Electrical Safety Do’s and Don’ts

Electrical Safety Don'ts

Don't re-close any circuit which has been opened by a fault unless the fault has been located and isolated or rectified.
Don't open the supply to a motor/alternator set until the alternator load has been disconnected.
Don't energise the primary winding of a current transformer with the secondary winding open-circuit, or open-circuit the secondary winding while current if flowing, or is capable of flowing, in the primary winding.
Don't approach the circuit after isolation until it is proven to be dead and discharged by a competent person
Don't Interfere with any safety devices, trips and interlocks etc. on test equipment.
Don't cross exclusion barriers with H.V is present or whist the circuit is not isolated.
Don't alter the permanent connections of any test equipment without the knowledge and agreement of the relevant supervisor.
Don't test equipment in a modified state must be labelled. Connections must be properly replaced after use, unless otherwise agreed.
Don't use faulty equipment or leave equipment in a condition that could endanger others
Don't neglect injuries, however slight, nor neglect to have them attended to by a trained first aider

Do be certain that equipment is completely dead and cannot be energised inadvertently before allowing any work to be carried out. Use a control sheet to measure these steps and make a judgement on the need for written instructions e.g. permits to work.
Do work to a method statement or work/test instruction, use the associated control sheet if appropriate and follow the best housekeeping practices.
Do use properly insulated probes, prods and tools and adequately rated instrument leads and probes.
Do follow correct switching sequence e.g. close an isolator first before closing the associated circuit-breaker
Do arrange an adequate exclusion area around the equipment under test
Do be safety conscious and ask yourself: “what if I/he/she/someone/that object should happen to touch/fall/run into… and take appropriate preventative measures where necessary
Do challenge any person who is believed to be contravening the rules for access into your test area. Be polite but insist that they follow the correct procedures.
Do arrange the layout of all equipment in an orderly manner to provide, but not limited to, adequate working space, a normal working position, ease of access to equipment, ease for reading instructions, adequate lighting, ease of access in an emergency