While qualified electrical line workers and electricians are often willing to go above and beyond the call, some jobs require specific knowledge and experience. That’s why it’s important to stop and reassess a situation if there is ever doubt about a job’s task or a procedure’s requirement.

If a new issue arises on the job, additional safety planning and job briefing should occur before resuming work.

The most important thing on the job is to be able to go home after a fair day’s work. That’s why it’s crucial to know when to ask:

  1. Have I been properly trained to safely complete this job task?
  2. Have I worked on this task before, and do I have the right training and experience?
  3. Do I have the proper tools for this job?
  4. Is the hierarchy of risk controls being followed to ensure that preventive and protective risk controls are being implemented?
  5. Has a proper risk assessment been performed?
  6. Are all conductors and circuit parts in an electrically safe working condition?
  7. Are these parts properly guarded to reduce the likelihood of electrical contact or arcing faults?
  8. Are all applicable procedures and job planning procedures completed?
  9. And am I confident about completing this job without risk or putting others at risk?

 

The goal is for all workers to go home safely at the end of a shift. Electricians must know the limits of their own qualifications. It’s ok to speak up and pass a job task to a more qualified worker if you’re unsure about having the required expertise to complete it safely.

Know when to say when – it can save your life and the lives of those working with you.