What would our modern lives be without – Electricity? Well, for me without electricity there’ll be no cable TV, internet, refrigerator, and microwave ovens! Just think of a world without electricity. Without it, we would not be able to enjoy our daily, modern lives. So, we’d better thank the likes of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, and other great inventors for discovering electricity. But, while electricity has indeed literally energized our lives, it also comes with its own set of hazards and risks. Thus, electrical safety us a must, especially for workers who are exposed to handling and maintaining electrically-powered equipment. Let’s look at the immense value, and benefit, of undergoing training in EEHA Australia.
What are the Various Electrical Hazards?
Working around electricity can be fun, and interesting, as well as safe if everyone in the workplace properly identifies and controls the various hazards. However, the lack of experience, inadequate training, and the failure to recognize all the potential risks and hazards could result in electric shock or death.
According to occupational safety experts, the construction industry is perhaps in the most danger from electrical hazards, as these types of hazards account for a whopping 52% of all electrical fatalities.
Most of these accidents and fatalities are usually caused by direct worker contact with overhead power lines, as well as contact with tools, machines, and hand-carrier metallic objects or items.
When it comes to overhead power lines, these often have very high voltages which can cause major burns and electrocution to workers. If you’re working with overhead power lines, make sure you maintain a minimum distance of at least 10 feet from the power lines and nearby equipment.
In addition, safety barriers and signs must also be installed to warn you, and the other nearby non-electrical workers or personnel of the risks and hazards that are present in the area.
Exposure to damaged or improperly handled electrical tools and equipment can also be a dangerous thing. Thus, do not fix anything unless you are qualified to do it. And, make sure you thoroughly check for cuts, cracks, or abrasions in wires, cords, and cables. In case you spot these defects, then have them repaired or replaced. And if possible, you and your co-workers should get the appropriate eeha Australia training too.
Inadequate wiring and overloaded circuits can also cause electrocution, overheating and fires. To prevent these from happening, make sure you and your co-workers use the correct wire that’s suitable for the operation, and the electrical load to work on too.
Make sure you use the correct extension cord too, one that’s designed for heavy-duty use. In addition, do not overload an electrical outlet, and use the appropriate circuit breakers. Also make sure you and your co-workers perform regular fire risk assessments to effectively identify the areas that are at risk of bad or inadequate wiring and circuits.
Exposed electrical parts and circuits are also a major hazard. Examples of these include temporary lighting, open power distribution units, as well as detached insulation parts on electrical cords.
These electrical safety hazards can cause potential shocks, burns, and electrocution. This, make sure you secure these items or parts with the proper safety equipment or guarding mechanisms, and always check for any exposed parts that need to be repaired or replaced quickly.
Improper grounding is also one of the most common occupational safety and health violations. Proper grounding can reduce or eliminate unwanted voltage, as well as reduce the risk of shocks, burns and electrocution. And, never ever remove the metallic ground pin, because it’s the one responsible for returning unwanted voltage to the ground.
Defective or damage insulation is also a major electrical hazard. Thus, be aware of the damaged insulation and report it to your supervisor or safety officer. Also make sure you turn off all power sources before replacing damaged insulation, and never ever make an attempt to cover these with electrical tape!
And, before I forget, never ever operate electrical equipment in wet conditions or locations. This is because water increases the risks of electrocution, especially if the equipment has loose or damaged insulation. Also, have a qualified electrician inspect all the equipment that has gotten wet before powering it on. And to make your work environment a truly safe, I strongly suggest that all of you get the proper eeha Australia training.
EEHA Basics
Okay, now let’s delve deeper into what EEHA is all about. According to occupational safety and health experts, EEHA is the abbreviation for Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Areas. A hazardous area is defined in Australia’s National Electrical Code (NEC) as “places where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases, flammable liquid-produced vapors, combustible liquid-produced vapors, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers and flyings that are present in the air in quantities that are sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures”.
Because of the significant, and potentially dangerous, features in these areas, the specific electrical equipment that’s needed should be assembled properly, and indicatively, as well as tested according to the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements. This help to make sure that the equipment won’t cause a fire or explosion.
Now, Australia is actually far from new because it was first introduced when electrical equipment like lights and motors became commonly utilized in places like coal mines. It was soon found out that these items could potentially cause lethal explosions and fires.
By the time electricity was introduced in coal mines, and other workplaces, the hazards of a potential mix of combustible gases and vapors were thoroughly understood. Today, Australia is conducted not just in mining operations, but also in industrial plants like refineries, chemical plants, construction sites, and other major work environments or locations where handling immense quantities of flammable liquids and gases (as well as electrical parts and circuits) creates risks of major leaks and explosions.
Once a worker completes the eeha Australia, he or she will gain the skills needed to take appropriate action to limit the risk of an explosion, safely install and maintain electrical equipment, complete maintenance work inspections and documentation, conduct testing, select and check equipment, wiring, and accessories.
