Electrical hazards can cause serious bodily harm. And since most workplaces host electrical equipment like printers and monitors, it’s good to take caution within their vicinity. Many employees don’t observe electrical safety measures, thereby risking their and their colleagues’ safety.
To help you avoid electrical accidents, we’ve discussed how you can prevent electrical hazards at the workplace.
Dangers of Electricity
Electricity can cause shock, burns, explosion, arcing, or fire, leading to death or serious injuries. These occur due to a number of reasons.
- 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
Electrical technicians should design safe electrical systems and install equipment in safe places to prevent electrical hazards. Workers should receive training to understand electrical safety measures.
The most basic electrical safety precautions include knowing how electricity works, wearing appropriate PPEs and identifying hazards.
1. Get Enlightened About Work Equipment
Learn how to use electrical work equipment, including identifying faults and acting fast in an emergency. In case of serious damages, wait for a certified electrician to make repairs on the equipment.
2. Don’t Overload Sockets
You may find people in workplaces placing high-voltage appliances in one outlet. This overloads the socket and can lead to fires when wires overheat.
3. Inspect Your Equipment and Power Cords regularly
Inspecting your work equipment frequently is good to ensure they work correctly. Check wires for uninsulated parts and tangled wires to prevent accidental electrocution.
4. Install Proper Barriers Around Electrical Hazards
During maintenance and repairs in the office, place physical barriers and signs to warn employees of the potential hazards. The working area should also be kept free of any obstructions.
5. Call Experts to Work on Live Electrical Wires
Most live wires carry immense power that can be lethal if a shock or electrocution happens. It’s good to leave live wires repairs for experts. This can reduce the chances of electrocution and other electrical hazards.
Conclusion
While electricity is useful, it’s also dangerous. So, it’s important to take great caution when repairing or dealing with electrical equipment at work. In case of damaged or faulty equipment, call experts and don’t try to fix yourself. Experts can help detect a problem early and eliminate it completely.
