Test before you touch

 Electrical hazards are the sixth leading cause of workplace fatalities. According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), contact with large appliances, such as air conditioners, contributes to nearly 20 percent of consumer product electrocutions. Whether at home or in the workplace, there are a number of safety precautions that can reduce the chance of deaths, injuries and economic losses due to electrical hazards:

• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to help prevent electrocutions.
• Understand your electrical system—know which fuse or circuit breaker controls each switch, light and outlet.
• Make sure circuits are turned off before starting electrical work, and take measures to make sure they are not turned back on while working.
• Use a circuit tester. Make sure it is working by testing it before and after you use it to test the circuit.
• Always test before you touch.

GFCI’s are now required by electrical code in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms where water may be present. If your home is older and does not have GFCI’s installed in areas where water is present, consider hiring an electrician to install them for the safety of you and your family.

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