Organizations need to establish and enforce electrical safety procedures to prevent fires, injuries, and even death. Electrical accidents can have severe consequences so to ensure a safe working environment for employees, a business owner has a responsibility to comply with electrical safety regulations. To enforce best practices, here are some steps to take to improve electrical safety in the workplace:
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Implement lockout tagout procedures
Lockout tagout is a safety procedure that details the correct use of hazardous equipment, ensuring it is correctly shut off before any maintenance or repairs can be carried out. The comprehensive process consists of equipment shutdown, energy isolation, and using a lockout tagout device to make sure the machine cannot be started up until work is complete. All employees should be made aware of the lockout tagout protocols so they can comply with the process and prevent mishaps.
Carry out a risk assessment
A successful risk assessment can identify any potential electrical hazards before they have time to worsen. Whether this be overloaded sockets, faulty wiring, improper grounding, or a lack of maintenance, it is crucial to organize a risk assessment carried out by a certified electrician or safety professional.
Provide the necessary personal protective equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be provided to all employees who are working around electrical hazards to protect them from harm. From goggles and insulated gloves to Arc Flash Personal Protective Equipment, the needs will differ from business to business so the risk assessment can help determine the appropriate PPE required. As well as being provided with PPE, all employees should be aware of the importance of correct usage and be using it at all necessary times.
Organize frequent electrical inspections
An electrical inspection will consist of checks on outlets, switches, electrical panels, wiring, grounding systems, and backup power sources to identify any potential hazards in line with electrical safety standards. These inspections should be carried out regularly and it is important to keep records of each inspection and any repair work carried out.
Provide employees with training on policies
Every organization should provide all employees with training on the electrical safety policies which are in place. The guidelines, expectations, and responsibilities should be easily accessible to all employees and training should be available for new employees, as well as refresher courses for existing employees. Some key elements of electrical safety training will include workplace electrical hazards, how to work safely, equipment handling, emergency procedures, and PPE use.
Keep up to date with industry regulations
Regulations are continually reviewed and updated by governing bodies so it is important to stay on top of any changes made regarding electrical safety. Key places to look and follow updates from include industry associations, safety professionals, and regulatory agencies who release information on best practices and any new regulations which need to be implemented to remain compliant.
Additional Resources
- Improving Workplace Electrical Safety– creativesafetysupply.com
- The Importance of Safety Leadership in the Workplace– whatisengineering.org
- How To Ensure Electrical Equipment Is Safe To Use In The Workplace– arcflashanswers.com
- 4 Tips For Writing A Workplace Health & Safety Policy– infographicsdirectory.org
- Why Is GHS so Important in the Workplace?– ghsforum.com
- What is ‘Visual Safety’? Learn about the Best Methods for Keeping Employees Safe in the Workplace– leanworkplace.com
- How Arc Flash Clothing Helps Prevent Injury During Electrical Incidents– arcflashhazardclothing.com
- How Pipe Markings Play a Role in Compliance With OSHA Regulations– pipemarking.info
- How to Perform a Successful Visual Safety Audit– safetyvisuals.com