If you work in construction, mining or building restoration, you already know that you are working in one of the most dangerous fields in America. Taking every possible step you can to keep both you and your employees safe is crucial to maintaining a workplace that is both OSHA compliant and makes employees want to come to work in the morning without fear. One of the most important things that contractors and site overseers can do to avoid accidental injuries and death is to make sure that your wires and cables are kept dry at all times.
Over the last decade, over 1,700 electric, construction and carpentry workers have died as a result of electrocution on the job. Having equipment or wiring that was wet or exposed to water contributed to 51% of all deaths from electrocution on these sites. Keeping cables dry on the job isn’t just an OSHA specification and a good way to keep your cables lasting longer. It can literally be a matter of life and death to you and your employees.
If you need to buy fire alarm cable, telecommunications cable or aircraft cabling to use in an area that may become wet (either intentionally or unintentionally), be sure to double check that the cable is rated to be used in both dry and wet environments to avoid electrocution.
Cabling that is rated for use in environments that may become wet is almost always encased in a thick outer shell made of rubber; this grounds the wire and prevents electrocution should the wire be exposed to water. Do not assume that just because a cable has a rubber covering that it is rated for use in damp environments; always double check the manufacturer’s specifications before you buy any wire or fire alarm cable in bulk, so you don’t end up wasting money.
If you are interested in learning more about keeping your wires dry on the job or purchasing wires and cables in bulk, contact our experts at Imperial Wire & Cable Co. today!