Electricity is a very powerful force with the potential to cause harm or even be fatal. Electrical hazards are some of the most dangerous threats that people can face in the workplace, and working close to an electrical hazard can be seriously risky work.
Because of this, it’s important to reduce electrical hazards by promoting electrical safety in the workplace. Due to the dangers of electricity, and in some cases, a lack of proper preventative measures in place, injury and fatality statistics are on the rise each year.
Electricity will normally travel through a conductor in closed circuits. However, in some cases, the human body can become an efficient conductor of electricity, and will mistakenly become a part of the circuit. This can cause an electrical shock.
What is an Electrical Hazard?
An electrical hazard refers to any dangerous situation or condition where there is the risk of a worker coming into electrical contact with a conductor or energised equipment. This can lead to the person being injured from an electrical shock, along with the risk of burns, such as a thermal burn, arc flash burn, or blast injury.
Common Electrical Hazards
Electricity can pose several hazards. These include electrical burns, electric shock, fires, and explosions. The simplest way to ensure that any workplace is free from electrical hazards and safe for all workers is to have commercial EICR/fixed wire testing carried out. Find out more about Hexo fixed wire testing here. Similar to the domestic EICR, the purpose of this assessment and report is to provide further information on the safety and efficiency of the building’s electrical system. You’ll not only find out more about how safe the electrics are in the workplace, but also get suggestions on how to improve safety. If you have any general EICR enquiries, a good electrician will be able to help.
How to Prevent Electrical Accidents
No matter what kind of workplace you are looking to improve in terms of electrical safety, there are several things that you can do to prevent electrical accidents and reduce the danger of harm. These include:
Safe Distance from Electric Lines
Any electrical overhead lines should not be placed anywhere where the public or public vehicles are passing through most of the time. Any electrical lines that are installed should be at a safe enough distance from the ground to ensure that there is little to no chance of anybody accidentally touching the lines.
Earth Fault Protection
Most non-current carrying metal components of electric equipment should be earthed. These include cable sheets, metal conduits, and steel trunking. It is also important to earth any non-current carrying metal components of lighting fittings, motors, generators, switchgear fuses and starters, and any other electrical appliances or equipment.
Surge Protection
Current surges occur as a momentarily initially excessive current and happen when equipment is turned on. Surges can be dangerous, so any workplace should take care to use surge protection equipment. This can be in the form of surge protection at the distribution board, or you may want to consider using equipment such as surge protection extension leads.
First Aid for Electric Shock
In any workplace, it is a good idea to have first aiders who are trained with dealing with people who are suffering from an electrical shock. The victim will often become stuck to the source of the electricity, so the first step in providing first aid is separating the person from the electrical source. To do this, you will need to switch the power supply off and disconnect the plug. Bear in mind that turning the switch off may not always stop the electrical flow.
When providing first aid to somebody who is suffering from an electrical shock, it’s important to keep yourself safe. Do not use your bare heads to touch them otherwise you will also be shocked. Stand on a non-conductive material like paper or wood if you are barefoot, and do not stand on anything wet.
Once the person has been separated from the source of the electricity, check their breathing. Administer CPR if needed. Position the head slightly slower than the rest of the body, raise the legs, and cover with a blanket. Call emergency services.
Warning Workers
One of the most effective ways to prevent electrical accidents in the workplace is to ensure that there are adequate warning signs to let workers know where hazards are located. These symbols and signs are often found in areas where there is high voltage electrical equipment present but can be used anywhere where there is any kind of potential electrical danger. Anybody who is working directly at these sites should ensure to take the necessary precautions and wear the appropriate PPI.
Electricity is something that we have all come to rely on, but it can be very dangerous. Keeping your employees safe is crucial if they often work with or near electrical systems.