Taking on high-voltage work as an electrician without a spotter is highly dangerous, and prohibited by UK regulations in most cases. One mistake can prove fatal, and having nobody around to help will only lower the chances of survival.

That’s why electricians should take every precautionary step available to them when carrying out high-voltage work. This includes protective clothing, voltage detectors and lone worker monitoring equipment.

In this article, we’ll highlight the dangers that electricians face, from electric shock to falling from height. We’ll also discuss some of the safety equipment that can be used to help mitigate these dangers and carry out work safely.

Electric shock and fall risks

High-voltage electrical work, especially at height, comes with a multitude of risks, requiring safety protocol to be followed at all times. These risks can be split into two categories, electric shock and falling from height.

Electric shock risks

The obvious place to start is with the electric shock itself. This occurs when the electrician comes into direct contact with electricity, passing a strong current through their body. It can cause severe injuries or potentially a fatality depending on the voltage of the shock.

Muscle damage from severe spasms, an inability to breathe, cardiac issues and neurological issues are all potential symptoms. The immediate risk of suffering an electric shock can be lowered by wearing appropriate protective equipment (PPE), including insulating gloves, safety shoes and using insulated tools.

By following all safety protocols to the finest detail, the risk of suffering an electric shock is largely reduced.

Arc flash is another risk associated with electrical work. It occurs as a result of equipment failure or a lax approach to safety, and involves an intense release of energy, light or pressure. Arc flashes can cause severe burns, loss of vision and hearing loss. Once again, PPE can limit injury, as well as remaining cautious at all times.

Equipment failure is a common electric shock risk, which can also lead to fires and explosions. It’s vital you make sure that all of your equipment is up to standard and that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

Fall risks

When working at height, the risk of falling should always be taken seriously. According to the Health and Safety Executive, 60% of deaths while working at height involve falls from scaffolding, ladders, working platforms, roof edges and fragile surfaces.

Thorough risk assessments should always be carried out, even if the platform you’ll be working from seems completely safe. When working with electrics at height, the risk of falling is increased, as an electric shock will often cause a lack of control in your muscles.

This will almost certainly lead to a fall from height if the platform you’re using isn’t large, and you’re not harnessed.

The importance of response time for cardiac events

When someone goes into cardiac arrest or experiences another cardiac event following an electric shock, every second counts. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence, each minute that goes by without response reduces the chances of survival by 10% for cardiac arrests.

The ideal response time to a cardiac event falls within eight minutes, although starting CPR within 6 minutes is preferred. This will ensure the best chances of making a full recovery without permanent neurological damage.

In short, it’s critical for electrical workers to have someone on hand to perform CPR and call 999 in case of a cardiac event. It’s also vital for workers to have a defibrillator on site at all times.

Wearable voltage detection alerts

Those carrying out high-voltage electrical work should make use of the various safety devices available to them, including wearable voltage detection alerts. These are wearable wristbands that warn you about nearby high-voltage electricity using sounds, vibrations and flashing lights.

They do so by sensing electromagnetic fields of live AC voltage, preventing you from accidentally coming into contact with unexpected electricity sources. After all, not all open sources of electricity will be clearly visible, potentially putting workers in real danger.

These devices are common amongst electricians, maintenance workers and rail workers.

Automatic emergency calling features

When a lone electrician has become incapacitated due to an electric shock or a fall from height, there would usually be very little chance they’d receive the help they need in time. That’s unless they have a device with automatic emergency calling features.

Many wearable lone worker monitoring devices, including those provided by SureSafe, use automatic fall detection. These can detect when a worker has fallen or lost control of their body, automatically sending a panic alert to someone back at base or an emergency responder.

This will allow for a rapid response to the incident, giving the electrician the best chance of survival and a full recovery. With SureSafe’s devices also containing GPS tracking, the response team will be able to track the electrician to their exact location, further cutting the response time.

Without having automatic fall detection, or a spotter nearby, the chances of the electrician being found are purely down to chance.

Insurance requirements and safety devices

With the dangers of high-voltage electricity work being evident, insurance for electricians contains certain specificities. Some aspects of it are legally mandated, such as employer’s liability insurance, which covers the costs of an employee electrician if they are injured at work.

Other factors aren’t legally mandated, although recommended, including public liability insurance, which covers the costs if a member of the public is injured or there is damage done to the property.

Then there’s other electrician-specific insurance, such as tool coverage which protects tools in case of theft or damage, and van insurance which allows for the transport of equipment.

Safety devices for electricians

To comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations act (1989), electricians must wear and use adequate protective equipment (PPE) while working. This equipment includes gloves, safety glasses and flame/arc flash resistant clothing. In addition to PPE, electricians must use specific tools to ensure safety.

The tools must be insulated and capable of protecting against electric shock up to 1000 volts. It’s also vital that these tools are well-maintained and routinely checked for faults, as they can put electricians at risk of injury if they’re damaged.

Electricians should always have the previously mentioned voltage detectors to prevent them from walking into an electric shock. These are especially important for lone electricians without a spotter.

Another worthwhile piece of equipment that solo electricians should have is a wearable lone worker monitoring device. The options available with SureSafe include a range of features, including a panic alarm, automatic fall detection and GPS tracking. They provide a vital safety net for lone electricians, offering peace of mind that help will be on the way if something goes wrong.

Ensure a rapid emergency response with SureSafe alarms

Safety while at work can never be taken too seriously, especially if you’re dealing with high-voltage electricity. That’s why SureSafe has developed a range of solutions to get you the help you need if the worst was to happen. Our range of personal safety alarms offer a constant line of contact between electrician and response team to ensure a rapid and effective reaction to emergencies.

For more information about our products, contact us at 0808 189 1760 or request a call back. You can also get in touch with our live chat.