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      • Published 24 Jan 2023
      • Last Modified 24 Apr 2024
    • 7 min

    A Complete Guide to Industrial Electrical Safety

     Industrial Electrical Safety Guide

    In this guide we will be examining the dangers of electrical equipment in factories and other industrial environments and discussing recommended methods for managing those risks and protecting the health and safety of employees, contractors and visitors.

    Electrical hazards and safety

    Almost every factory or workplace features electrical equipment of some kind. If poorly maintained, such machinery can cause serious accidents. The risks increase the larger and more powerful the equipment, making electrical safety measures even more important.

    To ensure workplace safety all wiring and circuits must be properly and fully inspected on a regular basis: this is perhaps the single most effective way to protect employees from shocks.

    What is industrial electrical safety, and why is it important?

    Industrial electrical safety is vital for preventing accidents and ensuring worker protection in environments where electrical systems are prevalent. It involves comprehensive training, regular equipment maintenance, and strict adherence to safety regulations. Electricity poses significant hazards, including arcing, fire ignition and electric shock, which can result in severe injuries or fatalities. Symptoms of electric shock range from minor discomfort to irregular heartbeat and seizures, underscoring the importance of stringent safety measures in industrial settings.

    Electrical safety at work: a checklist

    The key principles of electrical safety at work are:

    electrical safety checklist

    Although the amount and strength of electrical equipment in use vary according to industry, these principles are fundamental and apply more or less equally to hospitals, factories, offices and warehouses.

    Electrical Safety Tips for Industrial Safety

    By implementing these industrial electrical safety tips and practices, you can help minimise the risk of electrical accidents and create a safer working environment for all employees.

    Regular Equipment Inspections

    Conduct routine inspections of all electrical equipment to ensure it is safe to use. Check for any signs of damage, wear, or malfunction that could pose a safety hazard.

    Employee Training

    Provide comprehensive training to all employees who work with electrical equipment. Ensure they understand proper usage, safety procedures, and protocols for handling emergencies.

    Avoid Overloading Circuits

    Do not overload sockets or extension cables, as this can lead to overheating and fires. Distribute electrical loads evenly across circuits to prevent overload situations.

    Switch Off Equipment

    Always switch off electrical equipment when not in use or before performing any maintenance, cleaning, or adjustments. This helps prevent accidental shocks and injuries.

    Check for Hidden Cables

    Before drilling or inserting nails into walls, ensure there are no hidden cables or wiring that could be damaged. Use cable detectors or consult building plans if necessary.

    Promptly Address Faulty Equipment

    If any electrical equipment appears to be faulty or malfunctioning, immediately cease its use and have it inspected by qualified personnel. Do not attempt to repair electrical equipment unless properly trained to do so.

    Use Suitable Equipment

    Ensure that all equipment used in industrial settings is suitable for its intended purpose. Regularly check and maintain equipment to ensure it remains in safe working condition.

    Display Safety Signs and Posters

    Use electrical safety signs and posters to raise awareness among employees about potential hazards and safe work practices. Display these signs in common areas and near hazardous zones to reinforce safety protocols.

    Provide Reference Material

    Supply employees with up-to-date electrical safety handbooks and reference materials, such as the "Work Safety-Electrical Safetyand You" handbook provided by the Hong Kong Labour Department, to serve as guides for proper procedures and emergency responses.

    Invest in Safety Products

    Consider investing in electrical safety products such as insulation mats, electrical safety toolkits, portable appliance testing (PAT) kits, insulation testers, voltage indicators, lockout kits, earth testing blocks, and RCD testing devices to enhance workplace safety.

    Electrical safety equipment

    The following safety products are widely used by industrial firms to protect their machine operators and employees from electrocution and related risks.

    Electrical-Safety-Mat

    Electrical safety mats

    Also known as insulation mats or switchboard matting, electrical safetymats provide some degree of protection from high voltage discharges. They are made from insulated rubber and should be placed near potentially dangerous machinery and live switchboards.

    VDE-toolkit

    Electrical safety toolkits

    Electrical safety toolkits are used by electricians and properly qualified professionals to test and repair electrical equipment. Tools that are insulated and have VDE approval are ideal for use with electricity as they have been specifically designed to protect against the risk of an electrical shock.

    Portable appliance testing (PAT)

    Portable appliance testing (PAT)

    Portable appliance tester kits are used by electricians and properly trained workers to verify the electrical safety and working order of portable appliances, which are especially prone to wear.

    Insulation testing

    Insulation testing

    Insulation testers are handheld devices used to monitor the electrical flow within cables, motors, switches, generators and similar equipment. The electricity that escapes from insulated cables can feed back, interfering with equipment.

    Voltage indication and testing

    Voltage indication and testing

    Voltage indicators are standard safety equipment for most electricians. These handheld devices provide a quick and reliable indication of live currents in particular circuits.

    Lockout kits

    Lockout kits

    Also known as lock-offs, lockout kits are sets of tools used to cut off electrical currents and ensure the safe isolation of devices that require repair or close checking.

    Earth or ground testing blocks

    Earth or ground testing blocks

    Also known as ground terminal blocks or earth terminals, earth blocks are used to safely ground cables and wires to protect from electrical discharge or magnetic fields. Typically, they are screwed or clamped into place.

    RCD testing

    RCD testing

    Residual current devices (RCDs) automatically swift off electricity in the event of such faults as exposed wires, earthing failures or overheating – and they can save lives. Alternative names include residual circuit breakers (RCCBs) in the UK and ground fault circuit interrupters in the United States.

    Electrical safety signs & posters

    Electrical safety signs & posters

    Electrical safety posters are a convenient way to promote electrical safety and raise awareness of good working practices amongst employees. They must be reliable and accurate. Display them in common areas such as canteens and breakrooms, as well as near hazardous areas such as electrical rooms and substations.

    Safety signs provide immediate visual signals of potential electrical danger and they should be displayed in all potentially hazardous working areas. Their effectiveness will be complemented by staff training.

    Provide up-to-date electrical safety handbooks as reference material for properly trained employees and on-site electricians.

    Conclusion

    There are no shortcuts to safety. Careful planning, full training and reliable equipment are all vital. The health and safety of your employees are too important for corners to be cut. Source your safety equipment from a reliable expert in the field like RS.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Popular Electrical Safety Brands

    RS PRO

    Rs Pro

    RS Pro offers a comprehensive range of electrical safety products, including insulation testers, voltage indicators, and lockout kits. With a focus on quality and reliability, RS Pro provides solutions to ensure workplace safety and compliance with electrical standards.

    Penta

    Penta

    Penta specialises in electrical safety equipment such as portable appliance testing (PAT) kits, insulation testers, and voltage indication tools. Their products are designed to protect workers from electrical hazards and ensure the safe operation of electrical systems.

    Chauvin Arnoux

    Chauvin Arnoux

    Chauvin Arnoux is a trusted brand known for its high-quality electrical measurement and testing instruments. From multimeters to thermal cameras, Chauvin Arnoux offers a range of products designed to meet the needs of electrical professionals and ensure safety in industrial and commercial environments.