Electrical safety and compliance is critical for any industrial business, particularly when it comes to protecting staff health and safety, and it’s not enough to be aware of essential duties required to keep any workplace (or home) safe.
Avoiding electrical hazards is easier with support from an expert team like Gimpel Electrics, where safety is assured through quality work and thorough service.
In this article, you’ll find valuable electrical safety tips and guidelines for maintaining electrical safety in Queensland workplaces.
TL;DR
- Understanding safety guidelines – including the laws that apply specifically to Queensland – is key to protecting your workplace from electrical hazards, and knowing when to enlist more support.
- There are many simple ways to enhance your electrical safety in the workplace, from basic safety measures and training to routine inspections.
- Preventative maintenance is key for any business looking to minimise the amount of time and money spent on protecting business premises from electrical damage.
Understanding Industrial Electrical Safety (150 words)
Industrial electrical safety can be defined as a set of guidelines for working with and maintaining electrical equipment in a workplace in a way that reduces the risk of injury and death by electric shock.
In order to comply with industry standards and prevent electricity supply issues, it’s best to have all duties carried out by a licensed commercial electrician who understands your business premises.
A professional inspection will help identify electrical hazards commonly found in industrial settings, including overhead power lines, damaged electrical equipment, overloaded sockets and circuits, issues with electrical cords, and other related risks such as overheating.
In order to avoid electrical hazards, you will need to follow protocols for safety and equipment maintenance. These range from simple changes, such as installing covers over power outlets and regularly checking the general environment for risks, to arranging a professional to replace damaged electrical equipment or have it repaired.
Key Electrical Safety Rules in Queensland (124 words)
Every state has its own electrical safety rules and regulations. In Queensland, these are laid out in the Queensland Electrical Safety Act and Regulation, which covers the requirements for all electrical work and licensing, including:
- working near overhead and underground electric lines;
- electrical installations;
- in-scope electrical equipment;
- works of an electricity entity;
- electricity supply;
- safety management systems;
- cathodic protection systems; and
- notification and reporting of serious electrical incidents.
Compliance with these laws is essential to upholding industry standards and avoiding the legal ramifications of non-compliance.
As detailed in the Act, key rules and guidelines for workplaces include the need for regular inspections and maintenance of electricity systems and appliances, as well as the industry-wide requirement that these be carried out by a licensed electrician.
Top Tips for Maintaining Electrical Safety in the Workplace (225 words)
Provide training
Maintaining electrical safety in the workplace begins with regular training and education for workers on electrical safety practices.
An awareness and understanding of electrical hazards can help to minimise the risk to workers’ health, and even prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
Implement safety measures
For any contractor undertaking electrical work, the proper use of electrical appliances and protective equipment is essential for health and safety.
Contractors must be trained to understand and follow electrical safety rules as well as emergency procedures for electrical incidents.
Establishing and implementing these emergency procedures early is key to preventing damages resulting from electricity supply, including electrical fires and electric shock.
Routine inspections and audits
Having scheduled checks conducted by a licensed electrician is an essential part of identifying and addressing potential hazards early before they escalate and raise the threat of fires, electrocution, burns, and other undesirable consequences. The team at Gimpel Electrics is highly skilled in ensuring the safety of power systems and appliances by identifying and addressing potential hazards early.
The Role of Preventative Maintenance and Quality Service (132 words)
When it comes to dealing with issues caused by electrical appliances, the prevention is always better, not to mention more responsible and cost-effective, than the cure.
At Gimpel Electrics, we are committed to providing quality service for the life of your electrical system and beyond, ensuring that any damage is repaired promptly to protect you, your workers and anyone else who could be at risk of possible injury.
Investing in regular maintenance for your electrical cords, outlets and appliances is absolutely essential. This will not only ensure that everything is in working order, saving on replacement costs, but also ultimately prevent disasters which can result from overheating and damage, such as electrical fires.
The team at Gimpel Electrics is proud to offer an industry-leading service for so many clients, new and long-term.
Case Studies: Success Stories from Gimpel Electrics
Gimpel Electrics has taken on and delivered many successful electrical installations and maintenance projects, improving safety and reducing costs for clients. Below are listed a few examples:
- We have replaced circuit breakers for RCBO (safety switches) for many domestic, commercial and body corporate clients.
- We have upgraded old switchboards to new ones for many domestic and commercial clients.
- We have upgraded, installed and certified smoke alarms for many commercial and domestic clients.
- We have done thousands of switchboard safety checks, emergency light checks, RCD safety switch tests, and test and tag jobs for commercial and domestic clients.
Here’s what some of our long-term clients have had to say about our services.
“I have used Gimpel Electrics services for many years. I needed to get interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed in my home to comply with Qld Government regulations. Justice from Gimpel Electrics installed 6 of these smoke alarms for me yesterday. He answered all my questions before starting the work and the further questions I had once they had been installed. I was happy with his work, and can now feel secure knowing that I have smoke alarms that will work.” – Elsie Bee
“My family have used Gimpel’s for 60 years. They are an outstanding company who sponsor at Mt Gravatt Bowls Club so they give back to the community. [Recently] Scott installed a split air conditioning unit at my home. Perfect work and highly skilled technician. Highly recommend him and Gimpel.” – Peter Donovan
Take the next steps towards electrical safety
For employers running a business in Queensland, the importance of adhering to electrical safety rules cannot be understated. Beyond protecting workers on the job, it’s also about preparing properties for safe long-term usage – and that’s what we do best.
The responsible use of electricity is integral to optimised safety and performance, and true peace of mind comes from using only professional electrical equipment and services.
Whether you’re in the process of installing electrical equipment or ensuring compliance and optimising your electricity supply, the team at Gimpel Electrics is here to provide the best in electrical safety tips and practical solutions to help you minimise the risk of emergency situations.
Give Gimpel a go
The right electrical safety tips could mean the difference between life and death, and we’re here to help you avoid a nasty shock and ensure that your workers get home safe.
For more practical advice on the safe management of your electrical environment, or to find out more about our electrical safety services, contact us on 07 3343 4066 to arrange a consult. You can also sign up to our newsletter for access to more tips on safe power usage.
