Written by LDCA Staff and ChatGPT

Welcome back to our National Construction Safety Week blog! Yesterday, we kicked off the week emphasizing the role of preparedness and safety culture on every construction site. Today, we're diving into an area that demands constant vigilance onsite: electrical safety. Electricity is the force that keeps your projects running, but it also presents significant hazards if not managed with care.

For our members at the London and District Construction Association (LDCA) and all construction professionals in London, Ontario, this topic is particularly decisive. Our commitment to building a safe and thriving construction sector in this region means prioritizing the well-being of every worker on every job site. Understanding and mitigating electrical hazards is a fundamental aspect of that commitment.

On any given construction site, a complex web of electrical systems powers tools, lighting, and equipment. This intricate network, while essential, can become a source of danger if we don't know what to look for and how to work safely around it. We are talking about  common electrical hazards, how to recognize them, and most importantly, how to ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of the day.

Critical Electrical Hazards on a non-residential construction Site:
Consider the array of electrical infrastructure and equipment possibly in use on any ICI jobsite. You'll likely identify several significant potential hazards, including:

• Exposed and Compromised Wiring: Cables with cuts, abrasions, or missing insulation on temporary power distribution, portable tool leads, and installed wiring systems expose live conductors, posing an immediate and severe electric shock risk to personnel.
• Overloaded Temporary Power Systems: although we are slowly moving to battery powered tools, there is still high demand for power for machinery. Temporary lighting connected to temporary power panels and extension cords can easily lead to circuit overload. This results in excessive heat generation, potentially damaging equipment and initiating electrical fires.
• Inadequate or Absent Grounding and Bonding: Proper grounding and bonding are fundamental safety measures, providing a low-resistance path for fault currents to dissipate safely. The absence of or damage to grounding conductors on equipment, incorrectly wired receptacles, and failures in the bonding of metallic components can lead to equipment becoming dangerously energized during a fault
• Work in Environments with Moisture or Liquids: On a dynamic construction site, exposure to water from weather (including London's frequent rainfall), concrete work, or other processes is unavoidable. The presence of moisture significantly amplifies the risk of electric shock when using electrical tools or working near energized equipment.
• Unsafe Interaction with Overhead and Underground Utilities: Contact with overhead power lines during the operation of cranes, boom lifts, and other heavy equipment, as well as striking underground electrical conduits during excavation, presents a high-consequence hazard. Strict adherence to safe clearance distances from overhead lines and comprehensive utility locates prior to any ground-disturbing activities are crucial to prevent catastrophic incidents. The density of infrastructure in and around London is worth noting at every site.
• Use of Unapproved, Modified, or Defective Electrical Equipment: The use of non-certified, jury-rigged, or damaged electrical tools, extension cords, and power distribution units introduces significant risks of malfunction, shock, and fire. All electrical equipment must be inspected regularly, maintained according to manufacturer specifications, and bear the mark of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Absence or Misapplication of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) and Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs): GFCIs are indispensable life-safety devices that rapidly interrupt the electrical circuit upon detecting a ground fault, significantly reducing the severity of electric shocks. Their use is mandatory in wet or damp locations and for all portable tools and extension cords. Similarly, AFCIs offer enhanced protection against electrical fires caused by arcing faults in branch circuits, particularly relevant in temporary site offices and break areas.

Recognizing the Danger Signs: Being able to identify these hazards is the first step towards prevention. Train your eyes to spot the warning signs:

• Visible Damage: Look for cuts, tears, or abrasions on insulation, loose wires, or cracked housings on electrical equipment.
• Unusual Smells or Sounds: A burning smell or a buzzing or crackling sound coming from electrical equipment can indicate a problem.
• Warmth or Discoloration: Overheated outlets, plugs, or cords may feel warm to the touch or show signs of discoloration.
• Tripped Circuit Breakers or Blown Fuses: While these are safety mechanisms working, frequent tripping or blowing can indicate an overloaded circuit or a fault that needs attention.
• Wet or Damp Conditions: Be extra cautious when working near water and ensure appropriate safety measures are in place.

Keeping Workers Safe: Prevention is Key - A Shared Responsibility for LDCA Members

For LDCA members, prioritizing electrical safety isn't just about adhering to regulations, (those listed in  Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code enforced by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). It's about fostering a culture where safety is deep-rooted in every task.

Electrical safety is a shared responsibility, and for the LDCA community, it's a core value. By understanding the potential hazards, knowing how to recognize them, and consistently implementing these safe work practices, we can significantly reduce the risk of electrical accidents on our construction sites and ensure every member's workforce returns home safely each day. LDCA continues to work to make safety a top priority in every project we undertake in London and the surrounding region.

 Join us for Day three of National Construction Safety Week with LDCA! Tomorrow, its Falls Awareness Day!