Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Electrical safety in the Workplace

Electrical safety in the workplace should be of primary importance to all organisations; it certainly is to us. Those who are at most at risk of injury relating to electricity are maintenance staff, people working with electrical equipment and machinery, and people who work in harsh environments, such as agriculture or construction sites.

At QUEST Electrical, we take careful measures to lessen any risk to both our customers and our electrical engineers. We recommend that any employee working with electrical equipment should have relevant training, experience, and supervision. All of our electricians at QUEST Electrical have passed the ECS Health & Safety Assessment and carry ECS/JIB cards. They are also qualified to the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations.

On every project we carry out, we place primary importance on Health and Safety. When work with electricity is necessary, the best way to gain a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved is to provide our customers with specific risk assessments and method statements. These are also referred to as RAMS. Toolbox talks are also conducted before a job begins to ensure any risks are minimised.

Faulty electrical equipment, machines, or installations can lead to permanent or severe injuries or even fatalities in extreme cases. Electric shocks can also cause indirect injuries like falls from ladders or other high platforms.

Here are some common causes of electricity-related injuries:

• Faulty wiring
• Inadequate protection devices
• Underrated cables
• Mixing water and electricity
• Fuses replaced incorrectly
• Overloading plugs/sockets
• Insufficient training
• Misuse of equipment, or the use of faulty equipment

Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR)

An EICR is an official document that is provided after an assessment of an electrical installation has been carried out by an experienced qualified electrician. It is essential to have an EICR performed regularly to ensure any electrical installations are safe and fit for purpose.

Safety can be improved through regular visual checks and inspections of electrical equipment and fixed installations.

Electricity can cause a fire in a flammable or explosive atmosphere, such as spray paint booths or refuelling spaces. Electrical safety checks and tests covered under specific regulations in these areas are often referred to as ATEX or COMPEX.

For more information about EICR's, read this blog post.

Portable Appliance Testing (PAT)

Having your portable appliances tested for faults is another good way to minimise electrical risks. PAT testing is not a legal requirement, however, it can help to reduce the chance of an appliance catching fire, and conform to UK regulations, such as The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.

For more information about portable appliance testing, read this blog post.

As an electrical wholesaler, QUEST can supply, install, and maintain systems to ensure organisations of all shapes and sizes comply with legal obligations. For peace of mind and safety of yourself and your employees, contact QUEST to discuss your requirements.