energy safety

What you Need to Know

SESD is committed to providing safe, reliable electric service. You can avoid on-the-job accidents and home emergencies by knowing how to use electricity safely.

Safety at Work

Good electrical safety habits can help protect you and your coworkers from injury. You can play a role in recognizing and preventing workplace hazards.

• Electrocution is one of the top five causes of workplace deaths
• Workers younger than 25 have the highest rate of death from electrical shock
• Many workplace electrocutions involve touching a power line with long or tall equipment
  
  

Stay Alert - Remember to stay focused on the job and avoid letting anger and frustration distract you.

Check Cords and Connections - Before you start work, check electric cords for wear. If you're outside or in a wet location, be sure tools and extension cords are suitable for outdoor use and circuits are equipped with GFCIs.

Use Power Tools and Equipment Safely - Never carry a tool by its cord. Be sure a tool is switched "off" before plugging or unplugging - this protects you and the next person who uses it.

Keep Tools Clean and Dry - Dirt and dampness increase the risk of shock. Keep your tools, work area, and storage space clean and dry. When cleaning electrical equipment, be sure it's unplugged, and follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions.

Use Personal Protective Equipment - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is your first line of defense against shock and electrical burns. Keep boots, gloves and other gear in good condition. Wear non-conductive protection on your head, face, hands, and feet. Use insulated tools or handling equipment, such as non-conductive ropes and protective shields.

Prevent Workplace Electrical Fires

Most electrical fires can be traced to overheated circuits or overloaded equipment. When abused, insulation may melt or burn, exposing live wires. Electrical fires can also occur when equipment is driven beyond capacity, when accumulated oil and dirt overheat a motor, or when sparks ignite scraps, dirt, dust or flammable liquids.

Make sure that you follow a prevention plan to keep yourself and your coworkers safe from fire danger.

• Use and maintain wiring, tools and equipment correctly. Keep everything oil and dust free
• Uncoil an extension cord fully before use. Find the amperage marked on it to ensure that it is adequate for your job needs
• Don't use equipment that gives off mild shocks, unusual heat or odd smells. If in doubt, have it checked and repaired or replaced
• Sweep up scraps and sawdust, and store flammable liquids in approved containers
• Don't use electrical equipment when flammable gases, vapors, liquids, dusts, or fibers are present

Visualize your plan of response in a fire, so you can move quickly if one happens.

• Locate the nearest multipurpose fire extinguisher and how to use it
• Locate the nearest emergency exit or fire escape
• Be sure to know your company's escape plan
• Be familiar with your company procedures for notifying firefighters and other emergency personnel
  

Blue Stakes of Utah

Don't break ground on a project of any size until you see the distinctive lines marking the location of underground facilities at your job site. That simple rule of thumb can keep you safe. If you have a project that requires excavation, dial 811 for connection to Blue Stakes of Utah.

Remember, always dial 811 before you dig or excavate. It's free and it's the law.

Safety at Home

In the safety of your home, there are many potential dangers related to electricity. These are just a few tips to help you avoid accidents and spot potential problems.

Use power cords with caution

• Replace cords that are damaged or frayed
• Never place cords under carpet or rugs
• Extension cords are only for temporary use. Prolonged use of extension cords can cause overheating and fire
• Never pull a cord; always pull the plug

Be careful with electricity around water

• Never reach for an appliance that has fallen into water. Do not unplug appliances that have fallen into water. Turn the power off at the breaker before you unplug the appliance or remove it from the water
• Never turn on an appliance that is sitting on a damp counter
• Don't touch a switch if your hands are wet
• Turn off appliances used near the sink after each use
• Don't set a radio or telephone on the edge of the bathtub or sink
• Don't use a hair dryer when your hands are wet or when you are standing on a damp floor or in a wet tub or shower
• Unless an appliance is labeled "immersible", don't put it in water to wash it

Keep your home's electrical system in good repair

• If you continually replace fuses, reset circuit breakers, hear unusual buzzing sounds, see sparks or flickering lights, you may have a problem with the electrical wiring in your home. Contact a licensed electrical contractor to perform an inspection and make any necessary repairs
• Always use the correct ampere rated fuses or circuit breakers. Incorrect amperage can cause power outages or fires in your home. If you are unsure of which amperage fuse or breaker to use, contact a licensed electrician

Practice safe electricity usage throughout your home

• Never overload outlets. Using multiple plug-in adapters or power strips could cause a fire
• If an electric appliance smells hot or buzzes, don't touch it or try to unplug it. Turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker and unplug it
• Avoid the risk of fire by using the manufacturer's suggested wattage for light bulbs in lamps, lighting fixtures and all other appliances
• Use extreme caution with halogen lamps. Place them away from curtains or other flammable materials
• Keep space heaters away from flammable materials like curtains, rugs or newspapers. Only use UL-listed space heaters, and always operate space heaters to the manufacturer's specifications
• In areas of your home where shock is a greater potential—such as the kitchen and bathrooms, laundry rooms, porches and patios—consider installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) in your main electrical panel, or have GFCIs installed in those specific rooms. These safety devices reduce the risk of electrocution
• Unplug small appliances when not in use
• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating heating pads and electric blankets
• Use caution and always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using electric appliances around children
• Ensure outlet safety with children by using outlet covers or plastic outlet caps