How to not get electrocuted in the workplace
There are no second chances when it comes to electricity, so to help keep you, your team, your customers and anyone visiting your workplace safe we’ve compiled a handy check list to help reduce the risk of electrical accidents.
2/3 of incidents involve 230V (the standard voltage in homes)
35% of fatal electrical accidents involve young people
23% of electrical accidents are caused by lack of maintenance
22% of fatal accidents are caused by misuse of equipment outside of their homes
35% of fatal electrical accidents involve young people
Since 1993, 64% of fatalities from electrical accidents occurred with 230V
*stats from WorkSafe.govt.nz
Why is testing and tagging important?
“Testing and tagging electrical appliances is one useful way to check electrical equipment is safe. However, it’s not mandatory. What is legally required is that equipment is electrically safe and maintained in a safe condition.” WorkSafe.
We don’t know about you, but we feel pretty strongly that electrical maintenance is not a DIY activity. While we completely support the practice of being electrically smart and flagging anything that doesn’t look quite right, only a qualified electrician should ever carry out electrical repairs or electrical maintenance.
Test and tag is something we believe all businesses should do. As business owners or building managers, knowing your electrical appliances, outlets and circuit boards are all safe and in good working order gives you peace of mind that your workplace is safe for everyone who works there or visits.
How we can help
We offer a complete management solution for testing and tagging, conducting both a visual and physical tests on all electrical appliances, leads and computer screens using portable appliance testers and recording the results in our database. We perform these checks every 1-3 years, depending on how often the appliances are moved around (the more frequently they are moved, the more often they should be tested).
The insights gained from an electrical inspection are valuable, as they alert you to possible electrical hazards and help build a safer work environment.
Workplace Electrical Safety Checklist
- Regularly inspect cords, plugs and electrical equipment before each use and repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
- Use extension cords or equipment that are rated for your type of work.
- Warm or hot outlets can be a sign of unsafe wiring. If in doubt, stop using it and organise an electrician to check things out using thermal imaging.
- If you’ve recently purchased a new appliance test and tag it before the first use – especially if it’s second-hand.
- Do all your staff know how to operate electrical equipment safely? Misuse of electrical equipment is a common cause of injury and electrocution so make sure staff are armed with information and the appropriate training.
- Secure extension cords to the wall or floor using tape – no nails, no staples!
- Do you know how to locate the electrical panel and circuit breakers in case of an emergency? Make sure your team knows what to do if things go wrong.
- Can you see any exposed wiring? If so – rest it, report it and repair it.
- If a fault is detected stop using the appliance or outlet immediately and have it inspected by a qualified electrician.