Electricity is essential to our modern lives, yet it also poses many hazards. High voltage systems in particular pose severe dangers that require extensive…
Electricity is essential to our modern lives, yet it also poses many hazards. High voltage systems in particular pose severe dangers that require extensive safety protocols in order to mitigate. Workers using this equipment should understand common hazards associated with it such as electrocution, arc flash and fires in order to remain safe at work with this equipment.
Buildings, work spaces and machines all contain potential energy that could be released in an unsafe manner. This energy typically exists within electrical circuits or wires running between points on a building, human bodies or between devices – with its severity depending on resistance between these points, current flowing across them at certain voltage levels and resistance offered between points.
Example: A car battery can provide enough current to melt tools and metal, spark an arc which burns, spraying out molten metal in all directions. Even though only few volts, even though touching this battery with bare skin presents risk; hence why signs reading “Danger: High Voltage” are often displayed near electrical substations and equipment to warn people about its hazards.
Voltage and current aren’t always easily distinguishable; for example, when signs read “Danger: High Voltage,” that indicates both high voltage and current present. In most instances, however, one should assume that voltage is less than current because these two measures of power.
Electrocution is the primary risk when working with high voltage. When a worker comes into contact with a live conductor, electricity will begin to flow through his or her body, disrupting normal electrical signals which control vital organs like the heart and brain – this could lead to respiratory paralysis, muscle contractions or even death.
Workplace hazards associated with high voltage can include equipment damage. As voltage passes through machinery, it can discolor insulation or crack its metal casing – this poses the potential risk of fire or explosion when material reaches critical temperatures.
If a person is exposed to high voltage for extended periods, they could experience something called the creep effect. When voltage gradually dissipates, it leaves behind an unsightly layer of corrosion on metallic surfaces which may irritate skin or even cause cuts or scrapes.
Workers tasked with handling high voltage should adhere to stringent safety procedures and receive adequate training before working with high voltage. Furthermore, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as insulated gloves and boots should always be worn for extra safety when handling electrical equipment containing high voltage. Furthermore, it should always be made sure all power has been switched off from any piece of machinery before touching it, so as to prevent accidental contact between internal wirings of equipment and their user’s skin.