Electrical safety is a common practice for workers who handle and maintain electrically powered equipment. It is a set of guidelines that they adhere to in order to mitigate electrical hazards and prevent their dangerous effects in the event of an incident. Failure to follow electrical safety precautions can result in accidents, misses, or even deaths and injuries.
Electrical Hazard Detection (EHD) is a non-destructive electrical system test. EHDs are used to detect hidden electrical problems that could lead to a fire. Electrical Hazard Detection Services are done to reduce the risk of a fire.
Electricity is a hazard because it has the possibility of causing severe damage, but if managed correctly, the chances of harm are minimal. However, the severity of electrical hazards when things go wrong can be fatal or life-changing.
Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 applies to any work activity conducted in close proximity to electrical systems where danger may exist. As a result, the scope of the law does not apply only to electricians and electrical engineers, but also to mechanical engineers, construction workers, production staff, and office employees whose jobs may expose them to the dangers of electricity.
Electrical hazards may result in death or personal injury as a result of:
- Electrocution
- Electric char
- Electrical arcing or explosion,
- Electrical energy-caused fire or explosion (where any such death or accident is attributed with the generation, requirement, transmission, transition, correction, transformation, heat transfer, distribution, control, storage, measurement, or use of electrical energy).
There is undoubtedly some underreporting of electrical incidents. When it comes to electricity, many people will recall near-misses. Electric shock and arc flash are two of the most dangerous aspects of electricity (flashover). In other cases, the underlying cause is not correctly identified, and electrical energy is not recognized as the initiator of a serious outcome. However, the very low frequency of fatalities due to electrical contact can be attributed to good electrical safety management systems.
This is a favorable situation, but it can breed complacency. As electrical hazard standards have improved over the years, and the level of safety provided reduces incidence levels, people become complacent, and companies look to electrical management as a cost-cutting measure, putting us all in jeopardy.
Risk assessment, as well as method statements and standard operating procedures, are critical components of safe work systems. The risk of arc flash and arc blast is serious for those working on high-energy systems, whether at high or low voltage, and should be assessed accordingly. Working inside electrical panels, as well as any work that involves live working, should be carefully evaluated. Remember that any safety equipment provided must comply with Regulation 4(4) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
Electrical safety precautions are specific control measures put in place during the electrical hazard detection services or programs to eliminate electrical hazards and reduce the risk of electrical accidents and injuries. The safety precautions for working with electricity are determined by the job instructions and the working environment. The most fundamental electrical safety precautions, however, include clearly understanding how electricity works, identifying and eliminating electrical hazards such as poor cable management and a lack of proper housekeeping, and wearing the appropriate PPE.
Implementing and maintaining an electrical safety programe and employing electrical hazard detection services will lead to a more efficient business in the long run. Electrical Hazard detection studies also look after the Arc Flash Analysis for ensuring total safety of the power systems. An electrical safety program’s goal is to prevent incidents that result in costs and lost productivity. Employees who are hospitalized or killed are unable to continue working.
Some Common Electrical Hazards
- Wiring that is faulty or damaged:
Non-functional wires or cables should be removed immediately. Frayed, loose, or exposed wires in cables should be repaired or replaced. Electric shocks and fires can be caused by faulty wires and cables.
- Circuits that are overloaded:
If too many devices are connected to a circuit, the current will heat the wires to extremely high temperatures, potentially resulting in a fire. Arcing may occur if the wire insulation melts, resulting in a fire in the area where the overload exists or even inside a wall.
- Extreme Utilization of Extension Cords:
Extension cords are prone to developing cracks and other flaws that can cause shocks. And electrical tape will not solve these issues.
- Spilling of Water on Electrical Devices:
In the event that electrical equipment comes into contact with water, it should not be operated or even switched. Water significantly increases the risk of electrocution, especially if the equipment’s insulation is damaged.
- Incorrect Grounding:
Every electrical equipment, appliance, or device must be Earthed or grounded in order to provide a low resistance path for current dissipation into the earth. Ground fault current has a direct impact on human safety because it can cause fires and electrical shock. Furthermore, ungrounded electrical systems can be dangerous to your electronics. This critical safety feature removes excess electricity from your device, potentially saving your electronics from damage.
- Electrical Cords That Aren’t Placed Correctly:
Electrical cords should be properly installed and installed with safety in mind. They are mostly found within or near walls. There should also be no loose wires. Also, no electrical cables should be run through high-traffic areas, under carpets, or across doorways.
- Plugs with a Loose Fit:
All electrical equipment’s plugs should be firmly inserted into their respective sockets. Be aware that loose-fitting plugs have the potential to overheat and catch fire. It may be necessary to perform physical checks on a regular basis to ensure that the plug has not become loose. Be cautious when cleaning the workplace and moving equipment, which can cause the plug to come loose from the socket.
Why Should You Go For Electrical Hazard Detection Services?
Electrical Hazard Detection Services and inspections are performed by electrical service providers to ensure that a property complies with electrical safety laws and regulations. An electrical app assists these businesses in streamlining their processes, from scheduling inspections to issuing Electrical Certificates of Compliance (COC).
During an electrical inspection, a property’s electrical equipment is tested for quality and safety to ensure that it is in working order before it is used. Site walkthroughs are frequently performed in conjunction with inspections to detect and record electrical hazards. After-inspection reports should provide an overall assessment of the worksite, training provided, and equipment used, as well as general recommendations for areas for improvement. Failure to conduct regular electrical inspections can result in electric shock accidents or even death.
Following an electrical assessment, you can put in place an effective electrical safety program that will keep your employees safe from life-threatening injuries and death. Hazards in your workplace will be identified as part of your electrical assessment so that they can be mitigated. An arc flash, for example, is a dangerous release of energy caused by an electrical fault. At a very short distance from the arc, an arc flash can reach extremely high temperatures and cause fatal burns.
Thousands of arcs cause burns to electrical workers each year. A large number of these burns result in an employee being admitted to a burn center for treatment. Many of these burn victims are never able to return home. Finally, your electrical workers and their families will appreciate the safe working environment you’ve provided for them.
The electrical shock caused by the use of electrical products causes thousands of injuries and even deaths each year around the world, whether due to poor design, inadequate maintenance, or unintended use. SAS Powertech provides electrical hazard detection services and safety testing on all types of electrical and electronic products in our accredited laboratories or on-site at your location.
SAS Powertech performs electrical safety testing in our fully accredited laboratories around the world. Our engineers are capable of testing a wide range of consumer electrical and electronic equipment and products, as well as medical, industrial, commercial, and laboratory equipment.
SASPPL has been providing Electrical hazard detection services to its clients across various verticals in India & South East Asia Region. We are known for sharing findings transparently & unbiased reporting. The Electrical hazard detection services and solutions suggested by us are the most economical and have helped clients achieve predicted results