You should be aware that electricity when not properly handled can have the potential to inflict serious injury and kill people. Electrical hazards exist when you are in contact to exposed live parts which can cause explosions or fire where the electrical fault is the source of fire. Sectors in the jurisdiction on who perform electrical work near energized electrical components or equipments including installation of electrical wirings, use as well as maintenance of electrical appliances and equipments should be alert of the risks which are associated with that kind of work.
Risk
There is always the risk of electrocution when you are working with electricity. Incidents of electrocution can be very fatal. There are also times when only non-fatal shocks will only be involved. However, you should not undermine the non-fatal shocks as they can also result into permanent and serious burn injuries to the internal tissues as well as the skin of the person. Furthermore, it can create damage to the heart depending on the severity and length of the shock. Electrical shocks that come from faulty electrical equipment usually lead to related injuries like falling from ladders, scaffolding and from other work platforms which are elevated. Other illnesses or injuries will also include palpitations, spasms, vomiting, nausea, collapse and also unconsciousness.
Those who are working with electricity may not be the only ones confined to take serious risk. Poor installation of electrical wirings as well as faulty electrical appliances will also lead to electric shock to surrounding people or those near you in a workplace. Although most of these incidents refer to dynamic electricity, static electricity on the other hand which is the accumulation of charges on a surface results as two surfaces are rubbed together in order to cause a static electric shock. This phenomenon can also be painful but is not really non-life threatening. The trouble there is with static electricity is that if there are combustible or flammable gases and liquids around that ignite it, it will explode or start a fire.
What are the options for remedy? It would of course depend upon the situation and the context but may include the following:
- You need to ensure that only registered or licensed electrician in Toronto carry out the electrical work.
- Switch off electricity when possible before working on equipments and parts.
- Ensure that electrical equipments are in great working condition. You need to regularly check, test and tag them.
- Use battery operated tools rather than using main power tools when possible.
- Remove unsafe and damaged electrical equipments and cords from the workplace.
- Ensure isolation and tag out procedures is put in place and are used.
- Use the residual current devices along with portable equipment.
- Do not every try to overload power sockets. Use the power boards and not double adaptors.
- Meet the electrical safety standards set.