Managing Electrical Safety Risks Basics...
Electricity is a powerful and essential part of our daily lives, but it can also be dangerous if not handled properly. Electrical safety risks can range from minor shocks and burns to more serious injuries such as electrocution and fires. It is important for individuals and organizations to understand and manage these risks in order to prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe.
One of the most important steps in managing electrical safety risks is to ensure that all electrical equipment is properly installed and maintained. This includes ensuring that all electrical wiring is up to code and that all electrical equipment is free from damage and wear. Also, it is also important to make sure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded to reduce the risk of shocks and electrocution. A licensed electrician will follow National Electric Code (NEC).
Why should we follow the NEC? The process of making NEC code involves thousands of people and hours to develop the proper codes as shown below:
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According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are an average of 51,000 electrical fires in the United States each year. These fires cause an average of 490 deaths, 1,400 injuries, and $1.3 billion in property damage. To minimize the risk of electrical fires, it is important to regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems, including circuit breakers and fuses. This includes replacing any equipment that is damaged, worn, or outdated, as well as ensuring that all electrical systems are properly rated for the amount of power they are expected to handle. Typically, manufacturers, such as ABB, will provide the information on the operation of their product.
Eventually, you may have an electrical incident. You will need to have a plan in place for responding to electrical emergencies. This includes having emergency contact information readily available, as well as having a plan for shutting off power in the event of an emergency in your home, office, or facility. An article from Fobes provides a checklist to hire an electrician found here "How To Hire An Electrician: Checklist And Tips" .
To conclude, electrical safety risks require a combination of proper equipment maintenance, electrical education, and emergency planning. By taking these steps, individuals and organizations can help to ensure a safe and incident-free electrical environment.