In this article we will discuss about the general tips for carrying out electrical works in the industries.
1. Because of special nature of electrical work, employees working on electrical equipment must be cautious and alert at all times, recognising the seriousness of consequences which might result from a mishap. There are many unanticipated and unusual happenings that can lead to trouble in electrical work. Regard all electrical equipment as potentially dangerous.
2. Use electrical gloves while working on live lines.
3. All voltages should be handled properly and safely. It must be realized that relatively low voltage such as 240 V can cause injury. Very special care should be exercised when working at height.
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4. A moment of neglect can result in life time of regret. Avoid working on live equipment in so far as practicable. Trouble shooting and making connections to energized 440 volts circuits or higher must be done under the supervision of an authorised electrical supervisor.
5. When attending electrical defects, one must have permit to work on line and line should be isolated.
6. When it is necessary to work on or near live circuits, it is important to work on only one wire at a time and to insulate all conductors which may come in contact with the body.
7. Adequate protective equipment must be used when working on live circuit. Special attention should be given to rubber gloves to be sure these are in good condition.
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8. Fuses of proper amperage should be used according to the load on the line.
9. Only non-conductive ladders should be used by electrical workers.
10. Insulation of electrical wire cannot always be depended upon to give protection from shock. Familiarisation with the conditions at hand is essential.
11. Treat all electrical equipment designed for 440 volts and above as though it were live, even though it is known or believed to be dead or de-energized.
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12. Keep the area around electrical equipment dry to minimise possibility of shock. Obtain dry boards to stand on if necessary.
13. In so far as practicable, work shall not be performed on electrical equipment having moving parts while it is in operation.
14. When it is necessary to work on electrical circuit or other electrical equipment or to dismantle or remove machinery driven by electrical motors, the proper switches must be opened and tagged.
15. As an additional precaution, fuses must also be pulled out where provided.
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16. Never bridge a fuse or use a fuse which is heavier than the capacity of the circuits. Replaced fuses should be of the same capacity as those removed.
17. Every machine or electrical equipment must be properly earthed.
18. Never leave broken plugs, sockets, switches and worn out cable as such and these should be got changed.
19. Finger rings, bracelets and metal wrist watch should not be worn by persons working with electrical equipment.
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20. Tags are to be used on switches when these are opened to permit work on electrical equipment.
21. Electrical switches must be tagged properly by authorized persons when electrical motor driven equipment is to be worked on.
22. Never close a switch without first having full knowledge concerning the circuit and the reason why the switch was tagged open previously.
23. Do not operate any oil immersed switch with the oil pan in the lowered position.
24. On 2,400 volts and above, make sure the disconnect switch on the line is open and tagged out before opening the enclosure or dropping the oil tank of a circuit breaker, starter, or other electrical device.
25. In opening disconnects, shield the eyes from a possible flash. In opening disconnects of any kind, wear rubber gloves. Use a disconnecting pole on high voltage.
26. Be sure the circuit breaker is open before attempting to remove draw out type circuit breakers from their voltage.
27. Replace cover plates on lights and power cabinets or other electrical enclosures after repairs.
28. Safety belts shall be a part of a line men’s equipment and shall be used whenever the lineman is supported with climbing hooks at an elevation. Linemen should check their safety belts before each use.
29. Ground and short circuit any line as close to the work as possible. Grounds should be clamped to pole ground wires or an overhead ground wire.
30. Handle telephone or signal wires with care since these may come in contact with high voltage wires, thus, becoming dangerously charged.
31. In working hot lines 440 volts over, two men should always work on the pole together except when changing fuses. One man must keep himself in the clear and in a position to aid his pole mate if necessary.
32. Personnel working elevated hot circuits from the insulated brackets at the aerial platform truck should make certain that lose materials being handled to not ground them to the machinery.
33. Temporary installations shall conform to generally accepted safety practices. It is particularly important that all electrical installations be properly grounded, sufficient clearances be provided over rail roads and roadways and proper type equipment be installed in gaseous areas.
34. Suitable barricades must be installed around exposed temporary high voltage electrical equipment such as field transformers.
35. Barricades or marker must be provided for unattended open ground conduct or manways, watch carefully for flammable materials seepage into manholes and take necessary precautions to prevent being overcome by vapours or igniting the materials.
36. Never use metallic ladders in electrical work or near electrical equipment.
37. Inspect all electrical extensions before placing in service. Avoid wrapping cord around any part of the body.
38. Ground all electrical power tools. Examine electrical extension light or portable tool cables for defects before using.
39. Use only 24 volts for hand lamps.
40. Do not make loose connections. Do not insert naked wires in to the sockets. Use a proper plug for each equipment with earth connection. Never leave the earth wire unconnected.
41. Do not make temporary connections with loose wires hanging around.
42. While working with portable tools, check for worn out wires, loose connections, or broken plug.