Winter Safety: Common Electrical Problems and Safety Tips For Electricians
Winter is upon us, and while it may mean a holly-jolly good time for most, it means increased danger for those working in the construction industry. Even though construction safety is important year-round, it becomes especially crucial during the winter months, particularly for electrical trade workers. Whether they’re working for big projects in commercial construction or tending to homeowners’ needs, electricians face plenty of safety hazards and, therefore, take extra care during these times.
On the part of the contractors managing construction projects and individual trade work, they take a few measures to ensure that they and their employees are protected from the dangers the cold brings. This can include making a construction schedule with a construction crew scheduling software or holding seminars and winter safety training.
On the same note, electrical workers also have their roles to play in making sure that they and their colleagues are safe. The primary thing they can do is educate themselves.
Common Electrical Problems In The Winter
One of the vital pieces of information electricians need is the standard electrical problems in winter. This is so that they can know what to expect and prepare for them.
- Malfunctioning old devices
Because outdated equipment and appliances are often incompatible with modern houses, they are considered one of the most significant electrical hazards. They can potentially endanger an electrical system during the winter by malfunctioning or causing blowouts.
Ask the customers if they have any devices and appliances that are relatively old, generally older than five years. If they have some, advise them to replace them. It will keep them from any possible dangers and save you a trip to their house for an emergency.
2. Electrical surges or home fires
The biggest safety concerns are home fires and electrical surges. Old devices are one factor to consider, but there are several others to keep an eye on. For instance, depending on power strips and extension cords to power, extra appliances can lead to sparks, meltdowns, and overheating. What’s even more dangerous is that these devices lack circuit breakers for protection.
Apart from external devices, the placement of some decor and home features can contribute to fires. For example, placing a Christmas tree beside a space heater or fireplace can create a potential fire hazard.
To avoid these electrical threats, tell your clients to limit the use of extension cords and power strips. If the device plugged in is no longer in use, unplug it. They should also be careful where they put their things, such as blankets, wreaths, and other decors.
3. Insufficient power
The winter season tends to be a very demanding time for electricity. Additional appliances are more likely to be plugged in, like portable heaters and holiday decorations. Plus, heating systems are working harder than at any time of the year to keep occupants warm and comfortable. As an unfortunate result, the electrical is put under a lot of stress and could supply insufficient power.
Common signs or issues that occur due to insufficient power include breaker trips and flickering lights. If the client says that they are experiencing this, advise them to inspect older devices’ consumption levels. Dryers, cooking appliances, and dishwashers typically use up a lot of energy, but newer models can instantly handle excessive fluctuations if they have better efficiency.
If that doesn’t do the trick, you may end up having to up the amperage of the residence’s electrical circuit. Increasing power will open up opportunities for them to use advanced devices and state-of-the-art appliances.
4. Power outages
Power outages are another common occurrence during the winter season. This is because of the intense storms, snowfall, and rain. Homes that are unprotected or under-protected are more vulnerable to weather-related power outages.
As a preventative measure, you may need to inspect your customers’ houses to see if they are winter-ready. Additionally, encourage them to invest in a generator to provide back-up power if a power outage is unavoidable.
Winter Safety Tips For Electricians and Electrical Contractors
Construction is a dangerous industry in general. But it becomes particularly threatening during the winter, especially to those in the electrical trade. That’s why it’s imperative that electrical workers and contractors take extra care during this season, and they can do that by following these tips.
- Know and understand the dangers
It’s vital to understand the health implications winter brings fully. Significant illnesses pop up during colder months because of a phenomenon called “cold stress.” This occurs when the body’s temperature drops very low, making it more vulnerable to extreme weather. Common cold weather conditions include frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia.
Knowing the symptoms of these health issues can prevent them for yourself and tend to your fellow workers. The saying “prevention is better than cure” is very much applicable to these. Basic preventative measures include staying warm and hydrated.
2. Learn first aid and have a first aid kit
Learning first aid is one of the first things workers must know. As stated above, knowing the symptoms is step one. The next step is to understand how to handle these emergencies.
On the part of the contractor and manager, they should implement strict safety protocols on job sites. They must also provide their employees with the proper training on basic medical knowledge as first aid when a serious complication develops onsite.
Moreover, first aid kits are essential to have year-round but are especially important during winter. Aside from the primary contents of a standard kit, there must be added tools and equipment for the cold season, such as:
● Shovels;
● Blankets;
● Flares; and
● Non-perishable food.
3. Wear the attire and proper safety gear
Cold weather requires layers, preferably three layers. The first should be made of moisture-wicking material to draw away sweat. The second must be breathable to insulate the body. The third and last layer must be windproof and waterproof.
The feet must also be kept warm and dry. Ideally, the inner layer of socks is made of silk, wool, or nylon and a larger sock makes up the outer layer.
In addition to that, other safety gear is needed, particularly for the hands, as these are what electricians rely on for work. Other protective equipments include:
● Pocket or hand warmers
● Insulated boots
● Protective eyewear
While it may be tempting to skip on these to cater to mobility, it will be dangerous. So, we advise electrical workers to look for clothes and equipment that allow flexibility, versatility, and mobility for work.
4. Keep a spare set of clothes.
It’s sometimes unavoidable to get wet from the sleet or snow. Getting wet is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to several health issues. So, on days when snow or rain is coming down hard, bring an extra set of clothes and shoes.
5. Be wary of areas that aren’t weatherized.
Weatherized buildings are those made to withstand extreme cold weather by adding storm windows or insulation, among other things. In places that are not weatherized, ice or snow can accumulate during the winter season. Subsequently, the risk of slipping and falling is high, possibly resulting in bruises, sprains, or even bone fractures.
When working in areas that are not weatherized, be extra careful and adhere to OSHA’s safety guidelines.
6. Prioritize your safety
A lot of electricians like to challenge themselves by accepting sketchy job orders and braving harsh conditions. The downside to working in grave circumstances is the unequal condition between the mind and the body. However strong the will is, sometimes, the body is not conditioned to go through it.
No matter how much you want to accept that job and work, know your limits. If you see that the weather is more than you can handle, you can say no. Think about it this way: you’d be risking your life for a few bucks. It’s best to pass it up and wait for something under safer conditions.
7. Stay hydrated
Like having a first aid kit, staying hydrated is always important. But it’s especially crucial when temperatures drop. Dehydration can lead to hypothermia, which can be fatal if not immediately tended to. As first aid, warm sugar can help people with hypothermia.
In addition to that, you must stay hydrated by regularly consuming water or warm beverages. Furthermore, it would help if you avoided alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes water loss that can potentially lead to dehydration. On the same note, alcohol increases heat loss.
Additional Tips To Tell Your Clients
Electrical risks and dangers are rampant in the winter. But because electricians can only do so much in so little time, it’s hardly possible for you to cater to every problem. So, to help electricians lessen the electrical issues and to ensure homes are safe, here are some tips you can give your clients.
● “Pay attention to your space heaters.”
● “Know generator safety.”
● “Inspect your cords and wires.”
● “Have a professional electrician install additional power outlets.”
● “Don’t overload wattage or circuits.”
● “Be careful of electric blankets.”
