Electrical Tools, Equipment & Appliances are just some of the items that we have made an essential aspect of our lives. Electricity has become an necessity within our everyday lives, this includes electrical power tools being used on construction sites or electrical equipment being used in an office environment. It is important to ensure that all electrical tools, equipment and appliances with an electrical cord and socket are installed and used in accordance with the legal requirements. From an operational aspect, cable management plays a vital role in the daily operations of a building. This would include any plugs being used in the kitchen area, cleaning equipment or any other power tools that will be used for maintenance purposes.

Electrical Tools Requirements

All electrical tools, equipment and appliances equipped with an electrical cord and socket need to be:

  • Numbered and placed on a checklist.
  • Inspected on a monthly basis.
  • All electrical cables/cords in all areas need to be tidy up and placed in trunking.
  • Only extend – A – plugs that have the SABS approval to be used – Plugs to be secured to the wall or workstation.

Maintaining fire safety is a crucial factor that underscores the need for proper cable management. Disorderly and entangled wires increase the likelihood of sparks and potential fires. Moreover, the presence of cable bundles on the floor can pose a safety hazard and cause employees to trip, leading to damage to connected devices and an unsafe working environment.

Checking Electrical Equipment

It is in good practice to take the following steps when electrical equipment or tools are being used within the workplace:

  • Before beginning any checks, turn off the equipment and unplug it.
  • If you have the necessary competence, verify that the plug is properly wired.
  • Verify that the fuse is correctly rated by consulting the equipment rating plate or instruction manual.
  • Ensure that the plug is undamaged and that the cable is firmly secured with no visible internal wires.
  • Inspect the electrical cable for signs of damage, and do not use insulating tape or inappropriate connectors for repairs. Any damaged cables should be replaced by a competent professional.
  • Confirm that the outer cover of the equipment is free from damage that could create electrical or mechanical hazards.
  • Look for signs of overheating, such as burn marks or staining.

Electrical Shock: First Aid

If someone has been injured due to contact with electricity, they should seek medical attention immediately. Here are some guidelines for responding to an electrical injury:

  • Do not touch an injured person who is still in contact with an electrical current.
  • If the source of the burn is a high-voltage wire or lightning, call the local emergency number and avoid getting near the wires until the power is turned off.
  • Do not move a person with an electrical injury unless there is an immediate danger.

Call emergency services immediately if the injured person experiences any of the following:

  • Severe burns.
  • Confusion.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Heart rhythm problems.
  • Cardiac arrest.
  • Muscle pain and contractions.
  • Seizures.
  • Loss of consciousness.

While waiting for medical help, take these steps:

  • Turn off the source of electricity, if possible. If not, use a dry, non-conductive object made of cardboard, plastic, or wood to move the source away from the injured person.
  • If the person shows no signs of circulation (such as breathing, coughing, or movement), begin CPR.
  • Try to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled.
  • Apply a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth to cover any burned areas. Avoid using a blanket or towel, as loose fibers may stick to the burns.

Our Services

We take the complicated world of construction and operational health and safety and make it simple. For you. Using our knowledge, our experience and our hard-won insight into the industry, we advise, guide and implement safety procedures and standards to create a world where people, simply, feel safe – in their work, in their schools, while out shopping.

Contact us to find out more:

Christof Lourens

CEO Cairnmead Industrial Consultants (Pty) Ltd

Tel: 012 346 5752 | Email: christof@cairnmead.co.za

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