Electrical Safety
Nearly every 30 minutes, a worker in the U.S. is severely injured by electricity. Educating your employees about the power of electricity is the key to keeping them from becoming statistics. Here are the basics for working safely around electricity.
- Do not overload plugs with multiple power cords.
- When unplugging, always pull the plug and not the cord.
- Check power cords and plugs regularly and replace worn ones immediately.
- Use extension cords only on a temporary basis.
- Never break off the third prong on a plug.
- Keep power cords away from heat and water.
- Always tape – never nail or staple – cords to walls or floors.
- Disconnect any electrical device – tools, computers, etc. – from the power source before doing any type of repair or adjustment on the device.
- Never use anything – a tool, plug, cord or outlet – with exposed wiring.
- Always comply with manufacturer recommendations about wattage, fuse size and amperage for all electrical equipment.