Electrical Safety Guide and Tips for Office Buildings

In all workplaces, the safety of the workforce is paramount, particularly that of workers exposed to electrical hazards. Within the trade industry, machinists, builders, and other workers are surrounded by potential electrical hazards in their day-to-day roles, from machinery, electrical wiring, and exposed cables, so it is vital for employees to know how to remain safe at work. General personnel do not usually require specialized electrical safety training, however, if you work around electricity, but aren’t qualified to directly handle electrical components, you should still follow electrical safety-related work practices to avoid injury to yourself and others. Here are some essential electrical safety tips that everyone should practice in the workplace.

Put Electrical Protection Devices In Place

Wattage varies among commercial appliances. Various types of appliances are available for varied types of businesses. However, the most prevalent type of commercial appliance is a floor-mounted air conditioner. This type of air conditioner usually consumes about 6,000 watts. Desktop computers, however, consume about 250 watts, while a CFL bulb consumes about 15 watts.

As these appliances and fixtures consume varying amounts of electricity, their respective circuits run on varying amp levels. These circuits are connected to a circuit breaker box. There is a possibility that the circuit will be unable to handle too much current from all of the appliances at once. If this happens, the insulation can melt and a fire can start. A circuit breaker, however, stops excess current from flowing, thereby preventing any further accidents.

A CHINT Circuit Breaker, for instance, is an electronic switch that operates automatically when the electric supply is overloaded. Following activation, they function similarly to fuses, with the advantage of returning to normal activity. Thus, it is essential to install dedicated circuit breakers for each group of appliances and fixtures.

Make Sure Your Equipment Is Maintained

It is imperative to follow this tip for keeping equipment, machinery, and tools safe for as long as possible. Keeping machines and equipment running smoothly requires regular inspections for wear and tear as well as regular service and cleaning. This will also decrease the likelihood of machines breaking down or malfunctioning.

To maintain large equipment and machinery, you can add and test lubricants frequently, which not only extends the life of your machinery but also reminds you to check for leaks around seals and build-up of oil around the gears. If you check for signs of wear as a machine is used, you will be less likely to suffer electrical problems and injuries to the workers.

Loose Electrical Cables And Wires Must Be Removed

Electrical cords that are loose, exposed, or dangling can cause tripping hazards for workers, as well as increase the risk of electric shock or fire. If possible, organize loose cords into a neat bundle that is taped or tied together so that they don’t cause tripping hazards. Similarly, broken lamps should be repaired as soon as possible to reduce the risk of electric shocks and fires. Additionally, damaged plugs containing exposed prongs should be disposed of immediately by cutting the cord and attaching a suitable plugin to their place.

Completing A Risk Assessment Is Essential

A risk assessment should be completed on-site before any workers enter the premises. Risk assessments are meant to identify any and all risks to people as well as determine what type of injuries may result. You should take into consideration the type of electrical equipment used, how it is used, and the environment that which it is used. These five stages of risk assessment must be completed to ensure that safety is maintained.

• Determine whether any electrical hazards exist and whether electrical systems or processes are at risk
• Identify the electrical work within the electrical system that needs to be done
• Decide on the precautions to be taken based on the risks
• Document your findings and implement risk mitigation measures
• Review the risk assessment and update as necessary

The Lockout/Tagout Procedure Must Be Followed

Machine safety, known as lockout/tag-out, is essential for the safety of fellow workers when machines are turned off and left alone. A lockout/tag out is particularly useful when maintenance or repairs are being performed on a machine to ensure that re-energization does not occur that might be harmful to anyone near it.

When industrial machinery is used, a formal lockout/tag-out program must be implemented to ensure that employees are working in a safe environment. Before they begin work, workers using machinery should be thoroughly trained on lockout/tag-out procedures and provided with the necessary lockout/tag-out equipment. This procedure has since developed into lockout/tag-out try-out, with emphasis on trying to restart the equipment, which checks that the lockout/tag-out procedure has been successful.

Be Careful Not To Overload Your Outlets

Electrical adapters often allow for more power to be delivered to electrical machines and technology; however, this can be dangerous, especially in crowded and busy working environments where tradespeople are often present. When using extension leads, ensure that appliances or tools plugged into the outlets do not exceed the maximum rating stated on the extension lead. It is possible to overheat and/or set fire to power outlets if they are overloaded.

You Should Use Safety Signs

It is crucial to have safety signs to let people know about potential hazards and to prohibit them from taking certain actions. These signs are very useful in preventing injuries, such as warning and danger signs that should always be placed near equipment – not only for the benefit of workers but also for the safety of visitors and contractors. As part of your health and safety program, there should be four types of safety signs: prohibition and fire, mandatory, caution, and safe condition. For electrical hazards and fire hazards, yellow “danger” signs are commonly used to identify electric shock risks, fire risks, and hazards.

Make Sure You Practice Electrical Safety At Work

You should always ensure that anyone who works with electricity meets the minimum health and safety training requirements for their job. These simple precautions can help reduce the risk of injury caused by an electrical hazard, but ultimately, everyone should be aware of how dangerous electricity can be when misused. If you leave machinery or equipment unattended after use, ensure that all lockout/tag out procedures are followed. If you are not sure about any aspect of your workplace’s health and safety program, refer back to the workplace policy document as well as seek advice from a supervisor or someone else in charge.

Before Working On The Machine, Make Sure All Power Sources Are Disconnected

For your safety, it is critical to ensure that all power sources are disconnected before working near or touching electrical equipment. In any other case, the machine could start unexpectedly during maintenance, which could lead to electrocution. A similar problem could occur if components or tools are added near an electrical outlet. Make sure that all cables are unplugged and all light switches are turned off before beginning any work.

Electricity And Water Shouldn’t Be Mixed

It is essential to keep all electrical equipment always dry and away from water. It helps prevent damage to appliances and even protects people against electrocution and personal injury. You might want to keep electrical equipment away from aquariums, sinks, showers, plant pots, and bathtubs to lower water and electricity contact risks. This can lead to serious injury, fires, and even death. So if there’s water anywhere close by, don’t change it,  shut off the main supply or work with a partner.

If an accident occurs involving water, the first thing to do is cut off the power source and check for any other electrical hazards. You should also avoid using oil or grease when cleaning up after an accident as this can lead to serious injury if it comes into contact with another electrical source so be sure to clean it thoroughly with soap and water before leaving the premises. If you’re working on machinery that’s plugged in but turned off, never assume the power source has been shut off. You need to confirm around switches and wall sockets just to be safe. ELECTRICITY CAN BE DEADLY

It only takes one mistake to ignite an electrical fire. Live electrical parts look no different from those that have been de-energized. To ensure safety, it’s best to assume that any electrical part is live. You can’t be too careful when it comes to electricity.

It is, however, possible to prevent some of these problems by following simple preventative measures. It involves being safe when using extension cords, electrical appliances, light bulbs, and other equipment in the home or office. Electrical safety tips must be strictly followed by all building occupants and employees to prevent electrocution and electrical fires.

Remember, electricity is a common, but dangerous, workplace hazard. Only those who are qualified, such as commercial electricians, should work with electrical components should do so. Otherwise, it is always in your best interest to keep away from live electrical currents.