How to prevent electrical hazards.
Educating your staff about avoiding electric shock can help keep everyone safe and prevent a dangerous accident. Almost every appliance runs on electricity and if it isn’t used properly, it can prove to be an extremely dangerous element. If live electricity touches you or any conductive material, an electric shock can occur.
Common electrical hazards.
We have listed some tips below to help prevent electrical shocks that could lead to serious injury.
- Moisture and water
You must keep electrical appliances away from moisture and water. Water is extremely conductive and can lead to electrical shocks. Do not handle extension cords or electric appliances or plug anything into an electrical outlet while you are wet or if the appliance is on a wet surface.
- Never connect or disconnect under load.
When an electrical appliance is plugged in and is running, it is “under load” and it should not be unplugged. If you try to unplug the device while it’s on, the flow of electricity might create an arc. This can be very dangerous and give you an electric shock.
- Check for improper or faulty wiring.
Do not use line cords that are damaged cracked or frayed, this goes for extension cords as well. Extension cords beyond its maximum amperage, i.e., the maximum amount of electrical current that it can conduct safely. Improper wiring can transfer electricity from the appliance to you, resulting in shocks. Replace all such items and do not use equipment with improper wiring.
- Turn off the power.
If you are working on a circuit or device, make sure you turn off the power before you start the work. Turn off the appropriate circuit breaker in the breaker box. If you are working on an appliance with a cord, unplug the cord to shut the power to the appliance.
Electric shock prevention is a goal that everyone should pursue because of the serious and life-altering injuries that can be caused by an electric shock.
We must do everything in our power for electric shock prevention to protect ourselves, our families, our friends, and our communities from the dangers of electric shock.