Prioritizing your safety in the workplace is essential. This guide not only helps protect your well-being but also ensures you're well-positioned in the unfortunate event of an accident or injury requiring compensation.
The Risks of Electricity: What You Should Know
You've heard it time and again: Electricity can be lethal if not treated with respect. While you might be lucky enough to survive an electric shock, the aftermath could involve:
- Burns
- Eye injuries
- Partial paralysis or loss of limb function
- Neurological symptoms, like memory lapses or confusion
- Secondary accidents, such as falls from heights or contact with moving machinery
Your Electrical Safety Checklist at Work
In line with the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013, here's what you should be vigilant about:
- Extension Leads and Cables: Make sure they're protected from potential damage.
- Especially from liquids – use covers or other preventive measures in pedestrian and vehicle zones to guard against damage.
- Regular testing and tagging are essential.
- Safety Switches: Ensure their proper use and functionality.
- They should be inspected, tested, and tagged regularly.
- Defective ones need immediate removal.
- Avoid: The use of double adaptors and piggyback plugs for certain jobs.
- Defective Equipment: If something doesn't seem right, remove it from service.
Remember, as a worker, it's also on you to make sure the electrical equipment you're using is in a safe condition. This is part of your obligation under the Electrical Safety Act 2002.
Extension Cords and Flexible Leads: A Deeper Dive
You, alongside all workers, need to ensure that extension leads and flexible cables are well-placed and safeguarded against any damage, be it due to foot traffic, vehicles, or liquid spills.
Further Resources on Electrical Safety
For a deeper understanding and best practices on electrical safety at work, these Electrical Safety Codes of Practice are invaluable:
- Electrical safety code of practice 2020 – Working near overhead and underground electric lines (PDF, 0.47 MB)
Staying informed and practicing caution can make all the difference in ensuring your safety at work. By doing so, you also protect your rights and potential compensation avenues in the event of an unforeseen accident. Always stay safe and be proactive!