One area that’s most risky to work in at any manufacturing facility is the hazardous area. It’s called hazardous for a reason. The risk of explosions or fire is the highest in these areas. The personnel working in these areas must be fully equipped in safety gear to keep them protected from any hazards lurking around.
Since the risk of fire and explosions is relatively high in hazardous areas, it’s crucial to have all electrical wires adequately insulated. Even the slightest spark can ignite massive fires and trigger explosions. And when we talk about electrical insulation, it should be done by an experienced professional only.
While you may think that you can have just any electrician do the electrical insulation in a hazardous area, you’re highly mistaken. It’s not essential but rather crucial that you hire someone experienced in working in such environments. Let’s find out why.
1. Know-How of Protocols
The protocols of working in a hazardous area are different. The people working there need to be dressed in proper safety gear, including insulated dresses and respirator masks if there are any chances of fumes or leaking gases. Apart from that, certain practices are strictly prohibited in these areas, such as vaping and smoking. Unlike an experienced professional, someone who hasn’t worked in a hazardous area before wouldn’t know any of these protocols.
2. High-Voltage Power Lines
High-voltage electrical lines can lead to severe accidents, including higher degree burns and electrocution. It’s the reason why there has to be electrical insulation in the first place. The need for electrical insulation in hazardous areas is even more due to the lingering risk of fire and explosions. Not all electricians know how to work with high-voltage power lines. Even the slightest mistake can have grave consequences. It’s yet another reason experienced professionals should only do hazardous area electrical insulation.
3. Wet Conditions
If the hazardous area contains hazardous chemicals, the risk is increased by several folds. The presence of moisture can increase the chances of electrical accidents. While electrical insulation is a solution, the actual challenge is to get the electrical insulation done under such dangerous conditions. An experienced professional would be well aware of the possible risks and consequences, and therefore, they’ll know just exactly how they should go about their job safely.
4. Incorrect Tools
An experienced professional is equipped with the right tools and equipment needed to carry out the electrical insulation process in hazardous areas. Someone who doesn’t know the ins and outs of hazardous areas might not know which tools they’ll need. This can lead to delays in work and even accidents.
Working in hazardous areas is a risk in itself, and when we say working on electrical wiring in an already dangerous place, its danger is multiplied several folds. Only an experienced professional would know how to go about it while ensuring the facility’s and their safety.