Electrical hazards can cause serious harm. And since most workplaces host various electrical equipment such as printers and monitors, it’s good to work safely within their vicinity. However, many employees don’t observe electrical safety measures, risking the safety of themselves and their colleagues.
So, to help you avoid electrical accidents, we’ll discuss how you can prevent electrical hazards at the workplace.
Dangers of Electricity
Electricity has the potential to cause death or serious injuries through shock, burns, explosion, arcing, or fire. These can occur due to a number of reasons, including:
- Live wire contact
- Faulty wiring in the workplace
- Overloaded circuits
- Exposed electrical parts
- Lack of PPEs
- Explosive and flammable substances
- Nearby overhead power lines
- Exposing electrical wires to water
How To Prevent Electrical Hazards in the Workplace
To prevent electrical hazards, design safe electrical systems, understand the electrical safety measures, and install equipment in safe places.
The most basic electrical safety precautions include knowing how electricity works, wearing appropriate PPEs, and identifying hazards.
1. Get Enlightened About Using Work Equipment
Learn how to use electrical work equipment, including how to identify faults and what to do in an emergency situation. In case of serious damages, wait for a certified electrician to make repairs on the equipment.
2. Don’t Overload Sockets
Usually, you’ll find many workplaces placing high voltage appliances in one outlet. This is overloading the socket, and it can be incredibly hazardous as it leads to fires when wires overheat.
3. Inspect Your Equipment and Power Cords regularly
It’s good to inspect your work equipment frequently to ensure they’re working correctly to avoid hazards. Observe the wires to check for uninsulated parts and tangled wires.
4. Install Proper Barriers Around Electrical Hazards
When electricians are performing electrical repairs and maintenance in the office, one should place physical barriers and signs to warn employees of the hazard. The area should also be free of any obstructions.
5. Call Experts to Work on Live Electrical Wires
Most live wires at work carry immense power that can be lethal if a shock or electrocution happens. Therefore, it’s good to leave live wires for experts. This can reduce the chances of electrocution and other electrical hazards.
Conclusion
While electricity is useful, it’s also dangerous. Therefore, it’s important to take great caution when repairing or dealing with electrical equipment at work. In case of damages or faulty equipment, call experts and don’t try to fix yourself. Experts can help detect a problem early and eliminate it completely.
Louis Ferguson is a senior editor for the blogzine and also reports on breaking news based in London. He has written about government, criminal justice, and the role of money in politics since 2015.
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