Sign of Electrical Hazards and Precautions
Sign of Electrical Hazards and Precautions
What are Electrical Hazards?
Electric hazards can cause burns, sparks and electrocutions. Please be vigilant when operating with or near utilities, such as power lines and electrical appliances and be mindful of the surroundings.
The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire. Electrical shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.
Types of Electrical Hazards?
- Outdated or Poor Wiring
- Leaving Appliances Plugged-in Near Water Sources
- Wrong Wattage Light Bulbs
- Overloaded Power Strips and Outlets
- Unprotected Electrical Outlets
- Improper Use of Extension Cords
- Operating an Unsafe Appliance
What are the most frequent causes of electrical injuries?
- Contact with power lines
- Lack of ground fault protection
- Path to ground missing or discontinuous
- Equipment not used in the manner prescribed
- Improper use of extension/flexible cords
Why is electrical safety important?
Electrical hazards can be fatal. It is important to follow the same systematic approach used for other health and safety issues when dealing with electrical safety. It is imperative to know how to work safely with or within the vicinity of electricity because electrical current in regular businesses and homes have enough power that, if exposed to, can be fatal.
What are some ways to prevent electrical hazards?
It is important to always use caution when working near electricity. The following tips can help improve your working conditions and reduce the likelihood of an electrical accident.
Electrical safety in the workplace
Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring. Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools if the guards are removed. Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes. Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical incident.
Never use faulty equipment
Make it a habit to inspect tools, power cords and electrical fittings for damage or wear and tear prior to use. Any damaged or faulty equipment should be labeled and immediately replaced. Any equipment that requires repairs should be disconnected from power supply and removed from service until repairs have been done. Repairs and alterations should only be attempted by a qualified person, following proper energy isolation procedures.
Never operate electrical equipment while you are standing in water
If electrical equipment is wet, have a qualified electrician inspect it before energizing it. Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless you are qualified and authorized. If working in damp locations, inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition and free of defects and use a ground-fault circuit interrupter.
Pay attention and be aware
Do not use non-grounded, two-prong adapter plugs to three-prong cords and tools. Always be aware of where the breakers and fuse boxes are located.
Always turn off power
Switch off equipment and power sockets before removing the plug from the power source to adjust or clean equipment. Any equipment that can be switched off when not in use, should be switched off.
Wear required PPE
When working with or close to electricity, be sure to wear the required PPE and use wooden ladders or ones made from non-conductive material.
How to prevent electrical hazards in the workplace
- Inspect wiring of equipment before each use.
- Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used.
- Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels. ...
- Limit the use of extension cords.
- Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.
- Preventative Steps for Electrical hazards and Safe Work.
Preventative Steps
There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity including insulation, guarding, grounding and electrical protective devices. Laboratory users can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some basic precautions:
- Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed electrical cords immediately.
- Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used.
- Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker panels. Use these devices to shut off the equipment in the event of a fire or electrocution.
- Limit the use of extension cords. Use only for temporary operations and then only for short periods of time. In all other cases, request installation of a new electrical outlet.
- Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.
- Place exposed electrical conductors (such as those sometimes used with electrophoresis devices) behind shields.
- Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment.
- All electrical cords should have sufficient insulation to prevent direct contact with wires. In a laboratory, it is particularly important to check all cords before each use, since corrosive chemicals or solvents may erode the insulation.
- Damaged cords should be repaired or taken out of service immediately, especially in wet environments such as cold rooms and near water baths.