4 Questions to Ask when Hazard Spotting Electrical Safety

  1. Are all electrical covers, cords, outlets, conduits, etc are in good condition – no loose wires, frayed wires, broken conduits or open electrical boxes?  Is all permanently installed electrical equipment hardwired to a connector box and not connected via a plug? Are flexible cables kept to a minimum, no longer than needed, not coiled while in use and not used to suspend equipment?
  2. Are the electrical control room (ECR) is clean, dry, good repair, no storage of material, no metal ladders?  Are all boxes and panels closed and all switches labeled? Is all electrically operated equipment is marked consistent with the ECR labels?
  3. For working on electrical systems, are there no locks without tags, the proper lockout of equipment, tried out before commencing work and correct PPE provided for operating switch-gear (flameproof smock, insulated gloves and face shield)?
  4. Do contract electricians comply with your site procedures, regulatory codes and using proper equipment and PPE?  Is live electrical work prohibited without a high-level permit? Do all employees and contractors show due respect for electrical hazards?  Is access to ECRs or any other work on live systems effectively restricted to qualified and competent people?