10 answers
Sean
Student
Lynn, Massachusetts
1
Question
Updated
1549 views
What is the most dangerous part of being an electrician?
I am a student in the 11th grade and from other studies about me I have the potential of going into the Electrician range and so I wanted to know what the job is like and how does it work. #job #career #electrician #electrical
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10 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance: jim.frangos@gmail
6807
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Sean!
Understanding the Dangers of Being an Electrician
Being an electrician is a rewarding career that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. However, it also comes with significant risks. Understanding these dangers is crucial for anyone considering this profession.
1. Electrical Shock
One of the most immediate dangers electricians face is electrical shock. This can occur when a person comes into contact with live wires or faulty equipment. The severity of an electrical shock can vary from minor discomfort to severe injury or even death, depending on factors such as voltage, current, and the path the electricity takes through the body. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electric shock is one of the leading causes of fatalities in construction-related jobs.
2. Falls
Electricians often work at heights, whether they are installing overhead wiring or working on rooftops. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms can result in serious injuries or fatalities. To mitigate this risk, electricians must use proper fall protection equipment and follow safety protocols when working at heights.
3. Arc Flash and Arc Blast
Arc flash incidents occur when there is a fault in an electrical system that causes a rapid release of energy through the air. This can result in intense heat and pressure waves that can cause burns, hearing loss, and other injuries. Electricians must be trained to recognize potential arc flash hazards and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize their risk.
4. Working with Heavy Equipment
Electricians often use heavy tools and machinery that can pose physical hazards if not handled properly. Lifting heavy equipment can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting techniques are not employed.
5. Exposure to Hazardous Materials
In some cases, electricians may encounter hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead while working in older buildings. Prolonged exposure to these substances can have serious health implications.
6. Confined Spaces
Electricians sometimes work in confined spaces like attics or crawl spaces where ventilation may be poor and access limited. These environments can pose additional risks such as suffocation or exposure to toxic gases.
7. Environmental Hazards
Electricians may also face environmental hazards such as extreme weather conditions when working outdoors—exposure to rain, snow, heat, or cold can impact their safety and health.
Conclusion
While being an electrician offers many opportunities for growth and development within the field of skilled trades, it is essential for aspiring electricians like yourself to understand these dangers fully. Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and using appropriate PPE are critical steps in minimizing risks associated with this profession.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA provides guidelines on workplace safety standards including those specific to electrical work.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): NIOSH conducts research on occupational safety issues including hazards faced by electricians.
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI): ESFI focuses on promoting electrical safety awareness through education and resources tailored for both professionals and consumers.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Understanding the Dangers of Being an Electrician
Being an electrician is a rewarding career that involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. However, it also comes with significant risks. Understanding these dangers is crucial for anyone considering this profession.
1. Electrical Shock
One of the most immediate dangers electricians face is electrical shock. This can occur when a person comes into contact with live wires or faulty equipment. The severity of an electrical shock can vary from minor discomfort to severe injury or even death, depending on factors such as voltage, current, and the path the electricity takes through the body. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), electric shock is one of the leading causes of fatalities in construction-related jobs.
2. Falls
Electricians often work at heights, whether they are installing overhead wiring or working on rooftops. Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or elevated platforms can result in serious injuries or fatalities. To mitigate this risk, electricians must use proper fall protection equipment and follow safety protocols when working at heights.
3. Arc Flash and Arc Blast
Arc flash incidents occur when there is a fault in an electrical system that causes a rapid release of energy through the air. This can result in intense heat and pressure waves that can cause burns, hearing loss, and other injuries. Electricians must be trained to recognize potential arc flash hazards and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize their risk.
4. Working with Heavy Equipment
Electricians often use heavy tools and machinery that can pose physical hazards if not handled properly. Lifting heavy equipment can lead to musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting techniques are not employed.
5. Exposure to Hazardous Materials
In some cases, electricians may encounter hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead while working in older buildings. Prolonged exposure to these substances can have serious health implications.
6. Confined Spaces
Electricians sometimes work in confined spaces like attics or crawl spaces where ventilation may be poor and access limited. These environments can pose additional risks such as suffocation or exposure to toxic gases.
7. Environmental Hazards
Electricians may also face environmental hazards such as extreme weather conditions when working outdoors—exposure to rain, snow, heat, or cold can impact their safety and health.
Conclusion
While being an electrician offers many opportunities for growth and development within the field of skilled trades, it is essential for aspiring electricians like yourself to understand these dangers fully. Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and using appropriate PPE are critical steps in minimizing risks associated with this profession.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA provides guidelines on workplace safety standards including those specific to electrical work.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): NIOSH conducts research on occupational safety issues including hazards faced by electricians.
Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI): ESFI focuses on promoting electrical safety awareness through education and resources tailored for both professionals and consumers.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|===================THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==================|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Shane Hamilton
Field Superintendent
8
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
Shane’s Answer
The electrical field is diverse in environment, conditions, and disciplines.
The dangers are similar across the range however. As you start in the field you will be trained on the danger level your exposed to and the levels will be adequate with your ability. Most work is performed on dead or de-energized circuits. When required exposure to live circuitry for maintenance or repair has a number of steps to keep you safe in performing the work.
Risk and accidents take place when these are not followed or skipped.
Make it a priority to follow rules for safety and then you increase the chance of getting home safe every night.
The dangers are similar across the range however. As you start in the field you will be trained on the danger level your exposed to and the levels will be adequate with your ability. Most work is performed on dead or de-energized circuits. When required exposure to live circuitry for maintenance or repair has a number of steps to keep you safe in performing the work.
Risk and accidents take place when these are not followed or skipped.
Make it a priority to follow rules for safety and then you increase the chance of getting home safe every night.
Sam Dillon
Electrician
3
Answers
Amo, Indiana
Updated
Sam’s Answer
If you adhere to all safety measures, there is little danger. You should never "work" on energized equipment. You can test and must stay clear of energized components while testing, but when you set the leads down, you are no longer testing and you are ready to work. De-energize the equipment then. While testing you there is a wide variety of necessary PPE (personal protection equipment) to where while testing. Everything from eye protection to arc flash suits.
Robert Hoffman
1
Answer
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Arc Flash or electrocution. Arc flash is when power short makes it's way to ground and the arc reaches the heat of the sun. Electrocution occurs when you become the path to ground. All electrical power is trying to get to ground and will follow the path of least resistance. For example: you have a motor load which is 5amps. If you are between the power source and the motor and provide a path to ground you have become the path of least resistance and the 5amp will flow through you. In most cases 5amps flowing through a person would result in death as the blood would boil and heart failure would occur. The person would also be badly burned.
Klayton Kimball
Electrician
2
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Klayton’s Answer
Hi Sean,
Every job has the potential to be dangerous if you don't keep your mind on what you are doing and not wearing your Personal Protection Equipment. As an Electrician, you are working with a source of energy that can be fatal if not treated with respect. Make sure you de-energize, lockout and verify the circuit is dead before working on it. I wish you well with your chosen career and I hope to meet you in the field 😁
Every job has the potential to be dangerous if you don't keep your mind on what you are doing and not wearing your Personal Protection Equipment. As an Electrician, you are working with a source of energy that can be fatal if not treated with respect. Make sure you de-energize, lockout and verify the circuit is dead before working on it. I wish you well with your chosen career and I hope to meet you in the field 😁
Daniel Richeson
Electrician
2
Answers
Plano, Texas
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
There are many dangers in field depending on the field you work in.
In my field, I work in the industrial chemical field. So as an electrician I need gas monitors to monitor the atmosphere for flammable vapors during my troubleshooting. These in the trade are known as class 1 division 1 environments covered in depth in both the NFPA 70E AND NEC.
The most common hazard faced by electricians are ergonomic and fall hazards as with most trades. Trade wise actual electrocution are rare in the trained electrician.
ARC FLASH/FAULT injuries and deaths are by far the most confusing statistic but also the most critical. The requirements from OSHA do not fairly represent the actual hazards of arc flash/fault injuries. Often requiring 3 or individuals to be hospitalized or atleast 1 fatality to become a recordable statistic.
At the end of the day, you have to realize you are the one who determines how dangerous the work is. If you are working with live voltage you are working with a force that is moving at close to the speed of light. In a catastrophic failure is hurling gases and ejecta at temperatures that rival that of a star. So as long as you are quick as that or tough as that, it's the safest trade in the world.
In my field, I work in the industrial chemical field. So as an electrician I need gas monitors to monitor the atmosphere for flammable vapors during my troubleshooting. These in the trade are known as class 1 division 1 environments covered in depth in both the NFPA 70E AND NEC.
The most common hazard faced by electricians are ergonomic and fall hazards as with most trades. Trade wise actual electrocution are rare in the trained electrician.
ARC FLASH/FAULT injuries and deaths are by far the most confusing statistic but also the most critical. The requirements from OSHA do not fairly represent the actual hazards of arc flash/fault injuries. Often requiring 3 or individuals to be hospitalized or atleast 1 fatality to become a recordable statistic.
At the end of the day, you have to realize you are the one who determines how dangerous the work is. If you are working with live voltage you are working with a force that is moving at close to the speed of light. In a catastrophic failure is hurling gases and ejecta at temperatures that rival that of a star. So as long as you are quick as that or tough as that, it's the safest trade in the world.
Great answer, and let provide the following on the same topic. There are two external trainings one can take at minimal cost for their safety and building their stackable skill.
1. OSHA 10 - This will cover in part essential parts of NFPA 70E Electrical Safety. The BEST deal going right now is CareerSafe. An online program and only $25.00 as true bargain.
2. NFPA70E - A good deal from WorksEd @ $39.95. It was I believe $25.00 as well, but prices increase, nothing ever goes down.
These two courses when include in a resume are standouts. But more importantly, provide for your safety.
Have a great day,
John
John R Smith Jr ¦ Facility Management
Good answer
Stephen Van Dusen
David Harris
Electrician
9
Answers
Golden Valley, Arizona
Updated
David’s Answer
The most dangerous part of being an electrician is any lack of communication among coworkers, which increases the potential for human error to cause havoc
Brian McMurray
Solar technician
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Electrical work can be dangerous. Often times you're working in enclosed areas trying to understand new equipment and working with new people. But if you're working with professional people for an employer that cares about safety, these dangers are manageable.
Donald Rebstock
Relay Technician
14
Answers
Norco, LA
Updated
Donald’s Answer
The most dangerous part of being an Electrician is trying to do a task that you have not been properly trained on, or have not had the experience required to properly identify what is safe and what is dangerous
Joshua Treadway
Electrician
1
Answer
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Joshua’s Answer
Most of the answers are electricity related so far, but the real day to day danger are more general construction related. You learn to avoid electrical hazards, but falling overhead objects, ladder falls, scaffolding falls, slipping, and heat exhaustion are the more common.
Thank you!
Bijou