Potentially dangerous electrical installations
Potentially dangerous electrical installations
Electrogem is a registered master electrician in Cape Town. We are well-aware of the increasing complexity of codes and standards pertaining to hazardous areas. It is dangerous to install electrical equipment or wiring. To ensure safety, the installation should be done carefully. For dangerous electrical installations, you must take extra precautions to prevent injury or death. Inspecting electrical installations for potential hazards, such as high voltage, damp surfaces or wet surfaces, is essential.
Importance
When workers are able to identify and manage hazards, working around electricity can be extremely safe. However, electric shock can be fatal if there is insufficient training or lack of experience.
Take care
Specific control measures are taken to eliminate electrical hazards and reduce the risk of injury and accidents. The job description and the work environment will determine what safety precautions are necessary for electricity workers. The most important safety precautions for working with electricity include understanding the basics of electricity, knowing how it works and identifying and eliminating hazards like poor cable management or improper housekeeping.
Tips for Safety and Examples of Electrical Hazards
According to OSHA, electrocution is the leading cause of death on construction sites. Recognizing electrical hazards can raise awareness about the dangers, their severity and how they can affect workers.
These are the most common electrical hazards at work and safety tips to help you reduce these risks.
Overhead Power Lines High voltages can cause serious burns or electrocution. Keep at least 10 feet distance from overhead power lines. Site surveys should be done to make sure that no equipment is located under overhead power lines. Safety signs and barriers must also be placed to warn non-electrical workers about the dangers in the area.
Broken Tools and Equipment It can be dangerous to expose your equipment and tools to electrical shock. You should not attempt to fix any electrical equipment or tools unless you have the necessary qualifications. Check cables, wires and cords for cracks, cuts or abrasions. If there are any defects, they should be repaired or replaced.
Inadequate Wiring Overloaded Circuits Wires that are too small for the current can lead to overheating and sparks. Make sure you use the right wire for the job and the load. Make sure you use the right extension cord for heavy-duty usage. Use proper circuit breakers and avoid overloading an outlet. To identify areas at high risk of poor wiring or circuits, fire risk assessments should be done regularly.
Exposed Electrical parts Exposed electrical parts can include temporary lighting, open-power distribution units and detachable insulation parts on electric cords. These dangers can lead to potential burns and shocks. These items should be secured with appropriate guarding mechanisms. Always inspect for damaged parts and repair them immediately.
Improper Grounding Incorrect grounding is the most serious OSHA electrical violation. Grounding properly can reduce electrocution risk and eliminate unwanted voltage. Do not remove the metallic ground pin, as it can return unwanted voltage to ground.
Damaged Insulation Inadequate or defective insulation can pose a danger. You should be aware of any damaged insulation and immediately report it. Before replacing damaged insulation, turn off any power and don’t try to cover it with electrical tape.
Wet Conditions Avoid using electrical equipment in damp areas. The risk of electrocution is greatly increased by water, especially if insulation has been damaged. Before you energize electrical equipment that has been wet, have a qualified electrician inspect it.
DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL RISKS IN YOUR HOME
Defective Electric Wires and Poor Wiring: Safety is a top priority for wiring. Bad wiring can lead to fires, power surges and other serious consequences. It’s best to hire professional electricians to handle most dangerous home electrical hazards.
Electrical accidents can be more likely if the wires are damaged, worn or corroded. To ensure that your wiring is safe, have a qualified electrician inspect it on a regular basis. Replace any old wires if they are discovered.
Outlets Near Water Bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that have water should not be placed within a safe distance of the water source. Water conducts electricity so outlets should be kept away from water to reduce the risk of getting an electric shock.
Lightbulbs Lightbulbs are not considered to be potential electrical hazards. They can also be used in conjunction with other materials that aren’t inherently hazardous. Lightbulbs that are close to flammable materials have the potential for sparking an electrical fire. These could include drapes, plastics or other items like upholstery.
Covered Electrical Cords & Wires The risk of overheating cords is increased by heavy wire covering. Although it is rare, overheating can sometimes cause electrical fires. Because electrical cords and wires emit heat, this can happen. Keep cords and wires out of reach of items, and leave them exposed.
Watering Electrical Fires An electrical fire can be sparked by water being poured on it. Avoid putting water on an electric fire. Water will only fuel it. If you are concerned about electrical fires, keep a fire extinguisher handy and use it to put out the fires.
Inquisitive Young Children Babies and toddlers are often very curious and eager to discover the world. It’s important to monitor children this age at all times. Parents and adults who are expecting children can take additional precautions to ensure the safety of young children. Protect every electrical outlet that is within reach with plastic covers. They fit directly over the socket and prevent sharp objects or fingers from getting into it. Unprotected sockets could cause serious injury or even death.
Wet Hands Wet hands should not be used with electrical appliances as it increases the risk of an electric shock. Too many people reach for the hairdryer with wet hands after a shower. Avoid putting appliances near sinks, bathtubs and showers.
Extension Cords To reduce the risk of injury or tripping, extension cords should always be securely fastened in place. For extra safety, use socket closures made of plastic to seal sockets that are not being used.
These are the top 3 dangers associated with faulty electrical wiring.
Fires can be caused by faulty electrical wiring Failing electric wiring can lead to a fire hazard. If electrical wires become frayed, cracked, overheated or are otherwise unable to conduct electricity correctly, it is a sign that they are not functioning properly. This can lead to a fire erupting. A faulty electrical wiring can cause a fire at any moment.
A short circuit can be caused by faulty electrical wiring A short circuit can be caused by faulty electrical wiring. Short circuits occur when too much current is flowing through the wiring, causing the electricity to cease working entirely. This can lead to both blackouts or fires.
Electrocution can be caused by faulty electrical wiring If electric wiring isn’t correctly installed or is exposed, it can be deemed faulty. If someone comes into contact with faulty wiring, it can lead to electrocution. The consequences of electrocution can be fatal or minor. We are all prone to trying to fix electrical circuits and appliances ourselves because of the load-shedding. Please call your electrician to be safe.
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The Common Electrical Hazards in Your Workplace You Are Completely Unaware
Overloading Circuits
The current can heat wires to dangerous temperatures if too many devices are connected to one circuit. The wire insulation may melt and create arcing, which can cause a fire within the circuit or in a wall.
Water Spill on Electric Devices
In the event of water contact, it is not recommended that any electrical equipment be used or switched. The risk of electrocution is greatly increased by water, especially if equipment has lost its insulation. Turn off the main power supply and then unplug any damp or wet equipment. Dry them well. To ensure that the device is safe, have a certified electrician inspect it.
Improper Grounding
To dissipate current into the earth, all electrical appliances and devices must be grounded or Earthed. Ground fault current can directly impact human safety and cause fires as well as electrical shock. Ungrounded electrical systems can also be dangerous to electronics. This safety feature removes excess electricity from your device and can help protect your electronics from damage.
Loose Fitting Plugs
All electrical equipment’s plugs must be securely inserted in their socket. It is possible for equipment to catch fire if it is not properly fitted. Regular physical inspections may be necessary to make sure that the plug is not loosening. It is important to be careful when cleaning takes place. If equipment is moved, the plug may become loose from the socket.
10 ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS – WORKPLACE
01. PREVENT ALL POTENTIAL CONTACT BY Using LIVE ELECTRICAL CURRENCY
Avoiding electrical hazards is the best way to be safe. Unqualified personnel should avoid electrical currents higher than 50V. You should not work in an area where there is an electrical danger or equipment that operates on more than 50V. Before you start your operation, all panel doors must be closed and any exposed wires should be removed.
02. DE-ENERGIZED EQUIPMENT AND USE LOCKOUT/TAGOUT
Before any work near or on exposed, live electrical parts can be permitted, it is necessary to de-energize them. You can prevent accidents and isolate electric energy by locking and tagging out electrical systems or parts according to your company’s Lockout/Tagout policies.
03. SECURE SAFE USE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
It is possible to use all electrical equipment safely and effectively in your workplace.
It is important that employees take proper care of electrical cords.
Always unplug cords using a pull on the plug head and not the cord.
Do not press on or stretch electrical cords.
Staples are not recommended for fastening cords
Do not hang electrical equipment from the cords
All cords and plugs within the workplace must be visually checked for any external defects before being used. You should immediately throw out any cords or plugs that are damaged.
04. INSTALL PROPER PHYSICAL BARRIERS AROUND ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
To protect employees from electrical hazards, physical barriers should be used. Electrical panels must always have their doors closed. Panels should also not have any holes that could allow employees to come in contact with exposed wires.
You should use shields, barriers or insulation materials if cabinets are not possible to close or an electrical hazard can’t be completely closed in.
If an electrician needs to maintain an electrical panel, then physical barriers should be placed to keep others out. Employees should be notified of the danger by placing signs. The area in front should also be free from obstructions.
05. Beware of CLEANING MATERIALS AND CONDUCTIVE TOOLS
When working in an area with an electrical danger, assume that the electrical parts are alive and take appropriate action. Use conductive tools only in this area.
06. If you are working overhead, take a look at the ELECTRICAL lines above
Be aware of the potential for electrical lines when overhead work is being done. There is a possibility of live electrical equipment or parts at the top of the workplace. These items can only be accessed with ladders and elevated platforms. While performing overhead work, make sure you use a portable ladder that has non-conductive side rails.
07. FLAMMABLE MATERIALS NEED TO BE USE WITH CARE
Inflammable gases, vapors and dust must be kept away from electrical equipment that could cause ignition. This exception is only when qualified personnel have taken measures to lockout or isolate electrical energy sources prior to these potentially flammable substances may be used.
08. Only qualified personnel should work on live electrical wires
Avoid contact with live electrical wires. Only trained personnel should handle live electrical wires. Hazardous electrical equipment requires the same safety precautions. Only qualified personnel should be able to manage any live electrical hazards. You should notify an electrical safety officer immediately if you notice a live wire that has not been attended.
09. ALWAYS RESPECT YOUR COMPANY’S ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRACTICES
Each company has its own electrical safety procedures, depending on the hazards and equipment in place. To ensure safety for yourself and your employees, it is essential to follow the electrical safety procedures of your company.
10. ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN BE DEATHLY
Treat an electrical part as though it were alive in every circumstance. De-energized parts look the same as electrically live parts. It is best to assume that all electrical parts are live in order to ensure safety. You can take precautions to ensure that power does not get blocked. When it comes to electricity, you can’t be too cautious.