At Local Specialist Maintenance Solutions, we specialise in providing high-quality electrician services to the people of Newcastle. As our business has expanded, we have diversified the skillset in our business to provide auto electrician, auto locksmith and domestic locksmith services as well.
Electrical Hazards and Electrical Safety in the UK
Electricity can be dangerous and can even be fatal. You may not think electricity can be hazardous, but many things can challenge electrical safety. One of the most common hazards is the danger of faulty wiring and poor electrical installations. Check out this article if you are looking for ways to protect yourself against electrical hazards.
Electricity is a great energy source, but it can also be lethal. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 4,000 people seek treatment yearly for electrical outlet injuries. That number sounds small, but it is not. If your business is responsible for the maintenance and repair of electrical equipment, you should make it a point to keep yourself and your employees safe. The most effective way to protect yourself from an electric shock is never to touch the power source. In addition, be sure to keep your distance from the person receiving the shock. Also, remove any live parts from your circuit. The most common electrical fatalities happen when an electrical flashover occurs, and a short circuit between conductors usually causes this. Although the voltages are typically low, these accidents can be deadly.
Another potential culprit is high voltage. This type of electricity can jump distances of several metres. Not only can a high-voltage explosion cause damage to eyesight and hearing, but it can also cause serious injuries, such as burns and punctures. Keeping a close eye on the voltage can help ensure you are not a victim of electrocution. Some examples of high-voltage sources are overhead power cables and bus bars. Besides the fact that electricity can kill or injure you, it can also damage your property. Make sure that your house meets UK Electrical Safety Regulations. You should also ensure that your workers are adequately trained and equipped to handle the equipment they are working on. The best thing you can do if you are tasked with replacing an electrical item is to find out how to do it properly. A poorly installed outlet or circuit can cause arcing, overheating, or electrical fires.
Common Electrical Faults In Newcastle Households
Most people would not be surprised to learn that faulty wiring is a significant cause of house fires. The number of electrical incidents in the UK is staggering, with more than a dozen deaths and over a thousand injuries annually. Luckily, most of these incidents are avoidable by basic home safety. This includes installing proper outlet covers and turning off appliances before leaving a room. Faulty plugs are also a hazard. To reduce fire chances, check your plugs regularly and install an in-home electric safety kit. If you cannot handle the job yourself, get help from a qualified professional using our online directory.
While at it, research the history of faulty wiring and the many ways to avoid the same mishaps. In addition to these steps, be on the lookout for the following: slapdash wiring, overloaded sockets, poor wiring, and loose or shoddy plugs and switches. With these precautions in mind, you will be able to enjoy a happy and relatively trouble-free home. Having said that, if you plan on building your own home, keep all your wares in order, from the ceiling to the floors.
Risks Posed By Overhead Power Lines
Electrical hazards can be found in many different places. Construction sites, industrial industries, agriculture and outdoor services are some areas that can pose an electrical risk. The Electricity at Work Regulations, 1989, is a set of guidelines for working around electrical systems. These rules apply to all workplaces and activities, including manufacturing, construction and other industrial sectors, requiring all systems and equipment to be safe. It is a legal requirement to ensure that electrical equipment is maintained correctly. Faulty equipment can cause electric shocks, fires and other problems. Therefore, it is crucial to have your equipment tested and certified by a qualified person.
Regularly checking your equipment to avoid arcing is also a good idea. Arcing can cause conductors to break, resulting in live wires falling to the ground. If you notice that your equipment is faulty, stop work immediately. Another electrical hazard you should be aware of is contact with overhead power lines. Many accidents occur when people come too close to power lines, which can be especially dangerous during storms. However, you can reduce the risk of these incidents by keeping a safe distance from power lines. Overhead lines can be difficult to see during daylight, and they may blend into the landscape or appear as tall structures. As a result, it is not always possible to know whether a particular line is live. You should always ask your employer or local electricity company to advise you on the dangers of a specific line.
Advantages of Hiring a Qualified Electrician In Newcastle
Suppose you want to renovate your home or business but are still determining which way to go; consider hiring a qualified electrician. The right person can save you a lot of trouble. While you may be able to fix a problem yourself, unless you are very familiar with electrical systems, it is usually best to have a professional electrician do the job. This is because electrical issues can be very complex, and you need to be an expert to determine the problem and how to deal with it. This could mean that you fix the issue several times.
Before you begin any work, lock out the electrical system. It would be best to keep a safe distance from all electrical hazards, including overhead lines and electrical panels. Never touch any live wires.
Equipment And Tools That An Electrician Uses
Electricians need to have a wide range of tools and equipment. Some of these are used regularly, while other tools are only required once or twice. However, the tools that an electrician uses are essential for any electrical project, and the right tools can ensure a safe and efficient job.
Typical hand tools that an electrician needs include:
- A tape measure
- hammer
- pliers
- screwdrivers
- flashlight
- Multimeter
- If possible, an electrician should also have a headlamp. These items are convenient when working in a dark area.
The tape measure is essential for measuring material requirements and planning projects. Professional electricians use a multimeter to measure voltage and resistance. There are many different types of multimeters available, from analogue to digital. They are great for reading amperage and voltage, but they require some practice to learn how to operate them.
In addition, electricians need a variety of insulated hand tools. Some tools include pliers, a T-stripper, and a cutting plier. Each of the tools aid electricians in completing complex and detailed electrical work. In addition to these tools, electricians must have an assortment of adaptable screwdrivers. Their toolbox should include a hammer drill, a pliers set, and a cordless drill. While most electrical projects are done in dark rooms, it is still essential to have a bright torch. A good pair of pliers can help electricians grip wires and twist them while maintaining a safe working distance.
Safety Precautions To Take While Working With Electricity
Working with electricity presents several hazards. You could get hurt or even electrocuted if you do not take adequate precautions. The following are some safety precautions to keep in mind. Wearing appropriate protective equipment is one of the most important things to do. The equipment you use should be carefully inspected before you begin working. Some examples of insulating gear you can use include insulated rubber boots, goggles, and insulated rubber gloves. You should always use a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) to protect yourself from the risk of electrical shock. If you do not have a GFCI, you should lock out the power source before working on it. Do not use any cords or tools with frayed ends. These can damage the insulation of the cord. Also, avoid using lines that are wrapped tightly around objects. This can stretch the cord and cause overheating. You should also make sure that your work area is clean. This can reduce the possibility of fire. Leave flammable liquids at least five feet away from the electrical equipment.
You should keep at least 10 feet from the electrical lines when working with high-voltage equipment. This is especially important if you are working on overhead lines. In addition to wearing the proper protective equipment, you should avoid getting wet while working on an electrical appliance. It is also a good idea to wear a hard hat. Keeping your hands dry is also a necessary precaution.