Winter is here. The electricians are the ones who feel the brunt of winter’s wrath the most. They are the ones who keep their services running while others stay warm at home. Electricians should make electrical safety their top priority during these cold weather conditions. Here are some strategies that electricians should use when they’re out on the job in the cold winter months.
1. Understand the Health Hazards
Winter months can be dangerous for your health. Cold stress is a factor that can cause serious illnesses to develop in the winter months. The cold stress is caused when the body’s temperature drops, which makes it more susceptible to extreme weather conditions. Frostbite, one of the most common winter conditions, is a very common condition. Other conditions include:
Hypothermia: This condition is characterized by fatigue, shivering and loss of coordination. The person may lose consciousness and have difficulty breathing in the later stages.
Trench Foot: This is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures without adequate insulation (wearing waterproof shoes and outerwear). The skin becomes abnormally red, numb and painful. Blisters and bleeding may occur under the skin. At an advanced stage, gangrene can develop and cause limb loss, or even death.
These conditions can have severe symptoms, but the prevention is relatively simple. Avoid cold stress, and its medical complications.
- Dress appropriately
- Keep reasonable working hours
- Stay dry, warm and hydrated
2. Wear Proper Safety Gear
Electricians may wear gloves that reduce the risk of electric shock, but they may not be sufficiently warm to prevent frostbite. The bulky layers of clothing can protect against hypothermia, but they may not be able to protect from an electric shock or a wire. It is important to choose clothing that will keep you warm while also protecting you from the hazards of your job.
Protective gear is available in:
- Insulating socks
- Thermal underwear that wicks away moisture
- A liner cap inside your hat
Please note that these protective gears must not contain meltable fibres.
3.Be Cautious of Areas not Weatherized
In areas that have not been weatherized for winter, it is possible to accumulate snow or ice. This increases the risk of slipping, leading to bruising, sprains, or even broken bones. We has safety guidelines for areas that have not been weatherized.
4.Know When to Back Off
Experienced electricians in Auckland are always up for a challenge and will brave any situation, no matter how grave it may appear. Unfortunately, even though the mind is willing to endure such dire circumstances, the body may not be. The electricians must know their limits and not push their safety if it is being threatened.
5. Learn First Aid
It is vital that workplaces follow strict safety protocols. It is important that companies provide their employees with basic medical training so they can act as first aiders in case a worker suffers a serious injury or illness while on the job.
- The worker who has trench foot should be immediately moved to a warm area, and his or her footwear should be removed.
- The worker must immediately stop using the extremities affected by frostbite and keep them warm using their body heat or warm water.
This knowledge will help workers in medical emergencies during the harsh winter months.
Winter weather can be dangerous. You can avoid danger by taking these simple precautions. Contact us if you would like more information about how to protect electrical workers from winter weather, or simply want to sell or purchase electrical materials.