Are you someone who wants to become an electrician? Like any other job, electrician work has its dangers, but no more so than any other profession, including firefighters, construction workers, and lumberjacks.

Throughout your career as an electrician, you should expect to work in tight spaces with multiple hand tools and be exposed to voltage, lead, and other substances. Here is a brief overview of potential job hazards.

As with any job, these risks can be minimized if you are safety conscious and follow proper safety guidelines on the job site.

5 Hazards You Face When Becoming an Electrician

Electricians face many challenges. Working alone, climbing high places, dealing with mold and asbestos, and meeting deadlines are all part of an electrician's daily routine. Here are five ways electrical work can be dangerous and how to stay safe.

1. Falls and trips

Falls, slips, and trips are the most common hazards for electrical workers. Some jobs require working on roofs, ceilings, or in attics, touching overhead power lines, and operating in confined spaces. Electricians also use hand tools in this challenging environment.

Working in high and confined areas can increase the risk of slips and falls. Professional electricians assess each job site, complete all necessary preparations and use the correct equipment.

2. Electrocution

Electric shock can cause skin, tissue, and nerve burn, breathing difficulties, cardiac arrest, muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, and seizures. Electric shocks occur when electricity passes through your body, and severe shocks (electrocution) can result in death.

Professional electricians are trained throughout their apprenticeship and beyond in best practices and precautions to prevent electrocution, burns, and shocks.

3. Toxic substance exposure

Exposure to toxic chemicals, lead, solvents, mold, asbestos, bird and rodent droppings, and fried pellets is a major concern for electricians. Some units have not been serviced for years, resulting in the accumulation of harmful toxins and microorganisms.

Electricians are also exposed to UV radiation during welding, extreme temperatures, fires, and explosions. Experienced electricians use the proper masks and equipment to perform their tasks. They receive the training needed to navigate and avoid exposure when working in toxic environments.

4. Cuts and abrasions

Electricians handle knives, pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, and other equipment with sharp or pointed edges. They can also work in stressful outdoor conditions with little light and little room to move. Cuts and abrasions are almost inevitable in an electrician's job.

Qualified electricians know how to avoid basic mistakes and injuries, but every field worker will suffer bruises from time to time. Some jobs, such as working with old systems, carry a greater risk of injury and must be done with great care and preparation.

Proper preparation always goes a long way toward injury prevention

5. Overstrain and stress

Electricians may find themselves working in the same position for long periods. Poor posture can lead to muscle and joint pain. Electrician work can also lead to fatigue and physical and mental strain.

An active lifestyle can build strength and stamina and relieve physical stress. Some tasks are not physically demanding, but most technicians may need to stand/hold in awkward positions for several minutes.

Reliable electrician's tools

If you are ready to return to work after a workplace accident, excellent electrical tools are your best bet. Knoweasy tools are professional electrician tools that can meet the various needs of electricians when working and effectively improve the efficiency and safety of their work.