Electrical inspection checklist for a safe workplace

Your employees might be quick to point out a leaking roof or slippery floor, but when it comes to faulty electrical appliances or fittings in the workplace, lurking dangers often go unnoticed, so an electrivcal inspection is vital.

To prevent serious injury, and ensure that you are meeting your OH&S requirements, a workplace electrical inspection checklist is a must. Here are some basic points to get you started.

Electrical safety test starts with staff

Having your entire staff clued up on electrical safety is an important step in maintaining a safe workplace. Make electrical safety part of your OH&S induction program, and get everyone involved in completing an electrical inspection checklist every six months.

Electrical inspection, tag and maintain

For absolute peace of mind, get an electrical contractor to iperform an electrical inspection and tag all your electrical appliances. Make sure electrical inspection tags are clearly visible, and note on your calendar when follow-up inspections are due.

Power points and switches

Make sure all your office switches and power points are easily accessible and in working order as part of an electrical inspection. Check for obvious problems such as broken switches, loose cover panels and exposed wiring. Plugs should also be pushed firmly into their sockets.

Electrical inspection and appliances

First ask yourself whether electrical appliances are being used in a safe and sensible manner. If the photocopier is doubling as a doorstop, or the jaffle maker is perched precariously on the edge of a sink, then the answer is 'No'.

• Keep electrical appliances well away from moisture and combustible material
• If your office is prone to dust, wipe down equipment regularly
• Make sure that air vents and fans are free from obstruction
• Check that safety covers and guards are in place
• Clearly mark any faulty or damaged appliances and promptly remove them from use

Electrical inspection and power boards and leads

Often, the biggest hazard created by power leads has nothing to do with electricity – it's tripping. So keep leads well away from thoroughfares and avoid using extension cords that are longer than necessary. Also check for:

• Signs of damage or strain
• Loose or bent pins
• Worn insulation or burn marks

Be sensible when using power boards – don't connect more appliances than they're designed to handle, and make sure they have overload protection.

A smart move

Completing an electrical checklist is a simple way to identify any issues with your electrical equipment before they cause problems. But there are many other benefits:

• Ensures safety of staff, customers and potential visitors
• Staff will maintain a greater awareness of potential dangers
• Fulfils your OH&S obligations
• Improves premises by removing 'messy' cables and impediments
• Shows staff that you take their safety seriously.

If in doubt, call an electrical contractor

Modern workplaces demand increasingly complex electrical wiring. Your office may have a set-up that requires expert advice, so an electrical checklist tailor-made for your business is important.

Speak to an electrical inspection contractor today about how to adhere to an electrical inspection checklist.