Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)
Digitise your SWMS to enjoy the benefits of mobile safety planning. Adopting this digital approach will not only streamline your onsite safety procedures but will also offer a more efficient way to implement and monitor them.
With the software, contractors can easily list high-risk activities and assign tasks, potential dangers, and control measures to each. This integration enhances onsite safety and efficiency, reducing administrative hurdles. Familiarise yourself with the features of the digital SWMS and integrate it into your daily workflow for better safety outcomes.