Electricity is very important form of energy such that the whole world is relying on it. There is hardly a sector where electricity is not required. Electricity becomes most basic need these days.
On the other hand, Electricity is also dangerous which leads to Death if serious electrocution takes place. Every year million of cases of electrical fires, Injuries, Accidents of electrocution took place due to unsafe usage & practices.
We can definitely avoid such happenings by taking safety tips while working on electricity. Since we are from Industrial Electrical field, This post is more specific to electrical safety from Industrial point of view. In this post, We will discuss 9 safety tips while working on electricity.
10 SAFETY TIPS WHILE WORKING ON ELECTRICITY
There are multiple safety measures for electric work. Next in this post, 10 most important tips are discussed. At the time of starting, It is really difficult to remember all the safety tips. But after practicing these tips for some time, We become habitual.
1. Know the Voltage level first
- Wear the shoes & gloves accordingly.
- An electrical safety mat should be present on the ground & That mat should also be according to the voltage level present in the system.
- Class A mat is resistant to up to 3.3 kV voltage . Its thickness is 2.0 mm.
- Class B mat is resistant to up to 11 kV voltage . Its thickness is 2.5 mm.
- Class C mat is resistant to up to 33 kV voltage . Its thickness is 3 mm.
2. Check Grounding / Earthing Before Work
Earthing is a type of safety. Earthing ensures the metallic body of electrical machine always stays potential free; zero potential. Before working Earthing should be verified whether it is connected on not. If connected than Earthing value should be in required range.
3. Use proper PPE or Outfit
- Outfit play an important role in Electrical In which shoes play the most crucial part; Shoes must be tough & well Insulated.
- Wearing metal ornaments while working; is also dangerous. We should avoid wearing metal ornaments specially in hands & arms. These metal ornaments can get in contact with the live conductor.
- Avoid wearing loose clothes. Loose clothes can get stuck anywhere While working, which is also a dangerous situation.
4. Well insulated Tools & Equipment
- While working make sure that Tools & equipment which we are using should be well insulated & must be capable to withstand voltage level present in the system.
- Inspect the tools at-least once before using. There should not any type of wear & tear on the insulation of the tool.
- Tools should also be in dry condition.
5. Working Area should be dry & clean
Potential difference or Voltage difference is “Actually the voltage difference between two nodes”. For the working of the load, Current should flow through the load & Current only will flow if there is Potential difference across the load. That’s why potential difference is the Mandatory to run an Electrical System !
That’s is the reason, Birds sitting on high tension line do not get electrocuted. Because there is only single node, single potential where bird is been sitting. But there is no another second node such a “ground” or “earthing“.
We while standing on Earth get electrocuted because while standing on Earth, Earth work as a secondary node. Current do not flow when there is only single potential node, Potential difference is mandatory for current flow !
We get electrocute when body get in between potential & neutral or earthing. Which results significant amount of current flows through the body. When a very minor current flows through the body, We get only tingling sensation. A report “Effect of electrical current in the human body” by TUV Rheinland is shown below. Which shows the different types of effects on human body due different level of current.
“The level of current depend upon voltage level, type of voltage, level of current, the current path through the body, time duration of current flow & condition of the body whether wet or dry ?”
Normally, full human body resistance ranges from 1000Ω to 100000Ω. Low resistance leads to high current while high resistance results in low current. Resistance value all depend upon the path & condition. That’s why We are saying,” Working area should be dry & clean”.
Our clothes & shoes should also be dry because a little amount of water can lower the body resistance which makes getting the shock chances higher. Some times In Industry, We need to work in wet areas like Electroplating plant Or chemical plant. At such places, place dry Electro-Mat behind the feet & make sure none of the body part in touch with anything while working.
6. Electrical Panel Inspection
Before starting the work some of the questions should be answered to ourselves. & That are :
- What’s the panel is all about; its configuration & function !
- Electrical mat should present as per according to system’s voltage level.
- All the protective gear & tools should be according to system’s voltage level.
- Whether the system is connected to working earthing or not ?
- Give visual inspection all over the panel. It’s each wire, lugs, joints, terminals & components. There should not be any abnormal thing such that heated wire or cable. There should not be any type of stress on cable or joints.
7. Be comfortable while working
” It was the time when I was working as an Electrician in Hand Tool Industry. I was working on distribution panel in Electroplating plant. I was tightening the input screw of ML-3 L&T contactor by lifting my feet up with full hand extended because contactor is placed at much higher than my height. It was really hard to reach that contactor . Suddenly, screw driver got tilted & got stuck somewhere in between the terminals. Extreme dense light with explosive sound makes me unconscious for a while & left me with welded broken screw-driver.
This all happen because I was in hurry & neither be; in a comfortable state.”
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8. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
9. Inspect the final work at-least twice
10. Think about the OUTCOMES
- What will happen if system get power supply ?
- What type of Load going to be run ?
- Is it safe for the operator & machine itself ?
- Does everyone done their part who were working on machine ?
- Is there anyone who is in contact with the machine ?
Summary: Key Electric Safety Tips for Industrial Workers
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Electrical work in industrial environments carries serious risks like shock, burns, and accidents.
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Following proper safety measures is essential to protect workers and prevent downtime.
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10 Essential Electric Safety Tips:
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✅ Check voltage levels before starting any work
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✅ Ensure proper grounding/earthing
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✅ Wear appropriate PPE for electrical tasks
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✅ Use insulated tools and equipment
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✅ Maintain a dry and clean workspace
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✅ Inspect electrical panels before beginning work
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✅ Be comfortable and focused while working
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✅ Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
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✅ Double-check work before energizing equipment
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✅ Think through potential outcomes to prevent accidents
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Implementing these tips helps reduce accidents, improve safety awareness, and maintain a secure industrial workplace.
FAQs: Electric Safety Tips for Industrial Workers
Q1: What PPE should industrial electrical workers wear?
A: Workers should wear insulated gloves, safety shoes, protective eyewear, helmets, and flame-resistant clothing. PPE protects against shocks, burns, and arc flashes.
Q2: Why is Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) important?
A: LOTO prevents accidental energization of equipment during maintenance, reducing the risk of electrical shocks and severe injuries.
Q3: How often should electrical panels be inspected?
A: Panels should be inspected before any maintenance work and routinely as part of a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure all connections are safe and functional.
Q4: What should workers do before starting electrical work?
A: Always check voltage levels, verify proper grounding, and ensure the power is turned off. Never start work on live circuits unless absolutely necessary with proper precautions.
Q5: How can accidents be prevented in industrial electrical work?
A: Accidents can be minimized by following safety guidelines, using proper PPE, performing regular inspections, following LOTO procedures, and thinking through potential outcomes before energizing equipment.
Q6: Are these tips applicable to all industrial workplaces?
A: Yes, these tips are universal for industrial electrical work, including factories, workshops, and plants. Specific precautions may vary depending on equipment and voltage levels.
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