precautions while using electrical equipment

Precautions while using Electrical Equipment

Safety Rules for Working with Electrical Equipment .
11. Use a Residual Current Device
A Residual Current Device (RCD) can reduce the likelihood of an electrical injury but a shock can still cause very serious or fatal injuries, so an RCD should only be used as a secondary means of reducing the risk of people being injured by electricity. RCD s are not designed to prevent the ignition of an explosive atmosphere and should not be used for this purpose. The best place for an RCD is built into the main switchboard, as this means that the electrical supply is permanently protected. If this is not possible, an electrical socket outlet incorporating an RCD, or a plug in RCD adaptor, can also provide additional safety. If an electrical socket outlet incorporating an RCD, or a plug in RCD adaptor is used it should be tested, by the user, prior to use by operating the Test button. Faulty RCDs should not be used and either removed for use or labelled as faulty.
12. Check that the electrical equipment is in good condition
Check that the electrical equipment is in good condition. The HSE booklet Maintaining portable and transportable electrical equipment will help you do this. A fire safety plan is required by all North American national, state and provincial fire codes based on building use or occupancy types. Generally, the owner of the building is responsible for the preparation of a fire safety plan. Buildings with elaborate emergency systems may require the assistance of a fire protection consultant. After the plan has been prepared, it must be submitted to the Chief Fire Official or authority having jurisdiction for approval. Once approved, the owner is responsible for implementing the fire safety plan and training all staff in their duties. It is also the owner s responsibility to ensure that all visitors and staff are informed of what to do in case of fire. During a fire emergency, a copy of the approved fire safety plan must be available for the responding fire departments use.
13. Check that the equipment is suitable for the electrical supply
Check that the equipment is suitable for the electrical supply with which it is going to be used, and the electrical supply is safe. Electrical installations must include measure for protection against Electric Shock which can cause death by heart attack and Overcurrents which can cause fires and damage to equipment.
14. Check the electrical cable is not damaged
Check the electrical cable is not damaged and has not been repaired with insulating tape or an unsuitable connector. Damaged cable should be replaced with a new cable by a competent person. IEC 60364 is the International standard for electrical installations and the national standards in many countries is based on this. Section 41 deals with protection against electric shock and describes a number of measures that should be included in all electrical installations.
15. Check that the outer cover of the equipment is not damaged
Check that the outer cover of the equipment is not damaged in a way that will give rise to electrical or mechanical hazards. Experiments carried out on students (with medical staff standing by just in case) have shown that a current of 50mA to 500 mA flowing through the heart is enough to stop your heart. The exact current depends on the individual and the on the frequency of the electrical supply 55Hz supplies can kill you at slightly lower currents than DC supplies or high frequency supplies.
16. Electrical Safety Precautions
Avoiding electrical hazards associated with electrical heat tracing requires protectivemeasures in several different areas. A designer/installer must pay attention to circuitand equipment identification, analysis of hazards and exposure to those hazards,warnings, listing, and labeling. The designer/installer must also consider the me chanics of establishing an electrically safe work condition.
17. Never neglect electric repairing tasks
It is a common tendency for many to ignore small frays, or a tiny spark, that might be visible whenever an electronic appliance is switched on. These apparently minor problems can, however, go on to assume serious proportions later, with possibly fatal consequences. Check all the electronic wires at your home on a periodic basis, for probable signs of damages, or wear and tear. If you detect anything that requires attention, get in touch with an electrical contractor as soon as possible.
18. Turn off switches before working on electrical gadgets
You might be pretty much conversant with the operations of domestic electronic appliances, but that does not make working on live wires advisable. If you feel you need to take a look at any particular functional part of your television, mixer, fan, or any other electronic gadget, make it a point to switch off the concerned equipment first. The same should remain a priority, even when you avail the services of a professional contractor.
19. Do not put excessive load on any particular circuit
Using a multi plug to operate several electronic appliances from a single point is, seemingly, a convenient proposition. However, such arrangements are fraught with risks too. If a circuit gets overloaded, both your personal health, as well as your valuable appliances, might get adversely affected. Check the electric ratings of each of the gadgets that you plan to use, before deciding whether it would be advisable to operate them from the same board.
20. Never bring liquids in close proximity of wires
Do not put your own safety at risk, by keeping a glass of drinks on your computer desk. Having refreshments while working on an electronic gadget is NEVER a good idea. Chances of the liquid getting spilled on the wires remain, which can increase the risks of electrocution. Keep water bottles, tea cups and drinks glasses away from your electronic tools, and keep yourself safe.