When it comes to safety, it’s the little things that you do every day that can make a difference to avoiding potential disaster.

Reviewing how you look after and use your electrical equipment is one good habit to adopt. Good safety habits are essential to avoiding dangers like electric shock, thermal burns, electrocution and even fire.

Here are a few tips to help minimise risk and harm at work:

• Ensure electrical equipment is in good working order. Inspect for frayed wires, burnt plugs, nozzles and other attachments. Ensure equipment is in good condition.
• Ensure equipment is turned off when plugging into the power sources and when unplugging.
• Ensure that the power point is switched off before removing equipment plug.
• Never overload electrical boards. Piggy-backing of adaptors is prohibited.
• Ensure that leads are not lying in hazardous areas. Where possible, work closely to the power outlet, and/or use lead stands to ensure leads are not stepped on or damaged by other people or equipment in the area.
• Always use electrical and other types of tools for the task they were designed for. Use according to manufacturer’s instructions and with correct fittings.