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Contributing factors in electrical fires

On Behalf of | Feb 23, 2018 | Construction Accidents |

Ohio construction workers have an inherently dangerous job. They work around heavy equipment, possibly hazardous chemicals or fumes, and face numerous health and safety risks from different sources. One potential risk that may not be considered as frequently is electrical fires.

The Yellow Pages has a list of 4 of the most common causes of electrical fires in homes, which can translate to any enclosed building with the right equipment. Heat sources and appliances, for example, are a shared risk in both categories. Heat sources in construction zones should always be attended to, especially if it’s a heat tool. Any heating tool or appliance should be plugged in appropriately, as frayed cording or faulty electric plates are a frequent culprit in electric fires.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also lists different electrical hazards that can contribute to these fire risks. It includes:

  • Exposed wiring
  • Wet conditions
  • Damaged equipment or tools
  • Damaged insulation
  • Overloaded circuits

In order to prevent electrical fires, all equipment that uses electricity along with all outlets and wiring should be frequently inspected. Anything that is damaged must be replaced quickly, rather than patched up or put back into use. Employees and employers alike should be trained in the safe use of electric tools and should follow the safety requirements when handling the equipment.

Electrical fires can be very dangerous, especially since they’re harder to put out than a non-electrical fire. For this reason, knowing how to prevent them is just as important as knowing what to do if faced with one.

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