Workplace Health and Safety

Workplace Health and Safety Student Program
Metal and Engineering Industry

1. More About General Electrical Safety Precautions

General Electrical Safety Precautions

Keep appliances in safe working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs;
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;
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.

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; and
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. Return to the Metals & Engineering Package