When it comes to warehouse safety, electrical safety is one of the most important factors to consider. There are a variety of potential hazards related to electrical wires and cables that can occur if electrical safety is not taken into account. These can pose a serious threat to both employees and equipment.
By taking steps to ensure electrical safety in the warehouse, you can help to avoid accidents and injuries.
7 Tips to Protect Your Warehouse From Electrical Hazard
Do you want to keep everyone safe while on the job in your warehouse? One way to do this is to check that your warehouse is up to date on all its electrical safety procedures. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
- Follow the OSHA Standards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a government agency that sets and enforces safety standards in the workplace. OSHA standards are important for your warehouse because they help ensure that your employees work in a safe and healthy environment.
By following OSHA standards, you can help prevent workplace accidents and injuries. And if you don’t follow these guidelines, you may receive a citation from OSHA.
- Don’t Overload the Circuits
When a circuit is overloaded in a warehouse, it can cause the circuit breaker to trip. This usually happens when there is too much demand for the electrical system. When the breaker trips, it cuts off the power to the area that was being supplied by that circuit.
This can cause inconvenience and lost productivity for the businesses in the affected area. Moreover, overloaded circuits can also trigger an electric fire.
- Check Grounding and Safety Features
Keep an eye on the adequacy of grounding and safety features. This can be done by looking at the conduit connections and ensuring they are up to code. Also, check that the GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) is functioning correctly.
You can always consult a consult a licensed commercial electrician regarding any update on or replacement requirement to keep your warehouse safe.
- Eliminate Damaged Wires & Outlets
Make sure to inspect all wires and outlets for damage regularly. The most durable types of cables and wires can also be frayed or torn in the long run because of being pulled, dragged, or stepped on.
Outlets can also become cracked and damaged over time. If you find any broken and damaged outlets or wires, call an electrician to replace them as soon as possible. Also, avoid outdated wiring by changing it periodically.
- Maintain and Clean Your Appliances
Well-maintained equipment is less likely to develop problems that could lead to an electrical hazard. When performing regular maintenance on machinery and equipment, check for any signs of wear and tear.
If you notice any damage, make sure to repair it immediately. It may be costly, but it’s significantly better to replace some substation connectors than have a serious electrical injury in the workplace. In addition, regularly cleaning your equipment will help to keep it in good working condition.
- Keep Water Away
Outlets and electrical equipment should be kept away from wet areas in a warehouse to avoid potential hazards. This includes keeping wires and cables away from any sources of water, as well as avoiding using extension cords in wet or damp areas. Water and electricity are a lethal combination. Keep them separate.
If your outlets are near conductors such as water pipes, they must be properly insulated to protect against shocks.
- Train Your Employees
Offer electrical safety training to all employees for everyday operations & emergencies. This way, you can create a safe workplace and be prepared for any emergencies.
Everyone must be aware of the dangers of electricity, including those who don’t work with electric equipment. Provide clear instructions on how to operate equipment safely, and have a plan in place for dealing with power outages or other emergencies.
Conclusion
Electrical safety is critical in any work environment, especially in a warehouse with many potential hazards. Taking crucial yet simple precautions can help avoid potential disasters and keep your warehouse safe. Treat these 7 tips as your 7 lifelines against any electrical accident.
Author Bio: Jeson Pitt works with the marketing department of D&F Liquidators and regularly writes to share his knowledge while enlightening people about electrical products and solving their electrical dilemmas. He’s got the industry insights you can count on along with years of experience in the field.