What are the safety precautions you follow when working with electrical controls?

1 Turn off the power

Before you touch any electrical control, make sure that the power source is turned off and locked out. Use a multimeter or a voltage tester to verify that there is no voltage present in the circuit or the control panel. Never assume that the power is off just because the switch is in the off position. Always follow the lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures to prevent accidental or unauthorized re-energization of the circuit.

2 Wear protective gear

Depending on the type and level of electrical hazard, you may need to wear different kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with electrical controls. Some of the common PPE items are gloves, boots, goggles, helmets, ear plugs, and fire-resistant clothing. You should also avoid wearing any jewelry, metal accessories, or loose clothing that could catch on wires or terminals. Always check the condition of your PPE before using it and replace any damaged or worn-out items.

3 Use insulated tools

Another way to prevent electric shock or arc flash is to use tools that are insulated or rated for the voltage and current of the circuit or the control. Insulated tools have a non-conductive coating or a plastic handle that protects you from touching any live parts. Rated tools have a label or a mark that indicates the maximum voltage and current they can safely handle. You should also inspect your tools regularly and keep them clean and dry.

4 Follow the codes and standards

Electrical controls must comply with the codes and standards that apply to their specific application and location. These codes and standards provide guidelines and requirements for the design, installation, testing, and maintenance of electrical controls. They also specify the minimum clearances, labeling, grounding, and wiring methods that ensure safety and performance. Some of the common codes and standards are the National Electrical Code (NEC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

5 Know the risks and symptoms

Even if you follow all the safety precautions, you may still encounter some unexpected or emergency situations when working with electrical controls. Therefore, you should be aware of the potential risks and symptoms of electrical injuries and how to respond to them. Some of the common risks are electric shock, which is the passage of electricity through the body; arc flash, which is a sudden release of intense heat and light; and electrocution, which is a fatal electric shock. Some of the common symptoms are burns, muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, breathing difficulty, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone else suffers an electrical injury, you should call 911 immediately and administer first aid if possible.

6 Learn and update your skills

Finally, one of the best ways to ensure your safety when working with electrical controls is to learn and update your skills. Electrical controls are constantly evolving and becoming more complex and sophisticated. You need to keep up with the latest technologies, trends, and best practices in the field. You can do this by taking courses, attending workshops, reading books and articles, joining professional associations, and seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues. By enhancing your knowledge and competence, you can reduce the chances of errors, accidents, and injuries.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?