Safety isn’t a suggestion; following the correct isolation procedure prevents severe injuries. Read this quick guide to strengthen your knowledge.
Let’s face it, as obvious as it might seem to protect yourself and those around you from any risk, safe isolation is neglected more often than we like to admit. Which is why we preach about a consistent lockout-tagout practice before any type of installation.
Mitigate the risks entirely with these key steps:
-
Assessment: Before commencing any work on electrical installations, conduct a thorough risk assessment. Identify potential hazards, assess the voltage levels involved, coordinate with supervisors and the client, obtain the correct permits, and don’t forget to communicate the planned work.
-
Lockout: Switch off the main power supply and implement lockout-tagout procedures to prevent accidental re-energization. Reference yourself, the date, and indicate that the circuit must not be re-energized until the locks and tags are removed by authorized personnel using a large “DO NOT OPERATE” warning sign.
-
Verify: Before starting work, it is essential to verify the absence of voltage using an appropriate testing device. Test each conductor to confirm that there is no voltage present and reconfirm periodically throughout the duration of the work.
Remember to always comply with the correct PPE and in certain situations, grounding and bonding may be necessary to safely dissipate electrical charges and prevent a static electrical build up.
Don’t just trust your instincts, rely on your common sense, ensure a shock-free work environment. There’s no room for shortcuts when it comes your life, lockout-tagout every time.