Electrocution is a serious risk that no one should have to face, yet many construction workers are exposed to it. This is especially true for people who work with electricity directly, but even those who don’t can still be in danger.
Employers and workers must take steps to prevent any electrical-related hazards on sites. The best approach is to understand common electrical hazards and how to prevent them, which this guide will explain.
Overhead Power Lines
An overhead power line is an electric power transmission line suspended by towers or poles. With large equipment like cranes and structures like scaffolding, those working at such heights can come into contact with the lines. Strong winds or other weather conditions can affect the stability of cranes, increasing the risk of accidental contact with power lines.
Overhead power lines carry high-voltage electricity. You can only imagine how severe or fatal it could be if someone makes contact with them.
To prevent such accidents, it helps assess the site before construction begins and create a safety plan. Also, always ensure that equipment, scaffolding, and workers stay a safe distance away from power lines. HSE recommends a minimum clearance of 10 feet for lines carrying up to 50,000 volts, with greater distances for higher voltages.
In some cases, electrical faults from power lines can ignite nearby flammable materials. Fire protection like fire extinguishers and fire blankets are necessary.
Class C fire extinguishers are specifically designed for electrical fires. Fire blankets can be used to smother small fires on the worker’s clothing or nearby surfaces.
Read our guide, ‘Fire Control Measures in Construction,’ for more information.
Faulty Grounded Power Tools
These are tools that lack a proper electrical grounding connection. Grounding prevents electrical shocks by directing stray currents into the ground. However, rough conditions on construction sites can damage tool wiring and grounding, increasing the risk of electrical faults. Other issues include infrequent inspections or maintenance and untrained personnel who might not recognise grounding problems.
Train workers to use tools safely, keep them dry and clean and cover or store the equipment properly when not in use. Always check temporary power setups are installed and grounded properly. Workers must also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like insulated gloves and safety glasses. These practices are effective in preventing electrical accidents.
Exposed Wiring and Unfinished Electrical Systems
Exposed wiring is when electrical wires are visible and not enclosed in conduit or insulation. Unfinished electrical systems are not fully installed, including partially completed setups left exposed or work that has been rushed. In either case, these issues are risky due to the potential for electric shocks, short circuits, and fire hazards.
To minimise the chance of electrical accidents, follow industry safety standards and guidelines for electrical work. Ensure all work complies with local electrical codes. Start by covering the exposed wire and ensuring the systems are completely installed before the site is used.
Arc Flash
Arc flash happens when there’s a sudden release of energy from an electrical fault, creating a high-temperature plasma. This can occur in any area where electrical equipment or conductors are present, and it can be deadly. It may cause severe burns, injuries, or even death to anyone who is near the fault without proper protective equipment.
Workers must wear proper PPE rated for arc flash protection and follow safety protocols to de-energize equipment before working on it. They should know how to use a voltage tester works - this tool can help them to confirm there’s no electrical current present in a circuit or equipment, keeping them safe.
Construction sites often harbour many hazards that put workers at risk of electrical injury. The ones listed in this article are just a few of the more common ones. Electrical accidents can also lead to fires, increasing the danger on site. Faulty wiring, exposed connections, or short circuits can spark and ignite nearby flammable materials. Therefore, electric safety and fire safety measures should always be in place.
For fire safety solutions, shop our reliable fire protection products, synergy alarms, and evacuator alarms today! Contact us via hello@s-pgroup.com or call +44 (028) 9442 8611 for inquiries. SP Group is a construction supplier in the UK and Ireland.