Charged Up About
Electrical Safety
Electricity is essential to every recycling operation, but it can be a serious workplace hazard, potentially causing fires or explosions and exposing employees to shocks, burns, and electrocution.
May is National Electrical Safety Month, so it’s a great time to raise awareness on how to avoid the potential hazards of electric cables, equipment, and power lines. Here are some basic safety tips to help you minimize the risk of electricity-related accidents and injuries:
■ Before using electric tools or equipment, check the cables, wires, and cords for cracks, cuts, and abrasions. Remove damaged tools and equipment from service until a qualified technician can repair them. If the item cannot be repaired, discard it. Follow lockout/tagout procedures before undertaking any electrical maintenance or repairs on electric equipment.