If you’re aboard a huge metal vessel with electricity running through almost every wall and floor while in the middle of a vast ocean, there’s bound to be some concerns about electrical safety. Electrical shock is one of the most common causes of work-related injuries and fatalities in the maritime industry. It’s must for all workers on a ship to understand and practice electrical safety.
Steps to minimise the risk of electrical shock
- Check all electrical motors, wiring, and switches, for abnormal sounds, variation in temperatures, and loose connections.
- Ensure that all electrical connections are inside the panel box so that no one can touch them accidentally.
- In the accommodation area multiple socket plugs shouldn’t be used.
- Turn off the breaker before starting any work on an electrical system.
- Use ply card and notice board as much as possible to inform others about the ongoing work to avoid accidental starts.
- Double check the electrical tools like portable drills for any loose wires before attempting any job.
- Always wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, rubber knee pads and safety shoes to avoid the risk of shock.
- Use electrically insulated handle tools for working or checking the electrical system.
- Before working, remove the jewellery wrist band and other conductive items.
- When working or removing multiple wires, tape off all but the one wire you are working on.
- Try as much as possible not to work on a live system and even if you do so by a professional and work carefully with full concentration.
- During working in a group or pair, organise a toolbox meeting and discuss the procedure, risk and hazards of the job at hand.
- If you don’t know about the system, ask for assistance. Don’t work without knowing it.
- Always think about your own safety and the safety of fellow persons while carrying out any electrical work.
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Source: marineinsight
