Workplaces are very vulnerable to electrical hazards, even more so than the home. Electrical issues can damage equipment, injury employees or visitors, or even result in fire, a major risk you should avoid at all costs. Such unfortunate incidents can result in huge financial losses, interrupt business operations, and may even cause human causalities. Awareness, training, and anticipation can help you prevent such disaster from happening. 

Let’s start with some essential tips to avoid electrical hazards in your business. 

1.Always Use Safe and Approved Equipment 

The quality and reliability of the equipment you use in your business is critically important. Electrical equipment that does not meet electrical safety standards can exposure your employees and visitors to high voltage current, especially around high energy components. Make sure that the insulation around electrical components is of high quality and made of the appropriate material. Hiring a certified electrician is best as they will install the right equipment in accordance with the settting and electrical needs of your business.

2.Educate Your Staff about Preventing Electrical Contact 

A careless approach is usually the root cause of unfortunate incidents. As a business owner or manager, it is your duty to educate your staff on the best practices for proper electrical safety. Strictly follow safety guidelines and install the right safety equipment in all required places. For instance, rubber mats and other insulation equipment decrease the chances of accidental electrical contact. You should also have protocols in place: for example, supervisors should switch off the systems that are not in use at any given time. Place warning signs in all appropriate places to warn staff members of potential hazards. 

3.Use the Right Protective Gear 

Do not attempt to use substandard protective gear just to save some money. The risk of electrical disasters is much greater if appropriate protective gear is not used. Furthermore, as a supervisor or the business owner, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your workers. Never compromise on the quality of the protective gear and train your staff to properly use high voltage machinery. Make sure there is a first aid kit available on the spot to minimize the an injuries that may occur despite all these efforts.

4.Always Hire Licensed Electricians 

Avoid changing electricians too often and, most importantly, stick to qualified professionals. Licensed electricians may charge more than the makeshift alternatives, but you don’t really have an option. A licensed electrician is most familiar with workplace requirements and will install appropriate systems accordingly.  Installing the system is one thing, be maintanence is also important. Make sure to hire the best electrical maintenance service to inspect electrical systems in order to identify and solve any problems. Minor issues can turn into disasters if left unaddressed and wear and tear can also lead to significant damage over time without proper maintanence.

5.Be Careful of Wet and Humid Conditions 

This rule is most pertinent to construction sites but it is important to remember it in any workplace. Wet and humid conditions increase the risk of electrocution. It only takes an exposed portion of the live wire to trigger massive and sudden damage. Train your staff to be extra careful in wet conditions. 

Good Habits to Avoid Electrical Hazards in Your Business:

• Inspect wiring on a regular basis and immediately replace frayed or damaged cords 

• Use safety equipment even when working with the machines and devices you deal with every day since high voltage equipment is not forgiving

• All workers should know the location of the circuit breakers and shut-off switches

• Try to use the minimum number of extension cords

• Never use multi-plug adapters without fuses or circuit breakers 

• Organize regular inspections to avoid water leakage especially near the electrical installments 

• Shut down equipment immediately if you observe signs of mild shocks, overheating, sparks, or smoke 

Safe Work Practices for Employees to Avoid Electrical Hazards:

• Maintain a safe distance from loaded circuits 

• Do not touch or handle electrical equipment without disconnecting it from the power source 

• Immediately report the presence of smoke, sparks, or overheating, and never try to fix it yourself 

• If working with one hand, never place the other hand on conductive material. This way, if there is current overflow it will not pass through your chest 

• If the room is cold, use vertical panels to fix the equipment to the walls to avoid condensation

• In the case of an electric shock, do not touch equipment or the person who has been shocked. Immediately go to the plug or circuit breaker to pull it out with the leather belt 

Never underestimate the importance of OSHA regulations: these should be followed religiously. It is also important to continually educate your staff on the proper and safe use of the electrical equipment installed in the workplace. Never let a worker undertake repairs or maintenance that should be conducted by a professional electrician. Such makeshift solutions will result in huge losses, both financial and physical, and may lead to serious accident or injury.