Electricity is an incredibly powerful energy source, but it can also be very dangerous. That’s why electrician students learn to treat it with respect. Professionals in the field know that when you’re working with such a powerful energy source every day, there’s simply no room for cutting corners or being sloppy—especially when it comes to your safety and the safety of those around you. While electricity certainly can be dangerous, good electricians never put themselves or others at unnecessary risk.

If you’re considering a career as an electrician, patience and hard work will be essential characteristics that can help you stay safe on the job. Read on for some tips on how to stay safe during your training and throughout your career.

Work on De-Energized Circuits Once You Become an Electrician

It’s important for electricians to avoid working on live circuits. The reason is obvious: if you’re working with an energized circuit, you risk being injured. Cutting the power to the circuit will create a much safer work environment and is usually the first thing electricians do on a job. Even when the circuit has been de-energized, it’s crucial to always wear the proper protective equipment, such as safety glasses, insulated gloves and flame-resistant clothing, for example.

Wear Proper Safety Equipment When Working with Electricity

Every electrician understands the importance of wearing the right safety equipment on the job. In addition to insulated gloves, safety glasses and flame-resistant clothing, you should also be wearing industrial safety footwear and a non-conducting hard hat. Not only do you need to use safety equipment during your electrician training and afterwards, but you should also be inspecting and replacing that equipment regularly. Wearing safety equipment that is worn down or broken is about as useful as not wearing any safety equipment at all.

Wear insulated gloves and other protective gear during your electrician training and on the job

Avoid Wet or Damp Workspaces During Your Training and Your Career

Moisture and dampness are no friends to electricians on the job. A workspace that is wet or damp can be very dangerous, since the risk of electric shock is much higher in these types of environments. Good electricians keep their work areas as dry as possible. However, if you are required to work in a space that’s typically damp, such as a washroom, for example, install a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)—a device that helps to avoid electrical shock hazards.

Don’t try to remove liquid from equipment that’s energized when you become an electrician

One crucial tip to keep in mind once you become an electrician, is to never try and remove water or any other liquid from equipment while its energized! You must shut off the power first and unplug the equipment before trying to clean or dry it. Likewise, it’s also important not to touch or attempt to repair any electrical equipment if you have wet hands. Doing so will increase the conductivity of the circuit and likely result in a shock.

Are you ready to take the first step to an electrician career?

Contact North American Trade Schools to learn more about our Electrician Diploma.

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