Some jobs are naturally more dangerous than others and for anyone working near electricity, safety and hazard perception is crucial at all times.
The starting point is always to conduct a risk assessment before undertaking any work near electricity. Check for warning signs and potential dangers. It is easy to miss electrical wires near where you are going to work, so it’s always worth double-checking.
Once the risk assessment is complete, it is important to retrieve a map of services in the area and be aware of how your work may impact on elements in close proximity.
If possible, try and avoid working near electrical wiring or at the very least make sure that the electricity supply is switched off. This needs closely monitoring too; if you have lots of people on site it is important to make sure everyone is aware that the power must remain turned off until one designated person gives the instruction that it is safe to turn it back on. This is a good way to ensure extra safety on site. It is also worth advising all workers in the area know what is happening so no-one is, literally, left in the dark!
If working in an old building, there is a possibility that asbestos may also pose a hidden danger.
Just as we advise our own electrical engineers, if you are in any doubt at all that the area is unsafe, work should not be carried out. Safety is always paramount.
The HSE has published a useful guide which highlights the various electrical hazards when undertaking work close by. Click here to read this.
If you need more advice from our expert team of electrical engineers, please get in touch or find out more about our electrical services here.