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Ways you and your electrician can stay safe while working with electricity
February 10, 2023
Nothing is more important than safety, especially when dealing with electricity.
Homeowners should never attempt to do any electrical work on their own because of the danger involved, while electricians have a responsibility to ensure they’re doing everything they can to protect not only themselves but also those around them.
By following a few basic rules when working with electricity, both homeowners and electricians can stay safe.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some easy steps you and your electrician can take to make sure everyone stays safe in electrical matters.
Had an electrical emergency?
The first thing you should do is call Triple Zero (000) if you or anyone else around you is in immediate danger. The second is to call a local electrician.
Homeowners should never attempt electrical work themselves, as it can be dangerous and potentially result in serious injury or even death.
Instead, you must choose a licensed and qualified electrician to perform any electrical work in your home.
A professional electrician has the training, experience, and knowledge to safely handle dangerous electrical systems and components. This ensures that the electrical work is completed correctly and meets local safety codes and regulations.
Safety tips while you wait for your electrician
Whilst you must never DIY any electrical work, there ARE a few simple steps you can follow while you’re waiting for your emergency electrician to assist you on-site.
- If possible, turn off the power to the affected area to prevent electrical shock or injury
- Do not touch electrical equipment or wiring
- Keep children and pets away from electrical equipment and cords
- Do not attempt to repair or replace electrical equipment yourself.
It’s important to take electrical safety seriously and not take any unnecessary risks.
Safety precautions your electrical will always follow
Once your electrician arrives, they too will follow a range of safety procedures and precautions to protect themselves, you, and your home when working with electricity.
Our licenced and qualified electricians in Moorabbin will:
- Wear protective gear where required, such as rubber gloves
- Keep electrical equipment and cords away from water and damp areas
- Turn off the power before attempting to repair or replace electrical equipment
- Never use electrical equipment with damaged cords or insulation
- Use properly rated safety switches to protect electrical equipment and wiring
- Never overload electrical outlets or extension cords
- Use caution when working near overhead power lines
- Keep electrical equipment and wiring away from flammable materials
Why is safety important for electrical work?
Safety is extremely important in electrical work due to the potential dangers and risks associated with electrical systems and components.
Electricity can cause serious injury or death, and electrical malfunctions can result in fires and other dangerous situations.
There are a range of safety hazards associated with electrical work, including:
Electrocution hazards
Electricity can cause serious injury or death if it comes into direct contact with the body. The most common electrocution hazard arises from contact with exposed wires, faulty outlets and defective electrical appliances.
Proper caution must be taken when working around such dangers to avoid any potential shock or injury.
Fire hazards
Electrical fires are a major hazard when dealing with electricity. They can start in outlets, appliances, switches, extension cords and circuit breakers. Faulty wiring and overloading circuits are the most common causes of electrical fires.
Shock hazards
Electrical shock can occur if electrical equipment or wires come into contact with water, or if someone touches electrical equipment while standing in water.
Burn hazards
Electrical burns can occur if skin comes into contact with electrical equipment or wiring that is damaged, frayed, or otherwise exposed.
How can we prevent electricity hazards?
The simplest and most effective way you as a home or business owner can prevent electrical hazards is by engaging a licensed and qualified electrician for all manner of electrical work.
From LED lighting and electrical wiring in Melbourne to rapid-response repairs for unexpected electrical emergencies, your electrician has the skill and knowledge to safely solve your problems.
The risks around DIY electrical work are too high; furthermore, doing your own electrical work is illegal in Victoria.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to minimise the risk of electrical hazards in your home:
- Check all electrical wires and outlets for any damage or defects before use
- Regularly inspect the wiring in your home to ensure it is up-to-date and maintained correctly
- Keep an eye out for fraying or loose cords; stop using them and discard immediately, replacing them with a new product that meets safety requirements.
- Avoid overloading outlets with multiple plugs and cords
- Unplug appliances when they are not in use to reduce the risk of fire or electric shock in your home (this can also help you save power!)
- Protect kids with electrical outlet covers where appropriate
- Do not place any objects, furniture, curtains or clothing near heating appliances
- When in doubt, call an electrician!
Ensure safety in your home with help from our expert electrical team
Concerned about the state of some of your electrical fittings or fixtures? Been putting off repairs for far too long? Searching for a local emergency electrician Cheltenham team in Melbourne for electrical maintenance?
Even if you’re an enthusiastic DIY-er, the most important takeaway is that only a qualified and licensed electrician can ever perform any sort of electrical work in your home (or workplace).
So before you pick up that screwdriver, give us a call instead. Our skilled team is here to help, providing insight, guidance, and services that restore safety and functionality to your home.
Give our team a call today on 1300 PROKOP (1300 776 567) or request a booking online.
