Top 10 Tips For Electrical Safety At Work
Would you believe that the Health and Safety Executive, the government body responsible for ensuring that health and safety regulations are adhered to at work, receives reports of around 1000 electrical accidents at work every single year. Of this 1000, around 25 people die of injuries that they receive in said electrical accidents. The importance of electrical safety cannot be overstated.
The following top 10 tips for electrical safety at work will help you, your colleagues and your employees to stay free from harm as they go about their daily duties.
Tip 1 – only use portable equipment close to a plug
In the event of an emergency, using a piece of portable equipment close to a plug provides you with the ability to quickly and easily remove power from the device.
Tip 2 – place clearly identified power switches close to fixed machinery
The last thing that you want to have to do in an emergency situation is fish around the back of a fixed device for the power switch. Ensure that power switches are clearly identified and accessible so that they can be quickly turned off.
Tip 3 – place ‘DO NOT USE’ labels on potentially faulty items
Even if you aren’t entirely sure that an electrical item is faulty to the point of being dangerous, it should be marked clearly with a label that says DO NOT USE, and removed from its working location (if possible) until a trained professional can come to assess the situation.
Tip 4 – never pull a cable to release a plug from the wall
It might take longer to cross the room, but ensure that you hold the plug as you pull it out of the wall and not just the cable. If possible you should also turn the socket off at the wall before unplugging the device.
Tip 5 – always unplug electrical items before cleaning
Accidents are all too easily caused through good intentions. If you wish to clean an electrical appliance, ensure it is switched off and unplugged at the wall before starting.
Tip 6 – replace any worn or frayed cables
You might think that the cable has some more life in it, but why take the chance? If the cable looks worn, or is frayed anywhere, replace it.
Tip 7 – provide enough electrical sockets
There’s the computer, the monitor, the printer, the speakers, the desk light… the list goes on and on, and the temptation may be to plug every device into one extension cable, using multiple adapters to provide enough sockets for the many appliances. Overloading electrical sockets should be avoided at all costs, as it can increase the risk of fire.
Tip 8 – work with the lowest voltage possible
The lower the voltage, the less likely serious incidents are to arise. It may not always be possible to avoid using high-voltage machinery, but if, for example, a battery-powered device would do the job just as effectively as a mains powered equivalent, choose the battery operated safer option.
Tip 9 – ensure electrical installations are carried out by a qualified electrician
Many accidents caused by electrical appliances could be avoided if the devices had been properly installed in the first place. Hire a qualified electrician if you aren’t confident in your own abilities, and ensure that all legal requirements related to electrical safety are adhered to.
Tip 10 – keep your electrical appliances maintained
To ensure the continual safety of you and your employees and colleagues, you should ensure that all appliances are tested regularly.
