The safety of people is
paramount in all workplaces, especially of workers exposed to electrical
hazards. In the trade industry, workers are surrounded by electrical hazards in
their daily job, from exposed cables, machinery, and electrical wiring.
Therefore, it is vital for employees to know how to remain safe at work,
including proper industrial electrical installations.
The following are
important tips for safety in a trade working environment:
Use Safety Signage
Safety signs are helpful
in warning people of hazards as well as prohibiting certain actions. Warning
and danger signs should be visible within proximity of the equipment. This not
only benefits the workers but the visitors and contractors visiting the site.
Make sure to include four
types of safety signs within the health and safety program of your workplace:
mandatory (blue), prohibition and fire (red), caution and safe condition. For
electrical hazards and fire hazards, the yellow danger signs are typically used
to identify electric hazards, shock risks, fire risks, etc.
Complete a Risk Assessment
Before workers enter the
premises, a risk assessment should be conducted on site. This helps identify
the potential risks to people and the severity of the injury that could happen.
It takes into consideration the industrial electrical installations, the type
of electrical equipment used, the environment that it is used in, and how it is
used.
Risk assessments comprise
of five stages to ensure safety:
·
Determine the
electrical system and any electrical hazards
·
Identify the
electrical work to be performed
·
Assess the
risks and decide on the necessary precautions to take
·
Record of
findings and practice them
·
Review and
update when necessary
Apply the Lockout Tagout Procedure
The lockout tagout is a
critical procedure that ensures the safety of workers when a machine is being
turned off and left alone. Lockout tagout is particularly useful for
maintenance and repair work. This helps prevent the re-energisation of a
machine, which could cause harm to people in proximity.
Establish a formal lockout
tagout program where industrial machinery is used, so that employees are always
working in a safe environment. Train all workers who use machinery on the
lockout tagout program before beginning work, and provide them with the correct
equipment.
Equipment Maintenance
This tip is important in
keeping machinery, tools and equipment safe and healthy for a long period
without needing repair. After industrial electrical installations, check your
machines and equipment for wear and tear. Perform regular services and cleaning
to keep them running smoothly. This also lowers the chance of machinery
malfunctioning or breaking down. By checking for signs of wear, workers are
less likely to experience any electrical issues and injury.
Do Not Overload Outlets
The use of electrical
adapters can mean more power to electrical machines and equipment. But, this is
not always safe, especially in a busy working environment. When using extension
leads, the appliances or tools plugged into the outlets must not exceed the
maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. Also, make sure to perform
proper industrial electrical installations. If your power outlets are
overloaded, this could result in overheating or fire.
