What Should be on an Electrical Safety Audit Checklist?
3 Dec 2020 Licensed Electrician
Electrical safety audits are vital for the prolonged safety of any business or facility. It is important to have a full electrical safety audit performed by a licenced commercial or industrial electrician every once in a while, and that electrician will have a number of important items that they will check over during their audit. Your electrician will also be able to help you to come up with a list of items that should be on your own electrical safety audit checklist that can be used on a daily or weekly basis to keep your facility safe.
Electrical Safety Audits: How to Prepare a Safety Checklist
The electrical requirements of your business will vary depending on the kind of work that you do, the type of facility you are in, and the kind of equipment you use. Electrical audits for an office wherein the primary electrical equipment is a computer will be different than audits for a manufacturing facility with large electrical equipment, forklifts, and sharp objects. Some of the items that should be on any electrical safety audit checklist include:
Are Tools and Appliances Grounded?
Any tools or appliances that have been left plugged in should be inspected to make sure that they are grounded. This includes items that use extension cords to operate. Equipment that eliminates a ground (such as two-pronged electrical cords or adapters) should be prohibited.
Are Extension Cords Being Used Safely?
Extension cords should be run so as to limit damage to their insulation. This means that they should not be in major pathways or have equipment resting on them. Extension cords should also be the appropriate size and type for their intended purpose. If an extension cord is in use for more than 30 consecutive days, it is important to look into a more permanent option. Extension cords should not be plugged into one another end-to-end.
Inspect all Switches and Outlets
Make sure that all faceplates are present and intact on all power switches and outlets. No loose wires should be accessible without removing the faceplate. Any outlets in areas with access to moisture (such as bathrooms or kitchens) should have a GFCI outlet.
If you would like to learn more about what should be included on an electrical safety audit checklist, or to find out more information about the types of services that we offer, please contact the team at BNR Electric and we would be happy to help you find the answers you require.
