WV Local Technical Assistance Program
Tailgate Safety Talks
Electrical Safety
This Tailgate Talk is part of the NLTAPA collection.
Electrical hazards can cause severe burns, shocks, and even electrocution if not handled properly. The following guidelines combine best practices for equipment use, work procedures, and personal safety.
PPE AND TOOLS
Provide employees with and require the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools when working around electrical hazards.
Use portable electrical tools and equipment that are properly grounded or double-insulated.
Never assume a wire is safe to touch—treat all wires as energized.
Do not repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized. Never use electrical tape to cover a cut or exposed wire.
WORK PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
Follow safe work practices, including de-energizing live parts, discharging capacitors, and using lockout/tagout procedures, to prevent electrical shock and injuries.
Ensure effective lockout/tagout procedures are in place for work on electrical circuits and equipment.
Inform employees of hazard locations and the protective measures needed to avoid contact with energized circuits.
Use dielectrically rated boom trucks for electrical work and never run wires across the dielectric boom.
Never operate electrical equipment while standing in water. In damp areas, use only equipment protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
Stay well away from downed power lines and report them immediately to the proper authorities.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
Ensure electrical boxes and fittings have approved covers.
Replace defective, damaged, or frayed cords promptly.
Use GFCIs or an assured equipment grounding program on construction sites, and inspect cords and grounds regularly.
Ensure electrical installations in hazardous locations are approved for those environments.
Have the electrical system regularly inspected by someone trained in the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Ensure electrical outlets in bathrooms, basements, garages, and outdoor areas are GFCI protected and test them regularly.
SAFE DISTANCE AND AWARENESS
Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
Before working at heights or handling long objects, check for electrical wires—always look up before starting work.
Always use extreme caution when working around electricity.
RESOURCES & REFERENCES
OSHA Electrical Safety Webpage