The state’s work health and safety regulator is reminding people to be careful with electricity following a surge in the number of people experiencing an electric shock in South Australian workplaces, commonly caused by frayed cords, damaged switches and electrical appliances being used in and near water.
“If not for the presence of residual current devices or safety switches at each work site we would be seeing some very serious injuries,” said SafeWork SA’s Acting Executive Director, Ms Marie Boland.
SafeWork SA’s six tips to reduce common dangers associated with electrical items are:
- Check the electricity supply at the socket outlet is switched off before connecting or disconnecting an electrical appliance, tool, power cord or extension cord.
- Check electrical plugs are fully inserted before turning on the power - for a three phase connector make sure it is fully screwed in.
- Do not run any part of an electrical cord or extension cable through water.
- Do not operate electrical appliances/tools in wet environments.
- Check your hands are dry when handling electrical equipment, appliances and tools.
- Always inspect electrical appliances/tools for physical damage, cracks or an exposed live conductor before using them.
SafeWork SA has received more than 300 incident notifications of electric shocks in workplaces this financial year compared with 284 to the end of June last year.
The Office of the Technical Regulator, responsible for electrical regulation in South Australia, advises people to always use a licensed electrician for any electrical work as unlicensed work is illegal and extremely dangerous.
They also advise that if you experience nuisance tripping of circuit breakers, to stop using the affected appliances and call a licensed electrician.
Dimming of lights when appliances are turned on, and shocks/tingles from electrical appliances or water pipes can also be an indicator of a serious electrical fault that needs to be reported to SA Power Networks on 13 13 66.
Anyone with concerns about work health and safety in their workplace should contact SafeWork SA on
1300 365 255.
