Safe Work Practices
The following practices may reduce risk of injury or fire when working with electrical equipment:
1) Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits
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2) Use guarding around exposed circuits and sources of live electricity
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3) Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical equipment
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4) Replace damaged sections of cable completely – never repair cuts with insulating tape
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5) If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your side or in your pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution reduces the likelihood of accidents that result in current passing through the chest cavity
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6) Perform a risk assessment to identify the hazards, the risks arising from those hazards, and the control measures you should use
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7) Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical equipment
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8) If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment
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9) If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch the equipment, cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt
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10) Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel
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11) Check that the electrical equipment is suitable for the work and way in which it is going to be used
12) Check that the equipment is suitable for the electrical supply with which it is going to be used, and the electrical supply is safe
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13) Make sure that the user of the equipment is trained to use it safely and can keep others safe
14) Make sure the user knows which personal protective equipment to wear, how to use it, and make sure they do
15) Maintain all electrical installations in good working order
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16) Electrical equipment used in flammable/explosive atmospheres should be designed not to produce sparks. Seek specialist advice when choosing this type of equipment
17) When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands are dry and, when possible, wear non conductive gloves and shoes with insulated soles
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18) Avoid overloading socket-outlets – using adapters can cause fires
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19) For portable equipment, connect to nearby socket-outlets so that it can be easily disconnected in an emergency
20) Switch off and unplug the equipment before you start any checks
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21) Ensure the fuse is correctly rated by checking the equipment rating plate or instruction book
22) Where electrically powered tools are used, battery-operated are safest
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23) Ensure there are no trailing cables that can cause people to trip or fall
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24) Stop using equipment immediately if it appears to be faulty – have it checked by a competent person
25) Ensure any electrical equipment brought to work by employees, or any hired or borrowed, is suitable for use before using it and remains suitable by being maintained as necessary.