Electrical safety is a fundamental aspect of custodial job duties, playing a crucial role in safeguarding both personnel and property. Custodial staff are frequently exposed to various electrical hazards while performing their duties. Understanding and adhering to electrical safety practices are essential to mitigate the risk of accidents and injuries.
Electrical Hazards
- Electric Shock
- Custodial staff may encounter the risk of electric shock when working with electrical equipment or in proximity to exposed wiring, potentially leading to severe injuries or even fatalities.
- Arc Flashes
- Sudden releases of energy due to electrical faults can result in arc flashes, emitting intense heat, light, and pressure waves that can cause severe burns and other serious injuries.
- Overloaded Circuits
- Plugging too many devices into a single outlet or circuit can overload the system, leading to overheating, electrical fires, and potential harm to people and property.
- Exposed Wires
- Damaged or frayed wires pose a significant risk of electrical shock or fire if touched or inadvertently contacted by individuals during job tasks.
- Wet Conditions
- Cleaning activities involving water or other liquids can create wet conditions, increasing the risk of electrical shock due to the conductivity of water, particularly if electrical equipment or outlets are not properly insulated or protected.
Safe Work Practices
- Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI)
- Ensure all electrical equipment used during cleaning tasks is plugged into GFCI-protected outlets to help prevent electric shocks in wet environments.
- Inspect Electrical Cords and Plugs
- Regularly check cords and plugs for signs of damage, such as fraying or exposed wires, and promptly replace any defective equipment to prevent fire hazards and electrical shock.
- Avoid Overloading Circuits
- Be mindful of the power requirements of electrical equipment and avoid plugging multiple devices into the same outlet or circuit to prevent overloading, overheating, and potential fires.
- Practice Proper Cord Management
- Use extension cords only when necessary, and avoid creating tripping hazards by securing cords away from walkways. Never run cords under rugs or carpets where damage may go unnoticed.
- Extinguishing Electrical Fires
- Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. ABC fire extinguishers are effective for these types of fires. Only attempt to extinguish a fire if you are properly trained and feel comfortable doing so.
Other Safety Tips
- All University employees must comply with safe electrical work practices.
- Always perform a thorough check on all equipment, cords, extension cords, and GFCI outlets before using the equipment.
- Ensure your hands are not wet when plugging/unplugging equipment.
- Never daisy-chain (plugging into each other) multi-outlet strips or extension cords.
- Always be aware of electrical hazards and know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Report unsafe electrical conditions to your supervisor immediately.
Be safe today and remain a Buckeye tomorrow.