Electrical Safety Checklist & Tips for the Workplace

All the workplaces operate on electricity and electrical equipment which can cause damage if not used or maintained properly. Electrical safety at the workplace involves practices and pacts that minimize the risk of electrical hazards and ensure a safe working place. It is of utmost importance to take proper care while using electrical equipment at a workplace. Ensuring that the component is not in a circuit that is generating power is a must. Proper training is required to identify and prevent hazards at the workplace and ensure everyone’s safety.

Let’s discuss some basic electrical safety rules:

• Keep water and other liquids away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity in the workplace. It is suggested to install ground fault circuit interrupters to avoid accidents.
• Do not pluck the electrical cord, instead smoothly disconnect the electrical equipment by pulling the plug gently. It can cause electric shock if pulled out by the cord.
• Electrical equipment and electrical cords should be properly installed.
• Look around carefully to check if there are any electrical lines.
• Pay attention to flickering lights as it may indicate a loose connection.
• Use warning signs in the high-voltage areas.
• Do not try to fix any electrical defaults using DIY ideas instead hire an electrician to resolve the same.

Electrical Safety Tips for Workplace

1. Prevent Contact With Live Electrical Current:

Only professionals should work with electrical equipment. Rest all should stay away from electrical equipment and live electrical currents. Ensure that there are no exposed wires in your work area. All electrical equipment should be used safely at the workplace.

Some of the safety precautions that should be taken are:

• Electrical cords should be handled carefully. It should never be pulled out from the cord rather it should be plugged out from the head.
• Electrical cables should not be over-extended.
• Do not hang electrical equipment on a cord.

Professionals must be hired to keep a check on the cords and plugs before use. If it is damaged then it should not be used and must be replaced. Circuit protection devices must be rated for the circuits they protect.

2. Physical Barriers Must Be Placed Around Electrical Hazards:

A workplace must be protected from electrical hazards through physical barriers. The cabinet doors of electrical panels should always be closed and must be out of the reach of people. The exposed wires must not come in contact with any uncertified person at a workplace.

3. Warning Signs Must Be Used While Maintenance Is Happening:

If there is any repair or maintenance work ongoing in an open area then warning signs or barriers must be used and the general public must not be allowed to enter the area. The front area of the panel must be kept clear of all obstructions. In case of emergency, the staff must be signaled.

4. De Energize The Equipment:

De-energize the electrical equipment before use. Lock or tag out the electrical system to interrupt electrical energy in it and prevent accidents and damages that it might cause. The purpose is to protect the workers from electrical hazards while they are working.

5. Be Cautious Of The Power Lines:

Be careful of the electrical power lines while working. Most of the workplaces have electrical lines and equipment above the floor which can only be accessed through higher platforms. Make sure while using higher platforms like ladders you are at a distance from the exposed wire.

6. Only Professionals Should Work With Electrical Wires:

Only professionals should work with live electrical wires as they have proper knowledge of working with them. Uncertified people must stay away from electrical wires as it may lead to accidents and injuries. Even in case of an emergency, one should get closer to an electrical wire under proper expert guidance.

7. Be Careful While Using Flammable Materials:

Any electrical equipment which can produce flammable fumes or dust must not be avoided. An exceptional case can be of an expert who is locking out the sources of electrical energy in the system. Flammable materials should only be used under professional guidance.

8. Do Not Use Cleaning Tools:

Electrical equipment must be considered live all the time so taking precautions becomes a priority. In areas with an electrical hazard, avoid using materials that produce electricity or heat. Some cleaning materials are conductive and must be avoided.

9. Follow The Electrical Safety Guidelines Of Your Workplace:

Every workplace has a list of electrical safety practices that all workers are required to follow to prevent accidents and damages. These practices differ from area to area. All the employees must adhere to these guidelines to assure the safety and security of all.

Why Hire an Electrical Contractor?

Electrical contractors have expertise and knowledge of working with electrical systems as they can be hazardous. One of the key responsibilities is to ensure that the work is done smoothly and safely. They know where to find good quality electrical products at reasonable prices that will work longer without the need for repair. They are trained for high-level electrical tasks. They are aware of the latest and best technologies to make the work more easy. Hiring an electrical contractor is money and time-efficient in the long run. It will reduce the risk of accidents and hazards.

Conclusion

Electrical safety is essential in a workplace to avoid accidents and injuries. The staff members must follow the guidelines and have appropriate tools and equipment. Electrical safety precautions must be taken. Some of those are maintaining distance from exposed wires, preventing contact with live electrical current, using warning signs and barriers, following electrical safety practices, etc. Educate people about the potential risks attached to it and about the safety precautions and practices. Ensure that electrical protective equipment is used by workers near the electrical panel. It is important to hire an electrical contractor as they install, repair, and maintain electrical systems while taking all the necessary precautions to avoid dangers that are attached to them.