When Working Around Electricity, Never Assume Safe Working Conditions

By: Mr. Electric | 3 Shares 120 Reads

May 27, 2010 // Franchising.com // Mr. Electric is teaming up with the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to promote the importance of electrical safety during National Electrical Safety Month this May by increasing awareness of important safety issues.

"Electrical hazards cause more than 300 electrocutions and 4,000 injuries in the workplace each year, disrupting lives and impacting the productivity of companies," said Mr. Electric president Jeff Meyers. While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries, accidents, and fatalities, they are disproportionately fatal and costly.

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and a great opportunity to increase workforce knowledge of electrical safety issues.

No matter where you are working – whether it's at a large manufacturing plant or on a small installation, the following guidelines serve as a helpful reminder of basic electrical safety practices:

Be sure you are properly trained and qualified for the job.
Plan every job and think about what could go wrong.
Identify the electric shock and arc flash hazards, as well as others that may be present.
Use the right tools for the job.
Isolate equipment from energy sources.
Test every circuit and every conductor every time before you touch it.
Work on electrical equipment and conductors only when de-energized.
Lockout/tagout and ground before working on equipment.
Treat de-energized electrical equipment and conductors as energized until lockout/tagout, test, and ground procedures are implemented.
Wear protective clothing and equipment and use insulated tools in areas where there are possible electrical hazards.

About Mr. Electric®:

Established in 1994, Mr. Electric is a global franchise organization providing electrical installation and repair services. Recognized by Entrepreneur magazine among its "Franchise 500," Mr. Electric franchisees provide these services to both residential and commercial customers at over 200 locations worldwide. Mr. Electric is a subsidiary of The Dwyer Group, Inc. © 2010 Mr. Electric Corp.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home and the workplace. ESFI proudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities. For more information about ESFI and National

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