Electrical Safety Signs – A Simple Guide
Among all threats to employees in a workplace the likelihood of damage or injury resulting from electrical sources is one of the prominent. It is thus mandatory for employers to install and erect electrical safety signs on the compound so people are at least aware of the dangers. In the United Kingdom, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 makes it mandatory for employers to secure the health, safety and welfare of persons at work. It also makes it mandatory to protect persons, other than persons at work, against risks to health or safety arising out of or in connection with the activities of persons at work.
In almost all workplaces some of the common electrical safety signs are Main Switch Warning, Mains Voltage Warning, High Voltage Warning etc. People working in power plants or any other kind of facility that utilizes electricity are at a much greater risk of being injured on the job. In such work places warning signs such as Danger Live Wires, Electrical Installation Under Test and Keep Off Danger of Death if Interfered With Warning Sign can be seen. Such electrical safety signs not only prevent accidents but also protect businesses and employers from legal hurdles in case of unfortunate incidents.
Electrical safety signs warn people of imminent danger in a workplace, public place and even in residential complexes. Most of these signs and symbols used have a standard which makes them easily recognizable. These signs have pictorial and graphical element help people in becoming alert even from a distance. Most of these electrical safety signs are represented in yellow or other bright colour to attract the eyes of people around them immediately. They are positioned such that any person passing by the area can easily notice them.
There are different levels of electrical safety signs depending on the likelihood of an accident taking place. If the accident threatens the life of an individual you might see the word ‘Warning’ on the sign. In case of minor or moderate injuries the work ‘Caution’ is usually used. If one’s action may lead to damage to a property or trespassing the word ‘Notice’ is used in the signs. These signs generally have rounded edges with no sharp corners that could cause injury.
These electrical safety signs also prevent equipment from being powers in case of a lockout situation. This happens when an employee is inside or close to equipment for repair and maintenance purpose. Adequate use of signage ensures that the equipment under repair and maintenance isn’t powered on accidentally. Most of the organizations carry out regular training programs for their employees and educate them on the basic and industry specific electrical safety signs. These prove valuable in saving precious lives and reduce the number of injury substantially.
Standard electrical safety signs are available for specific types of industry; however they can be easily customized for specific business to meet its exact needs. Such warnings and notices must be strictly adhered to which help in preventing accidents.
About the Author
Terry G is an expert on electrical safety signs and works as a consultant for organizations installing these electrical safety signs in workplace and public places.
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