If you are working on electrical circuits or with electrical tools and equipment, you need to use the following golden safety rules:
Rule no. 1
Avoid contact with energised electrical circuits. Please do not make fun of this rule if you already know this (and you probably already do if you are reading these lines) and remember that if something bad occurs – you probably will not have a second chance.
Rule no. 2
Treat all electrical devices as if they are live or energised. You never know.
Rule no. 3
Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment. It is the only way to be sure.
Rule no. 4
Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on electrical devices.
This is easy to check.
Rule no. 5
Never use metallic pencils or rulers, or wear rings or metal watchbands when working with electrical equipment. This rule is very easy to forget, especially when you are showing some electrical part pointing with metallic pencil. Always be aware.
Rule no. 6
When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, ensure that your hands are dry and, when possible, wear nonconductive gloves, protective clothes and shoes with insulated soles.
Rule no. 7
If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents that result in current passing through the chest cavity.
If you have ever read about current passing through human body you will know, so remember – work with one hand only.
Rule no. 8
Minimise the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.
Rule no. 9
If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment. Never try to remove water or other substances from equipment while energised.
Rule no. 10
If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt. It is a tricky situation, and you must be very calm in order not to make the situation even worse.
Rule no. 11
Equipment producing a ‘tingle’ should be disconnected and reported promptly for repair.
Rule no. 12
Do not rely on grounding to mask a defective circuit and don’t attempt to correct a fault by inserting another fuse or breaker, particularly one of larger capacity.
Rule no. 13
Drain capacitors before working near them and keep the short circuit on the terminals while working, to prevent electrical shock.
Rule no. 14
Never touch another person’s equipment or electrical control devices unless instructed to do so.
Do not be ‘too smart’ or try your luck.
Rule no. 15
Enclose all electric contacts and conductors so that no one can accidentally come into contact with them.
Rule no. 16
Never handle electrical equipment when hands, feet or your body are wet or perspiring, or when you are standing on a wet floor.
Rule no. 17
When it is necessary to touch electrical equipment (for example, when checking for overheated motors), use the back of your hand. This way, you would not ‘freeze’ to the conductor if accidental electric shock were to cause muscular contraction.
Rule no. 18
Do not store highly flammable liquids near electrical equipment.
Rule no. 19
Be aware that interlocks on equipment disconnect the high voltage source when a cabinet door is open but power for control circuits may remain on. Read the single line diagram and wiring schemes – know your switchboard.
Rule no. 20
De-energise open experimental circuits and equipment to be left unattended.
Rule no. 21
Do not wear loose clothing or ties near electrical equipment. Act like an electrical contractor, you are not on the beach.
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