Electrical safety

Electricity is a familiar and necessary part of everyday life, but electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property. There are simple precautions when working with, or near electricity that can be taken to significantly reduce the risk of electrical injury to you and others around you.

Electricity

Electricity can kill and maim people by:

  • electric shock
  • burns
  • fire and explosion

The most common voltage involved in electrical accidents is 230 volts (normal mains voltage). A large proportion of electrical accidents happen to persons who are electrically skilled working on equipment falsely thought to be dead.

 

Design and construct

Equipment and systems should be selected erected and tested in accordance with appropriate standards eg BS7671 for installations up to 1000volts.

 

Maintain

There should be a systematic procedure in place to regularly check the electrical system including any portable equipment.

 

Work safely

Only competent persons should carry out work on electrical systems. Isolation and testing should take place before working on electrical equipment.

 

Resources

Key legislation