Many work related accidents and fatalities are caused due to electrocution. As per the OSHA guidelines, all workers who are exposed to electrical hazards must undergo electrical safety training. The 29CFR, Part1920 publication states the OSHA guidelines for maintaining electrical safety.
Workers employed at a facility where the generation, transmission and distribution of power takes place have to be trained in CPR and first aid. If more than two workers are employed at the facility, at least two of those workers have to be trained. Employees should never be found working alone. Also, a trained employee should be at a place that is within four minutes from the victim. If, at all, the facility has only two employees, care should be taken to see that both are trained.
Overhead power lines are also one the many safety hazards for tree trimming operation. Often the tree limbs have to be cut so that they do not make any contact with the power lines. Usually, it is not possible to turn the power off while trimming trees. Therefore, the personnel appointed for doing this should be trained and certified. The equipments and tools required should be at a safe distance from the power lines. A second worker should also be available at a voice communication distance for extra preventive measures.
The 120 volt systems at construction sites also pose a lot of danger. According to OSHA, ground fault circuit interrupters are supposed to be used in operations involving these systems. If the current is leaking to the ground potential, the interrupter immediately interrupts the circuit. This prevents fires and overheating of equipments.
Workers should be trained in the use of personal protective equipments. Basically these are items of clothing and tools that are used to minimize injuries and the various safety hazards. Employees should be properly trained to wear and use these equipments. They also have to be trained to regularly clean these equipments and maintain them.
The tag out or lock out is a process that ensures that a particular electronic machine cannot be used when it is getting repaired or during maintenance. Whenever a machine is unsafe for use, it should be kept isolated and uncut from the power source. This is usually done by keeping the circuit locked in the open position. The employees, especially the maintenance workers should be made aware of this system. It will reduce the number of injuries.
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