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ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Electricity

Numerous electrical appliances and machinery are used in this industry. Some examples include staplers and hole punches, telephones, photocopiers, computers, printers and typewriters.

The proper maintenance and installation of electrical equipment, cords and powerpoints, as well as their proper use are important factors in eliminating electrical hazards in the Office and Business Services Industry.

General safety precautions in the Office and Business Services Industry include:

• keeping equipment in working order through inspection and preventative maintenance programs;
  
  

  Use a power board with individual switches instead of double adaptors. Take care not to overload circuits and fuses by using too many appliances from the one power point.

  
  
  
• disconnection of faulty equipment and replacement of frayed cords or damaged power points;
• switching off equipment at the power point before pulling out the plug;
• keeping electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects. A damaged electrical cord can cause a fatal electrical shock;
• using electronic equipment according to its instruction booklet; and
• employing only licenced electrical workers, or workers certified competent to perform the work, to perform electrical work. This includes new electrical installations and alterations, and repairs to existing installations. An unqualified person should not be employed or permitted to undertake electrical work.

Other Hazards in the Office and Business Services Industry

At any time, other hazards may be encountered in the Office and Business Services Industry including:

• office noise;
• slipping, tripping, stumbling, falling, bumping;
• photocopier emissions and noise;
• poor ventilation; and
• lack of training in correct safety procedures.