The main electrical hazards.

The main hazards of working with electricity are:

• Electric shock and burns from contact with live parts.
• Injury from exposure to arching (when electricity jumps from one circuit to another).
• Fire from faulty electrical equipment or installations.
• Explosion caused by unsuitable electrical apparatus.
• Static electricity lighting flammable vapours or dusts, for example in a spray-paint booth.

Actions you must take:

• When assessing electrical hazards, consider who may be at risk.

• How the danger level was determined.

• How the level of risk has been established.

• Pecautions taken to control the risk.

The type of electrical equipment utilised, its application, and the environment in which it is used should all be considered in the risk assessment. Electrical installations and equipment must be suitable for the intended use and operated under appropriate conditions. They should also be used only for their intended purpose. To ensure safety, devices such as fuses, and circuit breakers should be properly rated for the circuit the protect. Isolators and fuse-box cases should be robust and adequately protected for the working environment. Machinery should have an accessible switch or isolator to quickly turn off power in an emergency.

Maintenance.

To the greatest extent possible, you must ensure that electrical equipment and installations are kept in good working order. Every time they use electrical equipment, especially portable appliances, users should inspect it and take it out of service right away if:

• The plug or connector is damaged.

• The cable has been repaired with tape, is not secure, or internal wires are visible etc.

• There are burn marks or stains.

Only a skilled individual should perform repairs. This person possesses the abilities, know-how, and experience needed to complete the task safely. Increase the frequency of inspection for items that are more prone to damage, such as:

• Electrical tools that are portable.

• Equipment that is frequently utilised, or susceptible to damage, such as in dusty or wet conditions.

Equipment that is less likely to break, like desktop PC’s require fewer inspections.

Checklist

• Make sure employees understand the safe usage of electrical equipment.

• If equipment seems to be malfunctioning, stop using it immediately and have a qualified person inspect it.

• Make sure you have enough sockets. Overloading socket outlets with unfused adapters can result I fires.

• Ensure there are no cables lying around that can cause slips, trips and falls.

• Switch off and unplug appliance before cleaning or adjusting them.

• Always inspect your work area for electrical wires, cables, or equipment and be aware of any warning signs about electrical dangers or other hazards.

• Always inspect the job site thoroughly. Be cautious of electrical cables hidden within walls, floors and ceilings.