infonews.co.nz
INDEX
ELECTRICITY

Some Great Safety Tips From Comply Guy

Monday 20 April 2015, 12:42PM

By Beckie Wright

550 views

As Margaret Ivin, Managing Director of Comply Guy says, “When you believe in safety like we do, you don’t take half measures. We have incredible depth of expertise within our organisation and our vast experience means you’re in safe hands”. This month Margaret is keen to pass on some safety tips that her long experience has taught her and she has very generously listed them below so that people can make a note of them and ensure they are being observed in their workplace.

“There are a number of electrical safety hazards present in every workplace. Our dependence on electricity has contributed to an ever-increasing number of fatalities throughout the year. Recognizing the most dangerous electrical safety hazards can help people to safeguard their lives.

“Handling Electric Appliances with Wet Hands - Electricity and water form a fatal combination. A person who touches an electric socket or appliance with wet hands is asking for trouble. The danger is even greater with sweat, because salt water is an even better conductor of electricity.

“Electric Outlets Close to Sources of Water - Electric outlets in bathrooms and kitchens must be a safe distance away from the sink or shower. Ideally, all such receptacles and outdoor sockets should be RCD (Residual Current Device) protected, so that the danger of electric shocks and fires is reduced.

“Uncovered Electric Sockets around Toddlers and Babies - Young children are naturally curious. Electric outlets at knee height must be protected with plastic closures that fit snugly and cannot be removed easily. A little child who pokes a finger or object in a socket could be fatally injured in the event of an electric shock.

“Defective or Torn Electric Wires - Corroded, worn or torn electric wires can lead to electric accidents. Inspect all your wiring and cords regularly to ensure that they are in good condition.

“Working on Electric Equipment with the Power On - Whenever you attempt to do electric work, i.e. change a light bulb, ensure that all sources of electricity to the appliance are shut off, and, if possible unplug it. Make it a point to check whether the power has been turned off, rather than asking somebody else to do it.”

Many dangerous, hidden faults can only be discovered by specific electrical inspections and tests and there is no way to know that any electrical appliance is safe without electrical testing. It is imperative that people test and tag plug-in appliances (e.g. computers, heaters, leads, fans, tools, etc) for safety from electric shock and fire giving them peace of mind and compliance with the latest electrical and OHS regulations.

To this end, please go to the Comply Guy website at http://www.complyguy.co.nz and contact them today.