Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety

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Electrical safety improvements are a common issue we identify at many sites and workplaces. Many of these issues are minor to remediate, but could be catastrophic if left unattended.

Electrical hazards aren’t always highly visible, so electrical safety tends to be

viewed as something for electricians or technical experts to worry about. For most

workers electrical dangers are simply not on their radar.

Remember there is no device that can offer you 100% protection from electrocution.

It is important that you remember to keep safe.

Electrical Injuries

There are two ways that electricity hazards can cause harm.

• Electric Shock - electrical current passing through your body.

Electric shock can cause severe burns and potentially dangerous involuntary

movements. An electric shock can be fatal if it passes through vital organs.

• Arc Flash - release of energy.

Arc Flash can result in blast injuries, lung injuries, ruptured eardrums, shrapnel

wounds, severe burns and blindness. Arc Flash can be fatal.

Common Electrical Safety Failures

During site inspections we often see these common electrical safety failures.

In your next site inspection keep these in mind and identify any electrical

improvements that could be made at your workplace.

• Tangled electrical cords. Ensure cords are organised and a cord to an

electrical source is easily identifiable.

• Overloaded or “Piggy backing” of power boards or extension leads.

• Non-commercial power boards or extension cords.

• Cords causing trip issues in pathways.