Safety is taken seriously in Australia. In any industry or workplace, you’ll have to complete regular modules about workplace safety – even if you’re simply working behind a desk in an office.
Even with this level of safety upheld in Australia, we still see electrical hazards from time to time. This needs to change, as no electrical hazard should be tolerated in the workplace.
In this article, Spectra Electrical outlines common electrical hazards and how to prevent them, creating a safer workplace for everyone.
Exposed electrical components
Temporary lighting, open power units or detached insulation parts on power cords – all of these are exposed electrical components which can result in electric shocks and burns. These items should be isolated or guarded off to prevent passers-by from being exposed to them, and a qualified electrician should be called immediately.
Damaged or worn equipment
Almost everything becomes worn after time, but when we’re dealing with electrical equipment, we need to be proactive in replacing it. Regularly checking for cracks and abrasions of wires, cords and cables is the best way to prevent the use of worn or damaged equipment. If a defect is found, replace the equipment straight away if safe to do so, or call a repairer to come and inspect it.
Wet environment
It’s a no-brainer that water and electricity do not mix. Sadly, wet environments are a common electrical problem, as water can affect any environment, from spilled drinking water on an electrical appliance to puddles on a construction site. When in doubt about water affecting your workplace, always call a qualified electrician to conduct a thorough inspection.
Lack of grounding
One of the most common electrical hazards is a lack of proper grounding/ Earthing.
Grounding / Earthing returns unwanted voltage to the ground, reducing the risk of electrocution. Regularly have your grounding checked by a specialist electrician who will implement correct grounding if a fault is found.
Damaged insulation
Insulation on equipment protects the user from being exposed to voltage. If the insulation is worn or in poor condition, this presents a major electrical hazard to the user of the equipment. We recommend regularly inspecting your equipment’s insulation and noticing any potential defects before they get out of hand. We recommend checking cords, leads and plugs prior to using them.
Overloading circuits
It’s easy to overload an electrical circuit. By adding more and more equipment to the same circuit, you slowly but surely increase the risk of electrical hazard. Distribute your equipment evenly across your outlets.
Need a high quality team of electricians in Sydney? Spectra Electrical is at your service. Our team of specialist electricians are qualified and ready for anything, making your home or workplace safer and more efficient. We’ve worked on everything from large commercial projects to home renovations and more, making us experienced in all areas of electrical work. Give us a call today and grab a quick quote from the team at Spectra Electrical.