Workplace & General Office Safety Tips

Electricity is dangerous

Electricity is dangerous

But it's still all around us every day, so we need to take precautions. This General Office and Workplace Electrical Safety Tips deal with the proper means of keeping yourself safe in an office or workplace environment.

Small things make a difference

Remember to pay attention to what's around you at all times, and treat every day like it's your first time using the electrical items in the office or workplace. If you're not sure how something works (or if it even should be plugged in), ask someone before you plug it in!

Don't overload your sockets

If you plug too many things into an outlet, the power can overload and cause a fire. A good way to avoid this is by using power strips with surge protectors. Surge protectors are designed so that if something goes wrong with any of the items plugged in, they'll shut off automatically to help prevent fires.

Don't use your hand to test for power

If something is plugged into a socket, and you're not sure if it's safe or not, there are some easy ways to check for current without damaging yourself.

Do not use objects as substitutes for a fuse

Using an object such as a pencil eraser, coins, paperclips, or a key to test sockets for power can result in a fatal shock.

Do not remove the earthing prong from your power cables

There are three prongs on a typical plug: two for current and one that is connected to earth. If you're using equipment that plugs into an outlet, make sure the third prong remains connected! Removing it will defeat the whole purpose of using a plug protector.

Don't put anything in your outlets that are not designed for them

While you might be tempted to use an outlet to charge some batteries or run an extension cord, this isn't safe at all. Doing so greatly increases the risk of fires and electrical shock injuries.

Do not allow water or other liquids near your outlets

This is especially important if you've got a lot of moisture in your area, as it can conduct electricity even better than dry things. Be sure to keep everything away from any sources of liquid to avoid this.

When working with appliances

Be careful not to overload them or allow for anything that might spark to come into contact with them. For example, you might have a dishwasher that runs at a much higher wattage than a microwave, so don't try to run both at the same time!

Be sure your work area is well lit

This will help you avoid any foreign objects or power cords on the ground, and it also makes things safer if you're trying to plug something in or unplug it. These are just some of the electrical safety tips that can be used in an office environment.

Electricity is dangerous, yet it is all around us every day

If you're not sure how something works (or if it even should be plugged in), find out before you plug it in!

Don't overload your outlets or place things in them that aren't intended for them

This is especially significant if you have a lot of moisture in your region since it can conduct electricity far better than dry materials.

Electrical fires are often caused by a lack of reasonable care in the use and maintenance of electrical equipment.

To reduce the risks of fire of explosion in the office or workplace you should ensure the following:

• Unplug your appliances when not in use.

• Keep your appliances clean and in good working order.

• Ensure electrical heaters are carefully located away from flammable material.

• Always ensure your electrical equipment is installed by a competent electrician.

• Ensure your portable electrical appliances have been portable appliance tested (PAT) and that labels with appropriate test dates are attached.

By choosing your Local Electrician Bright Spark, all electrical installations are to the Electrical Regulations BS7671, with Bright Spark being on the Electrical Safety Register, Part P compliant, and rest assured members of the NICEIC.