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Published 17 May 2022
Electrical safety is a general practice of handling and maintaining electrically powered equipment to prevent incidents. Adequate training is required to properly identify and control hazards to keep the environment safe for those around.
Whether you’re at work or at home, both settings operate on electricity. Here are 10 electrical safety tips to help you avoid electrical hazards:
Keep water and other liquids at least 5 feet away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity. It is recommended to install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) which helps in preventing electrical incidents like electrical shock, ground-fault, fires, overheating, and destruction of wire insulation.
When disconnecting electrical equipment, gently pull it by plug instead of jerking the electrical cord. Pulling by the cord can damage the electrical cable and cause a shock.
Good electrical installation consists of fixed electrical equipment and electrical cords out of the way (and out of reach of pets that can chew on them).
A switchboard is an electrical safety device that protects and isolates the operator from electrical current. It controls the flow of electricity by dividing, distributing, and metering electrical power to different parts and devices. To ensure best performance and safety, electrical power entering the switchboard must resemble the amount of power it distributes. Otherwise, it can cause overheating and lead to fire.
Be aware of power lines before climbing a tree or a ladder, and especially when working at height.
Use outlet covers when there are children around to avoid electrocution.
Have flickering lights checked and fixed as it can be caused by loose connections somewhere or the bulb itself needs to be secured or replaced.
Use clear visible signs when there’s high voltage in the vicinity that people need to be warned about.
Instead of fixing issues, most DIY’s can cause further damage. Should any electrical issues arise, it is always best to have an expert handle it.
In case of an emergency, don’t hesitate to call the emergency services who will talk you through how to safely assist in the situation until help arrives.
Using a digital checklist and performing regular self-inspections can help you identify potential electrical hazards and strategize on better preventive measures. Get started with our free collection of iAuditor electrical safety checklists you can use on your worksite.