At Foley and Baugh health and safety consultancy, we advise Norfolk and Suffolk businesses on mitigating the risks of working with electricity.
Electricity powers modern workplaces, but it also poses significant risks if not handled correctly. Understanding the main hazards and implementing robust precautions is critical to ensuring employee safety and compliance with regulations like the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989. The main hazards of working with electricity include:
Electric Shock
Contact with live electrical parts can cause severe injury or death. Even low-voltage systems can be dangerous, leading to burns, muscle spasms, or cardiac arrest.
Burns
Electrical faults or direct contact with live components can cause thermal burns or flash burns from electrical arcs.
Fires and Explosions
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits or damaged equipment can ignite fires or trigger explosions, especially in environments with flammable substances.
Equipment Failure
Poorly maintained or misused electrical equipment can malfunction, increasing the risk of accidents.
So what are the advisable precautions? Here are some of the most important ones:
Risk Assessments
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify electrical hazards specific to your workplace. Ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by documenting and addressing risks.
Competent Personnel
Only allow trained and competent individuals to work on electrical systems. Provide ongoing training to keep staff updated on safe practices and legal requirements.
Equipment Maintenance
Implement a routine inspection and maintenance schedule for all electrical equipment. Portable Appliance Testing (PAT testing) is essential for portable devices, to prevent faults.
Safe Systems of Work
Use lockout-tagout procedures to isolate electrical systems during maintenance. Ensure proper earthing and use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) to reduce shock risks.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provide insulated gloves, flame-resistant clothing and other PPE to workers involved in electrical tasks.
Emergency Preparedness
Train staff in emergency procedures, including how to safely disconnect power and administer first aid for electrical injuries.
By taking suitable precautions, businesses can minimise electrical risks and foster a safer workplace. At Foley and Baugh, we offer health and safety guidance and training for those working with electricity in Norfolk and Suffolk: tailored solutions to keep your operations safe and compliant.
Contact us today on 01493 659026 or email hello@foleyandbaugh.co.uk.
