Working Safe with electricity

At work, at home, at play and every places, the electricity powers our worlds. Electricity is the most common energy source used today and it is very safe as long as we remember to treat it with respect. As we know that electricity travels at the speed of light abt 186,000 miles per second. And we are aware at this speed, we do not get a warning and there is no time to react.

General Electricity safety tips:

* Keep up to date.
Always keep your home wiring record up to date. As the needs arise, it's important that your
electricity system is capable of handling these changes.

* Inspect regularly.
Whether indoor or outdoor, inspect cords and plugs regularly and replace damaged one.

* Don't overload.
Overloading means overheating and that could cause damage or fire. Also do not exceed the
recommended wattage.

* Extension cords are for temporary use.
If you must use the extension cord, make sure it is of the right capacity for the tools or
equipments. Keep slack in flexible cords to prevent tension on electrical terminals.

* Water and electricity do not mix.
Remember the water and our body are excellent conductors of electricity. If working in wet
surface, make sure the tools are equipped with circuit breakers and your body is well protected
by wearing rubber boots.

* Lock out accidents.
Whenever a repair is in place, unplug tools and equipments from the electricity source. Always
follow the lockout, tagout and grounding procedure to avoid accident.

* Wear protective clothing.
Always use insulated tools in areas where there are possible electrical hazards.

* Safety with tools.
Immediately remove tools in appliances for service if it causes shock, smokes, emits strange
odours, sparks or otherwise operate in suspicious manner.

If an accident happens, stay calm and think wisely.

- Should someone is injured by electricity, do not touch them before you sure that their body is
out of contact with electricity.

- Look for an insulator or insulated type material eg. wooden pole/stick, rubber to break the
contact the body and the electric source.

- Assess the severity inflicted, apply immediate rescue procedures if applicable otherwise seek
medical assistance immediately.

- Inform the person incharge of the accident and request for the electric supply at that particular
area to be cut off instantly

- Have the affected wiring, equipment or tools throughly checked by qualified electrician before
work can be resume.


(Copied from M3nergy's QHSE bulletin)