Today, most workstations operate on electricity. Although electrical energy helps power appliances, machinery, and bulbs, it can be potentially hazardous when handled inappropriately. Generally, your workers count on you to ensure their safety when working. Therefore, you should hire an electrical contractor to make safety upgrades that prevent electrical hazards at work. The following are ways an electrician can help you avoid electrical hazards.
1. Overload Protection
When operating numerous appliances or heavy equipment like boilers using electricity, there's often a high risk of causing fires. Since commercial systems draw a lot of power, it is important to have appropriate measures in place to keep safety and fire hazards at bay.
Your electrician may recommend rewiring the connections and installing overload protection. Surge protectors and circuit breakers disconnect electricity during surges, explosions, and other emergencies. They go a long way in protecting your employees from severe accidents.
2. Appliance Testing
Before using new appliances and machinery, consider asking your electrical contractor to conduct appliance quality tests. Testing equipment before usage rules out the risks of faults that could lead to injuries, shocks, and electrocution. The expert will analyze the new machinery to see if it meets your operation standards.
The electrician will then inspect your electrical wiring and switches to determine whether they are fit and powerful enough to support the new equipment. They can also train your employees on the proper use of the appliances and equipment after testing to minimize safety risks.
3. Extension Cord Safety
Extension cords ensure help supply electrical power where there are limited power outlets. It's important to note that these cords should only power lightweight appliances like computers. Anything classified as heavyweight should be plugged directly into the switch.
Your electrician might recommend using cord protectors to minimize the risks of electrical hazards. As cords wear out, they can expose naked wiring and cause fires and shocks. Your electrician may also inspect the cords to ensure they are in good working condition.
4. Grounding and Guarding Electrical Equipment
Grounding offers surplus electricity the shortest and safest route from the equipment back into the ground and electrical panel. Your electrician can help you ensure proper grounding to reduce the risks of electrocution. You might also want to enclose high-power appliances to prevent employees from coming into direct contact with them. The electrician can train your workers to observe various safety measures such as disconnecting machines after use. Grounding and guarding your equipment go a long way to minimizing potential hazards.
Improper handling of electrical systems can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. As a business owner, it's your duty to protect your workers by implementing these incredible measures. Therefore, consult with your electrician to find the best ways to enhance safety in your business premises.
For more information, contact an electrical contractor near you.
Does anyone really hold more power than an electrician? They bring power to your home, make sure it travels to the right appliances, and also make sure it does not harm you in the process. Their jobs are more intricate than most homeowners understand. Every day, they put themselves at risk of shock, but they know just what precautions to take to stay safe.
If you are a homeowner, at some point or another, you are going to have to hire an electrician. We created this website to give you a little more insight into their job, the projects they can handle, and what it's like to hire them.