It is no secret that working with electricity can involve risks that may leave yourself, your employees, third parties or your business itself in danger. In the event of an electrical emergency, it is important to have a plan in place so that anyone who may be impacted is aware of what to do in order to reduce damage.
From the development of emergency procedures to carrying Electrician Insurance, here are 7 ways that you can prepare your electrical business for emergencies.
1. Identify potential risks and hazards
The best way to begin planning for an electrical emergency is to first identify any potential risks. These may include electrical breakdown, any exposed wiring, danger of electrical shock or electrical fire. It is recommended that you make a list, and go through each hazard to identify the likelihood of the event occurring as well as the severity of the proposed risk.
2. Develop emergency procedures
After identifying the potential hazards, it is important to come up with an action plan to address each risk. This will ensure the situation can be handled as quickly as possible with little time spent deciding the best course of action in the moment.
Potential procedures can include turning off the power, evacuating the area, contacting emergency services and administering first aid. All relevant employees should receive first aid training to enable them to deal with emergencies and minimise injury to others.
3. Communicate the plan
Once a procedure has been developed, the next step is to ensure all employees and any other relevant people working on site are aware of each response plan. These should be clearly communicated and placed in an area regularly seen by relevant persons to remain at the forefront of their minds.
It is important to conduct regular drills so that procedures are practiced and remembered, and any necessary safety equipment should be employed and regularly maintained.
4. Provide PPE and safety gear
If necessary, the appropriate PPE and safety gear should be provided. This includes safety glasses, gloves, hard hats and non-conductive footwear. All should be properly maintained and inspected for wear to avoid tears or faults leading to accidents.
5. Keep an emergency response kit
An emergency response kit should always be kept on hand for accessibility in the event of an emergency. This should include a first aid kit, an extinguisher, a torch and a radio to assist with navigation of emergency situations.
6. Regularly review & update the plan
Especially as the advancement of technology occurs faster and faster every day, it is important to ensure that all response plans are current and factor in the current electrical climate. It is also essential to regularly check for new risks, or update plans as job requirements change.
7. Consider Electrician Insurance
In addition to the risk management processes and proocedures you have put in place, it is recommended that the appropriate insurance is carried. In Queensland, especially, a complaint Insurance Policy is necessary to meet the Electrical Safety Act.
Some essential policies for electrical businesses to consider include Liability Insurance, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, Income Protection Insurance and Tools Insurance.
Prepare your business for any situation with Atlantic Insurance
The capable team at Atlantic Insurance has been catering to the various insurance needs of electrical businesses for over 25 years. Allow our experienced Client Managers to complete a detailed risk analysis to better understand your business, and enjoy a tailored insurance plan today.
Any information contained on this page of the website is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Your should consider these, having regard to the appropriateness of this advice and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’), Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) and Financial Services Guide (‘FSG’), which will be provided following any formal recommendation to you.
