Is there any new equipment on site? Would it be great if you visually checked it to minimize or reduce electrical risk? Also, try to find out if it’s ready to go. What’s more, Brisbane Test and Tag quick safety scans save you money and time. Admittedly, a good number of electrical equipment in a workplace exposes employees to serious risks like burns, shock, and fire. Most electrical equipment accidents occur because of misuse of appliances, faulty equipment or unsafe installation particularly, power trips, surge protectors, and extension cables. Much is said about the safety of your electrical equipment in the office. Here are a few tips to help offices keep their electrical items safe.
Perform risk assessment
Risk assessment helps to identify procedures to control risks in your workplace. The risk assessment has very little to do with paperwork. The appliance testing helps in identifying the flaws, polarity, insulation, and resistance. Assess the environment the equipment is used and how it is operated. In the assessment cover issues like the kind of hazards that can crop up. Who is the likely culprit to suffer from such hazards? For instance, unsuitable electrical equipment can ignite inflammable substances in the office. In the event, the hazard occurs are there precautionary measures that can be taken?
Have regular staff training
Providing in-service training to the staff evades any kind of hazard in the workplace. Induct new staff or perform a recap of previous training. So, workers will be ready to test and tag. What’s the catch! The exercise will ensure proper maintenance of electrical equipment. And that the equipment is put into proper use. And another thing staff can report whenever the equipment is defective or just damaged
Furthermore, create a health and safety chart where an employee is able to record a potential hazard if they are unable to raise issues with the line manager so that you can conduct an investigation in good time.
Install and repair electrical equipment
The simple truth is a person conducting electrical equipment installation and repair work ought to be qualified. Additionally, a systematic Test and Tag on electrical equipment help businesses or contractors who want to comply with the AS/NZS 3760 requirements attainable. Just imagine changing a fuse can be risky if not done right. It is recommended that you don’t add extension cords when you need additional outlets always look for an electrician certified as a competent person to perform the task. Inspect electrical cords at least every month. Look out for cracks. Is the cord frayed? But that’s not all during installation don’t run the cords along high traffic areas in the office or under carpets.
Regular checks and maintenance
Portable tools that are frequently moved need regular checks and maintenance. While checking electrical equipment you can discover a potential risk for example when a plug is damaged, signs of overheating – remove from use in order to replace the item or repair. Is there any trailing wire in the equipment? Seal it or stop using it until it is fixed by a qualified electrician. Pay attention to cracks in the equipment sometimes water sips into the appliance’s wiring systems through the cracks.
Check Electrical Loads
Yes, it’s true a surge protector works! When a surge protector has multiple outlets it is susceptible to overloading. Did you know that overloading is the most cause of the fire? Also, some extensions cords are unapproved by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). A power trip or extension cord can get hot enough to ignite a carpet. If you overload an outlet with too much electrical equipment then either the fuse blows or the circuit breaks will trip. The result is catastrophic you may lose the entire business. Regular test tag prevents serious injuries in workplaces and loss of properties through fires.
Read electrical manual
Read the equipment manual through and through. You might be surprised by the misuse of electrical equipment because no one spent quality time reading carefully the manufacturer’s manual. Is the equipment from a certified laboratory? Common slips like not installing according to the manufacture manual relate to lack of understanding how the equipment works. A user may be required to keep the item away from heat sources like stoves, candles, and radiators. Some equipment requires that you unplug the item in a stormy weather or when not in use for a longer period.
If you are unsure about the damages on your electrical appliance take it to an inspection center. But how frequent you make the checks depends on the appliances and the environment in which it is used. At the very least inspect your office electrical equipment like fans, fax, and copiers. But, electrical kettles should not go beyond 2 years without inspection. More often than not, we hear tragedies caused by faulty appliances.
