How to safely use electrical equipment?
is the most important question to ask if are about to deal with electrical devices.
Safety roles and PPE use is for your safety, So you don’t need the organization
to tell you to keep your self safe.
What is meant by electrical equipment.
In this article when I mention electrical equipment I will mean any equipment that
uses electrical energy to run and operate like electrical saw, drill, grinder and
any machines that run by electricity.
Safety use for these equipment essential at workplace and at home.
I work for a very big company which has many electrical tools and equipment,
I always use these equipment with great precautions, and also I tell all
workers who are under my supervision to committed to PPE program of the company.
Hazards of electrical equipment.
Before diving into the answer of the question How to safely use electrical equipment.
we should be aware about the of hazards of these equipment.
Electrical hazards.
Electrical hazard like : Electrocution the most common hazard of electricity.
Electrical fire, due to circuit or damaged cables.
Arc faults.
Other hazards (non electrical) like: due to sharp parts like electrical saw.
Skin burning due to heat generated some electrical equipment.
Slips, trips and fall hazard due not organized cords and cables.
Eye injuries due to small flying parts.
Hearing injuries due to loud machinery.
How to safely use electrical equipment.
Safe use of electrical equipment tips and rules to help in preventing electrical
and non electrical hazards: Water and electricity never mix, This means
never use wet electrical equipment.
Read user manual safety precautions, The manufacturer of the equipment knows hidden
hazards of it, So its logical to read every safety precautions about the equipment.
If you doubt don’t work.
If you are not well trained and authorized to work on an electrical equipment DO NOT
use it, And ask for training and help.
Use proper PPE, Every task has its own hazards and risks, So a good prepared
risk assessment before the job is essential for wearing proper PPE.
Stop and report culture, Make sure that all workers under your supervision have the
safety culture to stop any unsafe work and report it immediately to you to evaluate
the situation and make proper decision.
Make sure all workers are well to stop and report any hazard.
If the worker stop a job and report a hazard, Then you find that he is wrong
and every thing is good, NEVER PUNISH HIM.
Rewarding the worker of the best hazard report monthly will encourage
safety culture at the organization.
Eye, hearing, and hands PPE common in almost all jobs.
Damaged cables repair before use of the equipment.
When using temporary cord lay it in the way of workers.
And if it is necessary to do so, then caution signs in the location of work.
Let the work for the professionals, If you aren’t authorized electrician, never
try to repair electrical equipment.
A very common mistake is using cable without plug i.e inserting the cable
into the receptacle without plug.
This is so dangerous for both workplace and equipment.
For worker, hazard of electrocution.
For workplace, hazard arcing fault and fire.
For equipment, It may get damaged.
Make sure that the equipment is well grounded or connected through ground
fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).
When working with electrical equipment wear rings or metal wristwatch.
Do not work with electrical in rainy weather outdoors.