Workplace Health and Safety

Workplace Health and Safety Student Program
Electrical and Electronics Industry (Continued)

Common Hazards

There are common hazards that exist in the Electrical and Electronics Industry. It is important to learn about these hazards and how to work safely in these environments.

Within this industry you may be involved in a range of work activities such as using measuring instruments, soldering, using hand, power and specialist tools, and constructing circuits.

Only licenced electrical workers can legally perform electrical work. This includes new electrical installations and alterations, and repairs to existing installations. You should not undertake these tasks unless you hold an electrical worker's licence.

Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is a key step in preventing injury and disease in the workplace. Where there's a risk, you need to stop and think. You need to think about what you are about to do, the potential risks and the likely effects on yourself and other people.

The 3 Step Approach to Hazard Identification:

1. Spot the hazard.

Be alert at work! Notice potential hazards and work out what the problem is.

2. Assess the risk.

Talk to your supervisor about the hazard and work out a way to solve the problem.

3. Make the changes.

Follow through. Carry out the agreed actions in order to solve the problem.

Electrical Hazards

It is important that every electrical worker works in a safe manner, not only for his or her safety, but also the safety of others.

Working safely includes the work procedure, the type of tools used and the type of clothing worn.

Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of an electrical circuit and the current flows through their body. A fatal shock is called electrocution.

The most common cause of electrocution in the workplace is contact with overhead wires. This is because people can misjudge heights and distances between the ground and overhead wires when carrying equipment like poles and ladders, or operating equipment with height extension such as cranes.

Accidents and deaths can also result from equipment becoming "live" due to electrical faults, lack of maintenance or short circuit.

Electrical accidents are most often caused by a combination of factors such as:

a lack of training;
a lack of supervision;
inadequate work practices;
unauthorised electrical repairs
poorly maintained equipment or installation; and
a hazardous workplace environment.

General safety precautions:

Keep your appliances in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs.
Disconnect broken appliances and have frayed cords or broken power points replaced.
Even after a piece of electrical equipment, appliance or machine has been disconnected from the power source, it may still partially operate. This is because of stored energy within the equipment. After disconnecting the power source, activate the machine or appliance to release the stored energy.
Always switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug.
Keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects. A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electric shock.
Know the location of your main electricity supply.
Check the location of overhead wires and stand clear of any fallen power lines.
Use your appliance correctly. Read the instruction booklet and follow all instructions.
Electricity and water don't mix. Bare feet and wet skin lower the body's electrical resistance. Keep electrical appliances away from water and wet areas.

Apprentices and trainees must be supervised at all times by a qualified electrical worker.

Don't overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point. Don't use double adapters to "piggy back" plugs. Use a power board with individual switches.

Only licensed electrical workers can be legally contracted to perform electrical work. This includes new electrical installations and alterations, and repairs to existing installations. An unqualified person should not be employed to undertake electrical work.