| By :
Michael Griffiths
Probably one of the most risky occupations is that of an electrician. He is not only exposed to electrocution and severe burns, his job also entails extreme physical challenges and possible fractures and severe allergies - since he is required to climb high altitudes, and wiggle his way through the narrowest of holes and ceilings. Here are some tips if you are choosing to do some electrician work for yourself at home: Warm up/exercise for the workday ahead. Much like a runner, prepare your body by walking, marching in place or moving your arms in circles. Stretch slowly and hold it for 3-5 seconds. Stretch the lower back and hips, stretch each leg, and stretch your arms. These stretching exercises lower your risk of overextending muscles, and hurting yourself while working on those ceiling wires and lights. As an electrician, you would also need to most often work on your knees, or squat. Keep your body fit (and your waistline trim) for all this bending and stooping. Remember to consult with your doctor before embarking on any exercise routine. You know you have a problem if you have any of the following symptoms, so don't postpone your doctor's appointment, and have them checked out as soon as possible: • Constant fatigue • Cold hands • Swelling •Numbness •Tingling •Lack of energy •Changes in skin color •Weakness •Loss of sensation •Aching, burning or shooting pain Use power tools as much as possible. Repetitious hand work may cause pain and result in permanent injury - thus limiting your ability to use your hands in any kind of work. Straining your hands too much may cause your hands to lose stability - making them jittery and shaky - which is a major disadvantage for such a profession that requires precision, accuracy and control. The solution is to use hand or power tools whenever possible. While working, keep these electric tools close to your body to reduce fatigue and increase productivity. You can also do much more work with these power tools. When lifting, use the three-point-lift. Never try to lift or carry very heavy load on your own - ask for help. When lifting, use the three-point-lift Never bend or stoop, then attempt to lift heavy equipment the way those 300-pound competitive weightlifters do. You will surely injure your back doing so. Use teamwork or mechanical aids whenever possible. When pulling, use a tugger or pulley. Avoid manual wire pulling - use a tugger or a hand tool whenever possible. You may break your skin, dislocate bones or damage nerves when you subject your hands to pressure that is meant for machines - not hands. Also, always, always, always wear workman's gloves, with the exterior preferably rubber-lined in order to avoid electrocution. Always use rubber-soled shoes. Never attempt to touch any wires barefoot - unless you want to end up barbequed (lol). Electrocution is considerably lessened when a worker wears rubber-soled shoes and rubber-lined gloves. Anti-itch remedy. The insulation you find in ceilings and attics are most often itchy and may cause skin allergies. The solution - take a bottle of baby powder or corn starch and apply it to your hands, arms, neck and face. The powder protects your skin from the insulation and prevents irritation and itching. If the attic is too dusty, remember to wear a protective mask, as you might end up with a bad cough, asthma, or inhale some of the dust from rodent droppings usually present in dark crevices. Avoid Heat Illness. It's easy to get overwhelmed by heat, especially if you are working in tight areas like attics, ceilings, basements and under the house. Start work early in the morning when it is considerably cooler. Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. If you need to work where there is direct sunlight, take frequent breaks in the shade. Lastly, drink plenty of water before, during and after work. In fact, you should also drink even if you are not thirsty.
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