Electrical Safety Foundation International

Roughly 3,300 home fires are caused by extension cords every year. When working outdoors this spring, be sure to inspect extension cords before use, and always use them with GFCI protection. Keep outdoor extension cords away from snow and standing water. To avoid fires, make sure the extension cord is rated for its proper use, and it meets the power needs of the device being used.

The electrical system is an essential part of your building, yet it’s often taken for granted — and that’s a dangerous attitude to have when it comes to electricity. Understanding the basics of your electrical system can help you identify and avoid potential hazards. https://lnkd.in/eCWCbk-m

It’s important to be aware of the causes of power surges and take steps to protect your electrical equipment from potential damage. Surge protective devices are required for emergency systems and areas of nursing homes and limited care facilities used exclusively as patients’ sleeping rooms. SPDs protect critical infrastructure that helps patients and prevent the 3 Ds of power surges: destruction, disruption, and degradation.

The National Electrical Code ensures that the electrical systems behind our walls are safe. Statistically, states with older versions of safety codes endanger their communities and increase the likelihood of workplace deaths and home fires. ESFI strongly encourages states and jurisdictions to adopt the most recent codes and standards to protect residents with the latest advancements in safety technology.

Inspect power tools and appliances for frayed cords, broken plugs, and cracked or broken housing. Repair or replace damaged items. Also, unplug outdoor tools and appliances when not in use. See more tips to follow when working outside this spring: https://lnkd.in/eiMR62qd

Contact with or exposure to electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. 48% of all workplace electrical fatalities are caused by contact with overhead power lines. Always look up and be aware of overhead power lines. Always assume all lines are live and dangerous. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines and at least 35 feet away from downed lines. Be aware of hazards in the workplace: https://lnkd.in/gkSrFkV4

Whether you’re trimming trees, cleaning the gutters, or working on the roof, always look up before working outdoors this spring to make sure you're aware of any overhead power lines. Ensure you’re at a safe distance from any power lines and warn others of their proximity. Stay at least 10 feet away from any overhead power lines and 35 feet from any downed power lines.

Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the U.S. Between 2011 and 2023, there was a total of 1,940 workplace fatalities involving electricity, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. During this period, 76% of fatalities occurred in non-electrically related occupations: https://lnkd.in/etwGyDm3

Don't test your luck. Always test for voltage before you perform any work, and also test the area around the equipment you’re working on. Accidental contact with energized equipment causes 45% of all electrically related deaths in the workplace. Be sure to follow the hierarchy of controls and other safety practices on every job. Always perform a site and risk assessment before conducting any work.

By joining a free apprenticeship program by the @National Electrical Contractors Association and the @International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or the @Independent Electrical Contractors, you can learn a trade while being paid. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2023 median pay for qualified electricians was $61,590 per year or $29.61 per hour. Join the electrical industry today.