Electrical safety

Just follow some simple rules to avoid the dangers of electrical accidents and fire.

Water - Never:

  • touch anything electrical with wet hands or feet
  • use any electrical appliance near water
  • use portable heaters in bathroom areas. Instead, install a strip heater or ceiling unit by a registered contractor.

Electric shocks

Electric shocks are not always fatal. However, they may stop the heart, cause burns, force muscles to contract and paralyse breathing. Often shock victims cannot let go of the appliance that is passing the current to the body

What to do if you witness an electric shock:

  1. Switch off the power and pull out the plug, so long as there is no danger of you also being electrocuted.
  2. If you cannot turn the appliance off, use heavy duty insulating gloves or something made of rubber, dry cloth or cured dry wood to free the shock victim (do not use wet or recently sawn wood as this can contain sap that will conduct electricity). It may be safe to use their clothing but only if it is dry.
  3. Protect yourself and any bystanders from the possibility of further shocks.
  4. Don’t touch the shock victim’s skin until they are free of the current.
  5. Seek immediate medical assistance for the victim.
  6. If you are trained in resuscitation techniques, and choose to attempt resuscitating the victim, ensure that they are no longer in contact with the electrical current before you doing so.
  7. Never attempt to rescue a person where a high voltage electrical current is involved.

Underground cables and pipes

Before any of your employees or contractors start excavating, you must:

  • Make sure you comply with laws and regulations
  • Identify and locate the position of all gas, electricity, water and other underground services (such as telephone) to and within the property
  • Record and keep details of where the services are located
  • Use a registered electrical contractor to help you locate electrical cables, if necessary.

Before You Dig or dial 1100.

Free service across Australia to help identify and locate underground networks at your site.

 
Supply chain