Safety is a concern in every area of life. When it comes to electrical safety, most people think this means being careful about handling electrical equipment. However, electrical safety can go far beyond that. There are many different aspects of electrical safety. For example, workplace safety requires people to know how to use equipment safely. And home safety includes safety for your family and pets. The following articles will help you learn more about electrical safety.
SAFETY POINTS for EMPLOYEES
- Make sure that workers must use electrical equipment safely.
- No trailing cables that can cause people to trip or fall.
- Switch off and unplug appliances before cleaning or adjusting them.
- Always enough sockets are available. Don’t overload the unfused adaptors because they may cause fires.
- Always check the warning sign of danger from electricity wires, cables, equipment, or hazardous material.
- Stop using equipment frequently if it appears faulty.
- Stop consuming residual current devices between the electrical supply and the equipment.
What is Electrical Safety?
Electrical safety is a system of organizational measures and technical means to prevent harm that causes dangerous effects on workers from electric current, electromagnetic fields, and static electricity.
Electricity is the most dangerous energy source in the world. According to the National Safety Council, electrical accidents are young adults’ leading cause of death. The average person spends two hours a day in contact with electricity. For many people, this may be their only contact with the power grid, and it’s a daily risk they take without thinking about it. Electrical safety is all about understanding what it means to live with electricity. Electrical hazards can come from household appliances, electric tools, and electricity.
Why is Electrical Safety Important to Follow?
Workplace electrical safety is something for businesses and the community that must be a priority and is good for working with electrical equipment. The electricity voltage from most electrical components and tools in a workplace has the power capacity to injure and kill a person severely. However, electrocutions are ranked the 4th most common cause of death in the workplace.
The people are responsible for many disabling injuries and can cost a million dollars in medical costs related to serious burns and electrocutions. I recommend that each workplace have annual and electricity-specific safety training.
7 Electrical Safety Rules of Labor
Health and safety are one of the most important administrative concerns a workplace can have. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, 4,764 fatal injuries occurred in workplaces across the nation in 2020 alone – a number lower than previous figures owing to the coronavirus pandemic.
One common source of risk in workplaces is an electrical risk. Every office, plant, and workshop has electrical items that employees use daily. Here are 7 electrical safety rules for laborers that will guide how important it is.
1. Damaged Equipment
The various devices your business relies on daily present the most obvious safety risks. It is possible for any malfunctioning device to lead to shorting or the chassis becoming ‘life.’
A portable appliance test, often referred to as PAT testing, is a useful and reliable method for ensuring all devices on-premises are working properly, even if it is not legally required for most US businesses. If an item fails a PAT test, it may not be safe to continue to use it.
2. Loose and Exposed Cables
Electrical injuries can also occur at points other than the equipment itself. Cables and wires connecting devices to power and one another can also pose a serious risk if not managed properly.
Cable racking and wire ducts can be used to keep power and data cables off the ground, prevent trip hazards, and preserve their integrity for longer when used with pre-existing appliances and simple cable arrays.
When designing a bespoke electrical arrangement, such as a power supply or an internal engineering project, wires and cables must be terminated and neatly arranged. Cable ties can bind cables together, while heat shrink boots can separate wires at terminating points without causing short circuits.
3. Environmental Hazards
Even if the equipment is otherwise safe, it can become unsafe due to environmental hazards or changes. The most common danger is the spillage or damage of water, which can cause appliances to short-circuit and arc mains electricity.
Therefore, specific safety precautions should be taken around areas with access to water, whether they are bathrooms, kitchenettes, or water coolers. There could be waterproof covers for cable runs, but only maintenance personnel could have access to outlets close to water sources.
4. Employee Habits
Last but not least, you should recognize your staff’s role in keeping your electrical system safe. There are some general safety tips that individuals should follow at home. And at the office, which should be enforced as a policy.
For example, employees may be tempted to over-rely on extension cords for convenience – leading to unsafe current draw levels from a given outlet. It is important to instruct employees not to overcrowd outlets.
5. Install Proper Physical Blockades Around Hazards
Physical barriers must be used to protect employees from any electrical hazards. Cabinet doors on electrical panels should be closed, and panels must have holes where employees could come into contact with wires.
It is recommended to use shields, barriers, and insulating materials if cabinets cannot be closed or electrical hazards cannot be completely closed.
For example, if an electrician must keep an electrical panel open while performing maintenance, physical barriers should be used to prevent others from entering. It is important to place signs to warn employees about the potential hazard. And to maintain a clear area in front of the electrical panel.
6. Beware of Multiple Tools & Cleaning Materials
If people are working in an area where an electrical hazard is present, always consider those places where electrical parts are live and act accordingly. Don’t ever use the conductive tool in the area.
If you clean the area, always look after the conductive cleaning materials that require additional caution. Steel wool and metalized cloth are electrically conductive, as are solvent-based and water-based cleaning materials. These cleaning products or conductive tools should not touch electrical parts and equipment.
7. Always Look Above for Electrical Lines
Keep an eye out for electrical lines whenever you work or perform maintenance overhead. Generally, live electrical parts and equipment are located above the floor level in most workplaces, which ladders or elevated platforms can only access. If you are performing overhead work, make sure you use a portable ladder with non-conductive side rails and stay at least 10 feet away from any exposed electrical lines.
