Work safety authorities in the Northern Territory have put out a timely warning with warm weather approaching fast – reminding all workers to be wary of electric shocks from excessive sweating while operating powered tools.

NT WorkSafe has released the alert to try to cut down on the amount of avoidable injuries in the heat of hard work.

“During the build-up temperatures easily reach or exceed 35°C and the humidity levels can rise as high as 90%, excessive sweating is unavoidable during these periods,” said NT WorkSafe in their safety alert.

“Welders often receive shocks when sweat soaked gloves and clothing offer a better return path than the metal being welded, often this occurs due to a failure to maintain effective earthing between materials being welded.”

“Power drills, grinders, welders and tech screw guns are the most common power tools to cause electric shocks during hot humid build up conditions. Sweat runs over the power tool being used often entering the trigger and air vents causing surface tracking over the plastic shell.”

NT WorkSafe says that modern protection systems mean this kind of electrical shock is not too often fatal, but can lead to a lot of lost work through extended medical supervision.

A full copy of the details and recommendations for avoiding a shocking day in the heat is available here.