7 Steps to Test Circuits Before You Touch

Follow These Steps to Ensure Circuit Safety

Electrical safety is without question, the most important aspect of any electrical work. May is National Electrical Safety Month, and it really takes a common sense approach but following these tips will help you with electrical safety during your jobs.

All it takes is one mistake, and the results can be lethal. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, every year thousands of workers are injured or killed by circuits they thought were safely turned off.

Shutting the power off is not enough. Hazardous conditions still exist so make sure you always test before you touch. Treat all circuits as live until they are tested.

Many electrically-related fatalities and injuries can be avoided. Here are some tips to remind you what you need to do before you touch circuits:

• De-energize the circuit
• Lock out
• Tag out
• Test the circuit
• Verify the testing device

Take these steps to safely protect yourself while you’re on the job, and make sure it’s an integral part of how you do business.

• Plan the job – Make sure you understand the construction and operations of the electrical equipment so you can plan before you start.

• Ensure all participants are qualified for the job – Communicate with your workers and ensure all participants are aware of the electrical equipment.

• Identify potential hazards – Identify all possible energy sources that could pose on-the-job hazards.

• Protect yourself and wear correct PPE – Use appropriate protective equipment as a defense, (hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, flame-resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, etc).

• Lockout/Tagout – Use the standard protection procedures.

• Test the circuit – Verify that the equipment or system has been de-energized.

• Verify the testing device – Make sure your test equipment is working, before and after you use it.

If at any time the job becomes more hazardous than first anticipated, stop and revise the job plans.

According to the United States Department of Labor, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that following proper Lockout/Tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year.

Those that are not trained, under the supervision of a qualified electrician, or in accordance with electrical safety procedures, should avoid contact with electrical equipment and systems.

Never assume the equipment or system is de-energized. Hazardous conditions still exist and make sure you always test before you touch! Remember to use safety first.