Electrical Safety: Safety Practices When Working With Electricity

Working with electricity can be dangerous. The key is that not all electrical hazards are created equal. Although each use of electricity creates a potential exposure to a hazard, the dangers vary. Electricity flows more easily through some materials than others. Some substances such as metals generally offer very little resistance to the flow of electric current and are called “conductors.” A common but perhaps overlooked conductor is the surface or subsurface of the earth. Glass, plastic, porcelain, clay, pottery, dry wood, and similar substances generally slow or stop the flow of electricity. They are called “insulators.” Even air, normally an insulator, can become a conductor, as occurs during an arc or lightning stroke.

Hazards/dangers associated with electricity affect the majority of workplaces. In general industry, construction, or farming electrical hazards are present. The task is to have the ability to identify and recognize electrical hazards around you and then to reduce, mitigate and eliminate them.