About becoming an electrician

[Daniel Morgan]

Hi all if this is in the wrong section then sorry lol. In a nut shell I'm looking to change careers from retail to an electrican
Been doing work experience for the past 7 months and their has been some good rewarding times but then I've also been spooked by the dangers of the job and how easy it could be to get in trouble if you mess up. This came about today as I observed work done on 3 phase job changing lighting. Getting contact with 415v scared me a bit.

Just looking for some insight from the professionals here as to weather I should be worrying or not

Thanks

 

[Simonslimline]

Hi all if this is in the wrong section then sorry lol. In a nut shell I'm looking to change careers from retail to an electrican
Been doing work experience for the past 7 months and their has been some good rewarding times but then I've also been spooked by the dangers of the job and how easy it could be to get in trouble if you mess up. This came about today as I observed work done on 3 phase job changing lighting. Getting contact with 415v scared me a bit.

Just looking for some insight from the professionals here as to weather I should be worrying or not

Thanks

Read EAWR 1989 and especially regulation 14 concerning work on or near live conductors.

 

[Octopus]

I hope the person giving you "work experience" has decent insurance as it sounds like you are being asked to do work you are not competent to do.......

 

[sparksburnout]

I would say you should definitely be worrying, yes.

 

[davesparks]

If you are in a position where you could come in to contact with the conductors of two different phases at the same time without suitable risk assessment, method statement and confidence then you definitely have something to worry about and grounds to contact the HSE.

 

[Daniel Morgan]

Probably phased it wrong. I didn't do the work I was their observing to gain visual experience of the trade I didn't carryout any work myself nor assisted. And why would I be worried? Cheers

 

[davesparks]

You should be worried if you are being put in to a situation where you are working on or near exposed live parts, regardless of the voltage, if you have not got the training, experience, tools, ppe, h&s documentation and a clear method statement

 

[Daniel Morgan]

No problem thanks for your help.

 

[PEG]

Hi bud,you need to get the terminology correct,as in this industry,it can really matter.

You said "contact with 415V",which most would take as an electric shock...

You also mentioned "phased wrong",when i guess you meant "phrased"...

Sounds petty,but in a post regarding entering this field of industry,it could be confusing...once in the job,incorrect terminology could literally have terminal implications.

Many,many times,i have seen even experienced lads,lead into danger,with a slip of expression.

A while ago,i overheard a pair of lads ask their foreman "Is that circuit safe,now?" He replied "Yes,crack on..." I then asked the foreman "Is that safely isolated or safe to live-test?"

He looked sick,as he said "You know,now i'm not sure..."

A large site,with many operatives,and work of every type going on at the same time,and the omission of a single word,can be the start of the next work-related newspaper headline. :wings: