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The Ultimate Guide To Electrical Safety

November 17, 2021
by radi_admin

Electricity is the invisible force that powers our day-today lives and without it we’d be quite powerless, literally. Our contact with electricity everyday means we are exposed to its dangers as well. Every year, around 1500 people are admitted to hospital because of an electricity-related incident. A rule of thumb is if you are unsure, get a licensed electrician. Here are our tips to ensure you are protected from its dangers.

1. General Safety for the House

Indoors

The main culprits are appliances, power cords, power boards, and extreme temperatures. For appliances, make sure you keep them clean and free from any build-up of food scraps – this will prevent any malfunctioning of appliances that may lead to an electric danger. Further, turning off appliances before unplugging them will ensure you don’t get a shock.

Power cables and extension cords need to be out of the way and not resting under any furniture. This will prevent any damage to the cable so you are not exposed to any live wires. Do not twist and wind your cables causing them to overheat.

Overloading power points and power boards are a common danger. Do not try to outsmart your electrical fit out by overloading them with too many appliances. Use a power board that has surge protection, install more power points, or use any power point, and keep your appliances to away from extreme temperatures.

Outdoors

– Keep flying toys such as radio controlled planes, kites, and anything else away from powerlines. When using a ladder, take extra precautionary measures and safety equipment. Don’t try and trim your trees that are next to powerlines. Get your local council or electrician to do it.

– Don’t use electrical appliances near water such as swimming pools, ponds, or bodies of water.

– Don’t Do IT Yourself. It is tempting as it might be cheaper, but if you are unsure, again, get your sparky in and get it done with them.

2.  Safety in Extreme Weather

– Keep clear from fallen powerlines

– Trim trees and secure loose objects during extreme weather warnings

– Make sure you have surge protection systems

– After a storm be extra circumspect of loose objects and overhead debris

3. Safety Tips for Businesses

– Test your equipment regularly: having your switch-board up to current standards, for example, have a working RCD would pick up problems quicker and reduce the chance of death from electrocution.

– Old equipment should be replaced

– Use power boards instead of trying to overload power points

– Install additional power outlets rather than trying to use the same one