Fire and Electrocution are the two main hazards associated with Office
Electrical Safety. Overloaded circuits can also cause power loss, work
interruptions, and loss of productivity. A “rats nest” of tangled
electrical cords not only creates a fire hazard but also a personal
injury risk from slips / trips / falls. Many personal offices, cubicles,
and work areas are not set up to handle the additional electrical load
from items such as space heaters, fans, coffee makers, and printers.
NEVER “daisy chain” power strips and extension cords.
Always check for damaged cords and replace if necessary.
Do not run cords across walkways and door. They may cause tripping hazards.
Do not overload circuits with too many plugs.
Never pull a plug out by the cord always grip it firmly at the base.
Keep all cords away from extreme heat of fires.
Never touch an exposed electrical wire.
Be sure there is no water leaking on or near electronic devices.
Do the Math If you are going to use extension cords, power strips, or surge
protectors with two or more appliances, you must add together the
wattage rating for all appliances used on the cord. Add up all the power
requirements. This total should not exceed 80 percent of the rated
capacity of the extension cord, power strip, or surge protector you are
using.
Hair dryer 1,600 Portable heater 1,500
Vacuum cleaner 600 Portable fan 150
Television 150 Hot Plate 1,200
Light bulbs 40, 60, 75, or 100 Coffee Pot 1,200
Check with your maintenance or facility manager to be sure it is safe
and acceptable to connect accessory devices and equipment in your work
area.
Electrical Safety Checklist for Office Workers
In studies it was analysis that every year many workers are disabled due to serious shock and burn injuries. Almost every process in any office today relies on equipment that runs on power and is potentially hazardous if improperly used or not maintained regularly. Does your office culture ensure electrical safety from hazards that expose workers to shocks, fires, and burns caused by faulty electrical wiring, unsafe installations, frayed cords, substandard power trips, and defective equipment?
Print this checklist, pin it to your bulletin board and follow it to keep your office safe from electrical hazards:
Ensure that every single piece of equipment, machine, and device is double insulated and appropriately grounded.
Make sure that no outlet is overloaded at any time.
Do not plug bars with multiple outlets to other multi-outlet bars.
Do not use any equipment with wet hands.
Check all the power strips to ensure they are not overloaded and place them in well-ventilated areas for adequate heat dispersion.
Never plug grounded cords into UN-grounded outlets.
Do not bind or knot electrical cords and do not hide them under carpets where chairs can roll over them.
Unplug every device and gadget when it is not in use to save more energy and eliminate the risk of fire and shocks.
Use the correct couplers, connectors, and electrical wires and cables to join lengths instead of taping any joints.
Have every installation checked and maintained periodically by a competent electrician.
Cut off power in an emergency situation.
Ensure that fuses are correctly fitted and functional at all times.
Inspect fixed installations for visible signs of damage and defects that can lead to danger.
Do not use any equipment near hot surfaces or wet areas.
Always unplug electrical cords by gripping the plug. Never pull the cord because this can be hazardous.
Make sure there are no electrical cords running through high-traffic areas and pedestrian aisles.
If any piece of equipment or machine is making unusual sounds; emitting smoke or sparks; or the surface feels abnormally hot, do not ignore the signs and report the matter immediately.
Ensure that every piece of equipment, cable, cord, outlet, and power strip being used in the office is from a reliable brand and approved by a national testing laboratory.
Disconnect and unplug every piece of equipment and machinery that is being repaired or serviced.
Even when a surge protector is employed for protection, have an electrician test whether the circuit is efficiently handling the electric load.
Even if an outlet can supply power to multiple appliances, never use two high wattage appliances simultaneously.
If any additional outlet needs to be installed in the office, hire a licensed and certified electrician for the purpose.
If any cord is twisted, frayed, cracked, or damaged, replace it immediately.
Unless a plug is the molded type, have every portable gadget and device labeled as double insulated with the live and neutral connected appropriately.
Every time an RCD (residual current device) trips, check the entire system for flaws before you put it to use again, And if the RCD trips frequently, have it inspected by an experienced technician.
Electrical hazards cause many fires incident every year that results to many serious injuries and deaths, over and above property damage that runs huge loss of money. Proper employee training and use of personal protective equipment play a crucial role in avoiding electrical fatalities every day at work. Fortunately, most of the electrical hazards can be easily controlled with a little caution and periodic checks. This should include a standard system of visual inspection and testing of electrical materials wherever necessary. Workers can help by reporting any defect or damage they come across.
In studies it was analysis that every year many workers are disabled due to serious shock and burn injuries. Almost every process in any office today relies on equipment that runs on power and is potentially hazardous if improperly used or not maintained regularly. Does your office culture ensure electrical safety from hazards that expose workers to shocks, fires, and burns caused by faulty electrical wiring, unsafe installations, frayed cords, substandard power trips, and defective equipment? 
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