Electricity
Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body. A fatal shock is called electrocution.
One of the most common causes of electrocution in the workplace is contact with overhead wires. This is because people can misjudge heights and distances between the ground and overhead wires when carrying equipment like poles and ladders, or operating equipment with height extension such as cranes.
Doing maintenance work on live electrical circuits is another frequent cause of electrocution.
Accidents and deaths can also result from equipment becoming "live" due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance or short circuit.
Electrical accidents are most often caused by a combination of factors such as:
a lack of training;
a lack of supervision;
inadequate work practices;
poorly maintained equipment or installation; and
a hazardous work environment.
General safety precautions:
Keep your appliances in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs.
Disconnect broken appliances, and have frayed cords or broken power points replaced.
Even after a piece of electrical equipment, appliance or machine has been disconnected from the power source, it may still partially operate. This is because of stored energy within the equipment. After disconnecting the power source, activate the machine or appliance to release the stored energy.
Always switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug.
Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects. A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electric shock.
Know the location of your main electricity supply.
Check the location of overhead wires and stand clear of any fallen power lines.
Use your appliance correctly. Read the instruction booklet and follow all instructions.
Electricity and water don't mix. Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's electrical resistance. Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet areas.
Apprentices and trainees must be supervised at all times by a qualified worker.
Don't overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point. Don't use double adaptors to "piggy back" plugs. Use a power board with individual switches.
Only licensed electrical workers can legally perform electrical work. This includes new electrical installations and alterations, and repairs to existing installations. An unqualified person should not be employed to undertake electrical work.
Employees who use portable electrical equipment at workplaces must be protected against earth leakage by means of a Residual Current Device (RCD) (also known as a safety switch). This is required under the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996.
