With the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reporting that there are over 1000 electrical accidents each year and of these 1000, 25 result in death, it is vitally important that businesses are aware of electrical safety.
With this in mind PAT Testers has produced a top ten list that will help you to keep electrical safety at the forefront of your business and ensures that all your employees are able to work in a safe environment.Ensure that you and your workers follow these top ten tips and you will be aiding safety in your working environment.
- Ensure that all portable equipment is close to the plug socket supplying the electricity, so that you can remove power from a device quickly.
- Ensure that power switches are clearly identifiable and employees are aware of their location.
- Faulty equipment should have ‘Do Not Use’ clearly placed on it and a ‘Failed PAT Testing label’ on the plug until the equipment can be removed or repaired by a qualified person.
- Ensure that when equipment is unplugged from a socket, it is not removed by pulling the cable.
- All electrical appliances should be switched off and unplugged from the wall before they are cleaned.
- All frayed or worn cables must not be used and should be replaced by a competent person.
- Do not overload sockets with appliances as this can cause overheating and increases the risk of fire.
- Always use the lowest possible voltage for any appliances you are using.
- Ensure that all equipment is installed by a qualified person.
- Ensure that all your appliances are safe by having them regularly PAT tested by a competent PAT Testing technician using calibrated PAT Testing equipment. This helps you maintain a safe working environment and comply with the Electricity at Work Regulations.
For information on training your employees to PAT test your workplace visit our sister PAT Training Website for courses and training literature.
