Electricity poses one of the biggest risks in the workplace. From small offices to large manufacturing plants, the risk posed by electricity is always there.
But there are a few simple steps that any business can take to reduce the risk posed by electricity. Here are some of the key details to keep in mind to minimize the hazards and reduce the risk of accidents.
Ensure Employees Receive the Correct Training
Always ensure that anyone operating electrical equipment has received the correct training. Accidents are far more likely to occur when someone operates machinery or equipment improperly. So you can reduce this risk by ensuring the correct training is completed by any employees working with it.
Regular Inspections of Equipment
Even if employees use electrical equipment correctly, the risk is increased if the equipment has a fault, so make sure you get the equipment inspected regularly and ensure that it is in good working order.
Use a specialist if necessary, but sometimes a simple visual inspection is enough to spot problems. It depends on the equipment in question.
To ensure good electrical safety when checking equipment, always turn off the equipment and unplug it, check the fuse and the plug, look for signs of damage, look for burn marks or stains that could suggest overheating, and check cords, wiring, circuits, ground wires, and connections.
Avoid Damp Conditions
Water and electricity don’t mix, so always be especially careful in damp conditions. Avoid damp surfaces where electrical equipment is being used because this will increase the risks of damage to the equipment and injury to the people using it.
Equipment that is not designed to work in wet conditions can become very unsafe, and damp can also damage electrical equipment quickly, so always ensure a dry and safe working environment.
Use Suitable Footwear
The right footwear is essential for reducing the risks posed by electricity. Always choose high-quality work boots with electrical hazard protection for employees who work with electrical equipment. These provide an extra layer of protection, but they should not be used as a primary source of protection. They reduce the flow of electricity and can provide protection from stepping on live wires, making the workplace safer.
Also, ensure employees working with electrical equipment avoid wearing metal jewelry, and you may also want to provide them with rubber or leather gloves.
Report Damaged Equipment Immediately
Make sure you have a process in place for reporting damage to electrical equipment so that it can be isolated. That way employees will not be placed at unnecessary risk by the equipment.
Ensure that all employees are aware of the procedure you have in place. This should include reporting the damaged equipment immediately, then turning off and isolating the equipment. Depending on the equipment in question, you may need to call in a specialist.
Carry Out a Regular Risk Assessment
Risk assessments can cover all elements of your workplace, but make sure you have a special section for electrical risks. This should identify the hazards, ensure electrical equipment is suitable for use, check that it is in good condition, and ensure that the user is properly trained and that they use the right protective equipment.
Don’t Leave Wiring Exposed
Avoid leaving wiring exposed anywhere in your workplace. There are too many risks posed by exposed wiring, including electrocution and the risk of fires caused by sparks. Also, avoid overloading plugs because this can be very dangerous by increasing the risk of shocks and sparks.
Use Clear Labels
Always identify the presence of electrical devices and wires using clear labels. Accidents happen when people are unaware of the presence of electricity, so using the right labels and making sure they are clear can be a simple way to avoid accidents.
Reduce the Risk of Falls
Make sure wires and extension cords do not cause trips. Always place them carefully, perhaps under the carpet or behind furniture, and alert people to their presence.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Finally, have a process in place for what to do in emergency situations for both high- and low-voltage accidents. Always contact the emergency services and have a strict procedure to follow, which could include cutting power to all equipment, and avoid touching a person who has received a high-voltage shock.
Stay Safe Around Electricity
Electricity poses one of the biggest threats in any workplace. The level of risk presented depends on the type of workplace, and a factory will often pose more risk than an office, but the risk is always present.
Make sure you reduce the risks by following these simple safety tips. Check the advice provided by your local authorities to reduce the risk of electrical shocks and fires, and ensure that you, your employees, and your customers are not put at risk from electrical equipment and devices.
Leon Morrison works on construction sites as a site manager. His articles discuss construction site safety but also safety in general whether at home or work.