Electrical safety tips

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Electrical safety tips

The basics of electrical safety in the workplace

© Copyright 2013 The Detail Devils ®

www.thedetaildevils.com.au

http://www.thedetaildevils.com.au/

What’s the risk?


Most people take electricity for granted. They jam a plug into the wall or an extension cord without ever giving a thought to the risks they may be taking. Electrical safety must be a priority on all job sites, large or small, inside or out.

When a jolt of electricity enters the body, the muscles constrict and the victim cannot move. The current runs through the person and into the ground.

The amount of damage caused by such a shock varies widely, but if the voltage is high enough it can cause breathing or heart problems and in some cases death.



Basic safety rules


Don't overload your outlets

Don't plug one extension cord into another and don't run two cords from the same outlet. These risks can cause wires to overheat and start a fire.

Always keep electrical leads off the ground to reduce the risks of slips, trips, and falls

Conduct a trip test by the built-in push button of RCD’s before each use

Keep records of RCD tests on site




Performance test the RCD at least once every three months

Test and tag all electrical equipment in accordance with AS/NZS 3760 2010 In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment and AS/NZS 5762:2005 In-service safety inspection and testing - Repaired electrical equipment

Electrical installations on construction and demolition sites must comply with AS/NZS 3012 Electrical Installations - Construction and Demolition Sites


Basic safety rules


What the legislation says


There is very specific legislation in the WHS Regulation clauses 164-165 addressing the use of portable electrical equipment on job sites which includes the proper use of residual current devices (RCDs). Make sure you are aware of these requirements to comply with WHS legislation.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, you must make sure you are wearing proper rubber gloves (AS 2225-1994 Insulating gloves for electrical purposes) when handling electrical equipment, especially devices that may be faulty or not grounded. All PPE must comply with the appropriate Australian Standards.



Electricity and water


An obvious, but often overlooked safety precaution - don't use electricity near water. Once a device contacts water, that water is charged with electricity. This current can be strong enough to kill.

Also, if you handle a device while your hands are wet, and the device is faulty, you will get zapped.



Hostile work environment


This is a work environment where normal operating of any electrical equipment may:

Cause mechanical damage to the item of equipment or

Expose the item of equipment to moisture, heat, vibration, corrosive substances or dust that is likely to result in damage to the equipment



High risk electrical equipment


Electrical equipment used for construction work, such as:• Power tools, extension leads, power boards• Lighting equipment• Welders• Electric concrete mixers

Electrical equipment used in a hostile work environment where equipment is used in operating conditions that are likely to damage the equipment, such as:• Moisture• Heat• Vibration• Corrosive substances or dust



High risk electrical equipment


Electrical equipment used in environments such as:• Wet or dusty areas• Outdoors• Commercial kitchens• Where there are corrosive materials• Factory-type environments includes, assembly, fabrication,

manufacturing, refurbishment or repair



Non-hostile work environment


In many work environments, certain electrical equipment does not need a rigorous inspection and testing procedure due to its inherent low level of risk.

These areas are likely to be offices and clean work environments and are considered to be non-hostile work areas.



Low-risk electrical equipment


Electric kettles, toasters, computers, and similar electrical appliances commonly used in small business offices

Equipment that is fixed and stationary when being used, e.g. photocopiers. Its size requires that it is located in a specific location.

Stationary equipment that does not have carrying handles and has a mass exceeding 18 kg

Equipment that is not likely to be damaged when being used, e.g. non-moveable equipment and includes electrical equipment and flexible supply leads that we use in our non-hostile work environment.



Questions?

Call The Detail Devils 1300 768 019




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