The various sources of fire and electrical hazards

Fire hazards pose as one of the greatest threats to health, safety and property. The government, industries and in fact everyone needs to share the responsibility of protecting the human race from the consequences of fire.

Electrical shocks are one of the leading causes of death across the globe. In the United States alone, more than a thousand cases of electrical accidents are reported every year, from the industrial sector alone. Of this 1000, nearly 25 people succumb to their injuries, while the rest are severely disfigured and scarred for life. Thus, the importance of electrical and fire safety cannot be overstated.

In order to promote fire and electrical safety at the workplace, we need to first learn about the different sources and causes of fire and electrical accidents. A prevention plan can only be put in place, once
the sources have been detected. They are:

* Only use portable equipment close to a plug: In the event of an emergency, a piece of portable equipment will provide you with the ability to quickly remove the power from the device.

* Place clearly identified power switches close to fixed machinery: Always ensure that power switches are clearly accessible and identified so that they can be quickly turned off.

* Open flames: Some examples of such unsafe conditions are negligence in conducting hot work, such as grinding or welding, improper use of candles, the improper handling of combustible or flammable liquids or gases in near-to-potential ignition sources and cigarettes and matches that are improperly disposed off or left unattended to, near combustible substances.

* Replace any worn or frayed cables: If a cable looks worn or frayed, it must be replaced. Never take chances, when you life is in question.

* The Spontaneous ignition of waste materials: Some examples of possible unsafe conditions are as follows. The improper disposal of materials that are susceptible to spontaneous combustion, such as oily rags from wood polishing. The accumulation of substances, such as wood ships, green hay and even grain. Finally, the accumulation of combustible materials, near potential sources of ignition.

* Ensure electrical installations are carried out by a qualified electrician: Never hesitate to consult your supervisor, if you aren’t confident in your own abilities, and also ensure that all legal requirements related to electrical safety are adhered to.

Now that we are aware of the common sources of fire and electrical hazards, we can develop a prevention plan around these sources. Any safety training course will tell you that fire and electrical safety
planning plays a highly significant role in ensuring a sense of preparedness, in the event of an emergency. Fire and electrical safety planning, prevention and protection is extremely vital, for it is one of the leading causes of fatalities, in the world.

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