Most businesses in operation don’t pay much attention to the electrical components of commercial buildings. This could be because electrical aspects of commercial buildings are often out of sight. Electrical hazards in commercial buildings are very common. The owner or employer is primarily responsible for reducing the risk of electrical hazards in commercial buildings and making them as safe as possible.
All workplaces must provide electrical safety for guests and employees. Commercial building owners and employers must provide a safe environment for their employees and guests. Awareness of the most common and dangerous electrical hazards is key to avoiding electrical hazards in commercial spaces. It is easy to address these electrical hazards. Below is a list of common electrical hazards to commercial buildings.
Faulty electrical design
An older electrical system can be affected by a faulty electrical design. The age of the building will affect the design of an electrical system. The design of an electrical system for a commercial building will depend on its age. A building does not have to be old to have an older electrical system. It is possible that an older building’s electrical wiring might not pass an inspection due to changes in electrical standards.
These buildings have the most electrical systems, frequently modified by tenants who often move in and out of commercial buildings. It could be taken to mean many things, but the most significant change could be loose, live wires hidden behind commercial buildings’ walls. Let’s say you are unsure about the building’s age or the quality of its last inspection. To ensure that there are no major fire hazards, it is best to have the building assessed by a commercial electrician in Port Macquarie.
Equipment Safety
No matter the type of electrical equipment, it can still pose electrical hazards if it’s not used properly. Exposure to live electrical equipment can also cause serious injuries and even death. Electrical shock can cause other injuries, such as falling from ladders or scaffolds. When using electrical equipment, it is important to follow safety procedures. Safety seminars and other education sessions can be a great way to inform employees and employers about the safe handling of electrical equipment.
Another way to increase safety is to maintain and repair electrical equipment. In case of a fire, it is possible to install fire-rated access panels. This equipment is useful, especially if you need to keep electrical equipment out of the reach of tenants and employees.
Wet areas and improper handling
You might be surprised to learn that electrocuted workers are often caused by wet fingers operating an electrical circuit. It doesn’t matter if you are just flicking a switch or picking up a trimmer. Electricity and water do not mix. This type of accident can be avoided by educating yourself about safety and health. It is impossible to prevent a mistake or lapse of judgment due to stupidity. It is best to inform employees about electricity’s dangers.
Broken Wiring
If wires or cables are not working properly, they can be dangerous and should be removed as soon as possible. This includes frayed or exposed electrical wires and loose wires that require immediate replacement. Faulty or damaged wires can cause not only electric shock, but also fires. You can prevent this danger by scheduling regular inspections of your electrical wiring.
Circuits that are overloaded
Old wiring can cause overloading and pose a danger to electrical safety in commercial buildings. Circuits older than 20 years cannot handle large printers or smart devices. Older wirings often have lower amp ratings than the current-day business equipment and appliances. Electrical fires can result from overloading low-amp wiring.
