Electricity kills - however people often forget the very real hazards associated with live conductors.
There are three distinct aspects to be considered in maintaining a safe electrical supply system:
- the fixed installation, i.e. the cabling from the electricity meter to the wall mounted isolators and/or socket boxes;
- portable electrical equipment, i.e. any item that has a plug fitted to the end of the power lead or is battery powered; and
- ‘live’ work, i.e. any work by your employees which involves working in close proximity to energised bare conductors.
See the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and the Health and Safety Law Summary Sheet A6. Electricity can also be a source of ignition. It accounts for more fires starting than any other reason except arson, and requires special arrangements when used in areas with potentially flammable atmospheres. Electricity can also present a wide range of other hazards, described in Hazardous situations.