A typical industrial workplace tries to provide a safe space with the necessary resources to perform at a high level. However, unfortunate incidents occur occasionally in the workplace, including electrical dangers. In extreme cases, an electrical hazard can cause injuries, destruction of property, and death. Indeed, industrial fires caused many injuries and $1.2billion in damages to property between 2011 and 2015. Thus, ensuring electrical safety in the industrial factory is crucial.
Electrical safety is applied to prevent an electrical hazard. These three major classes of electrical accidents are the most common causes of damages, loss, and injuries to industrial workers:
Electric shock
When any part of the human body comes across an electric current, it causes an electric shock. Since the human body is a conductor, the effects of an electric shock can be either mild or severe.
Electrical fire outbreak
This extreme occurrence is a result of an electric current igniting flammable materials. If not stopped early with the appropriate extinguishers, it could spread quickly.
Electrical burn
Sometimes, electric shocks can have extremely harmful effects. When such an electric shock flows through the body, it could burn the tissues from the inside out. This is called electrical burn.
Here are nine valuable tips for ensuring electrical safety in a typical industrial environment.
1. See Electrical Appliances and Power Outlets as Energized
It is essential to know how dangerous electrical appliances can be when they malfunction. Thus, treat every electrical device as live. Doing this would help you to use them carefully. Also, avoid overloading power outlets. Every power outlet has its capacity. When many electrical appliances with a considerable high voltage are plugged into one outlet, it could cause an electrical disaster. A power strip would help improve this situation. Ensure to install a high-quality 30-amp power strip across multiple outlets at strategic points.
2. Hire the Best Electrical Experts
Hiring knowledgeable electrical engineers is the first step to ensuring electrical safety. No other professionals have more in-depth knowledge of electrical safety than them. Since poor wiring is one of the major causes of industrial fire, professional electrical engineers will be on hand to ensure that the workplace is safe.
3. Purchase New Electrical Equipment
The quality of electrical equipment speaks volumes of the safety culture of an industrial setting. Therefore, invest in new, high-quality electrical equipment. New products are broadly safer than old ones. Also, you can sue for damages – albeit rare – if you purchase quality equipment from reputable dealers.
4. Invest in Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters
One of the modern measures of combating electrical accidents is installing Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI). They disconnect a circuit once they detect an imbalanced electric current between the return neutral and energized electric conductor. This disconnection is a timely preventive measure against electrical mishaps. GFCI should be installed in rooms with running water like bathrooms.
5. Always Use PPE
A standard industrial workplace prioritizes safety first for its workers and visitors. Thus, every industrial worker must protect themselves with the appropriate safety clothing. This clothing is called personal protective equipment (PPE). From gloves to coveralls to helmets, protective wears help to avoid an electrical hazard. The body conducts electricity through touch, resulting in shock, electric burn, or a heart attack. Therefore, PPE prevents an enormous amount of electric current from passing through the human body.
6. Provide Scheduled Electrical Safety Courses
It is advisable to educate workers on electrical safety. Employers should not assume that their employees are up to speed with electrical safety measures; they should teach them. Therefore, providing a scheduled course on electrical safety is necessary. These courses would teach workers how to:
- recognize electrical hazards
- avoid electrical hazards
- know what to do when an electrical hazard occurs
7. Place Fire Extinguishers in The Right Places
One of the most devastating results of electrical hazards is fire outbreaks. However, you can prevent them if you act quickly. Fire extinguishers are mandatory in workplaces, especially industrial establishments. There are different types of fire extinguishers for various kinds of fires. However, there is a need to place the fire extinguishers in the right places. When fire extinguishers are easily accessible, stopping fires due to electrical issues would be easy.
8. Replace Old Equipment
Individuals and organizations use electrical equipment until they stop working. While this is normal, it can cause an electrical mishap. Therefore, replacing electrical equipment before they expire or stop working is crucial. Check and record the expiry dates of all equipment upon purchase. Ensure to replace them before they get old.
9. Inspect All Electrical Appliances Constantly
To ensure electrical safety in the industrial workplace, complacency should not be allowed. Regardless of the quality of electrical equipment or the number of Electrician Dubai an industrial establishment has, accidents still happen occasionally. Thus, constantly inspect all electrical appliances. The inspection should start from the purchase, installation, and use of the equipment. Also, always give reports concerning the state of the appliances. Lastly, ensure that the main outlet is off before closing from work.
Conclusion
An industrial workplace is perhaps the most prone to an electrical hazard. The nature of the job and the equipment they use only makes it relatively easier for electrical mishaps to occur. However, implementing the above safety tips and adhering to standards set up by regulatory bodies will ensure the safety of lives and company property.
