There’s a degree of nervousness around electricity, given its ability to injure, or even kill. However, if it’s treated with respect and a few fundamental safety measures are implemented, it can provide an essential service without endangering anyone.
The main hazards when either working with electricity or operating a functioning workplace are as follows:
- Electric shock
- Electrical burns
- Electrical fires
Electrical accidents can be caused by coming into contact with live electrical parts which allow power to jump between two circuits. As well as creating a physical pain, electric shocks can also result in additional injuries such as causing a fall from height, so care needs to be taken to avoid them. Burns and fires, meanwhile, can result from such basic errors as using faulty equipment, incorrectly wiring a plug, overloading a socket, or allowing excessive dust to ignite from static electricity.
Fundamental precautions to avoid electrical injuries in the workplace include:
- Undertaking an electrical risk assessment to identify any potential areas of concern
- Ensuring that all electrical equipment is fit for – and only being used for – its intended purpose
- Testing the electrical installation to check that fuses and circuit breakers are operating effectively with the correct rating
- Keeping fuseboxes and isolators closed and even – if possible – locked to prevent them being interfered with
- Checking that all machinery has a switch or isolator that’s easy to access should it need to be shut down in an emergency
- Training staff to check their equipment regularly – and preferably each time before they use it – and to cease using it should they have any concerns whatsoever
- Teaching staff how to use their equipment safely, observing standard Health & Safety procedures and disconnecting tools from the mains when not in use
- Avoiding where possible the use of equipment in damp or wet conditions because electricity and water don’t mix well
- Raising awareness of the potential hazards of working close to or beneath overhead power lines – ideally they should be switched off while work is carried out
Finally, as a business it’s tempting to keep using electrical equipment for as long as possible, but this strategy can be counter productive, especially if it endangers your employees. If you or they notice any wear and tear that might impact on the equipment’s performance, it should be repaired by a competent person or discarded immediately if beyond repair.
At MS Electrical we specialise in commercial fixed wire testing and PAT testing in and around Cambridge. Please call us on 01223 850301 or complete our enquiry form to request a no-obligation quotation to help keep your electrical safety in check.