Safety with Electricity

 Your health and safety is important to us and that includes your colleagues. Follow these tips to create a energy safe working environment

• If you have a faulty appliance, call a registered electrician or appliance repair technician to fix it. Trying to fix them yourself is potentially very dangerous.
• Don’t overload power points.
• Too many appliances connected to the same power point are potentially dangerous.
• Power leads in good shape? If you see broken or cracked insulation on the power lead for an appliance, don’t use it, and arrange to have it fixed.
• With light fittings, make sure the bulbs don’t exceed the recommended wattage for the fitting or the shade.
• Don’t use portable electrical appliances around water.
• Don’t overload electrical outlets with lots of plugs.
• When operating tall machinery such as cranes or climbing on top of roofs remember to look up and keep well clear of power lines.
• Check before you dig!  If you are a renovator or work for a trade that is involved in residential and commercial projects then you need to make sure you identify any underground wires or services before you start any excavation work.  Your network company should be able to assist with information on underground services.
• Beware of ladders with aluminum parts – if they come into contact with power lines they will act as conductors of electricity.  Remember it’s safer and easier to carry your ladder horizontally when moving around.