Electricity plays a vital role in modern life. From transportation to entertainment, electricity is the driving force behind many industries. Unfortunately, mishandling of high voltage electrical equipment can often result in serious injury, structural damage and even death.
Every year, the HSE receives reports of around 1,000 accidents involving electric shocks or burns. An average of 30 of these are unfortunately fatal. This highlights a great demand for electricity warning symbols in the workplace.
In this post, we explain the importance of electrical warning signs, what the various symbols mean, and how employers can prevent injury to their workers.
Types of Electrical Injury
The most common cause of fatality from electricity happens through direct contact with live overhead power cables. However, injury can also occur from shocks via faulty equipment, wiring, or installations. These shocks, while not deadly, can cause people to fall from ladders, scaffolding, roofs, etc.
This is why it is so important to be vigilant when working with electricity, as doing so can protect yourself and others from potential harm. Electrical signs and symbols serve as a warning in these instances, notifying people of nearby electrical hazards.
How to Prevent Electrical Injury
Many steps can be taken to prevent injury from electrical equipment. From thorough training procedures to correct labelling, employers can significantly minimise the risk of damage and injury.
Health and safety risk assessments are an invaluable tool in any employment environment. We highly recommend that you conduct one before commencing any work. Be sure to include:
- The current risk situation
- Potential solutions
- Possible types of injury
- A list of responsible personnel
When you are conducting your risk assessment, you must take into account the role that electricity plays in the workplace. Not only will this help you make informed decisions about the maintenance of your electrical installations, but it will also highlight potential hazards and ways to rectify them.
One such way that you can make electrical risks clear after carrying out your risk assessment is with electrical signs and symbols.
If you cannot eliminate the hazard, then you are required to warn your staff, visitors, or members of the general public by using electrical warning signs.
The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996
According to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must, by law, provide and maintain signage for any significant electrical risk that cannot be otherwise controlled.
A risk assessment should be carried out to assess where and when safety signage should be used. However, employers should try to avoid using too many signs as they can become confusing. To comply with the regulations, employers should provide sufficient training, instructions, and any other necessary precautions to go alongside the signage.
Portable appliance testing, for example, should be regularly carried out to make sure none of them are creating any unnecessary additional risks. These tests can be easily recorded, and therefore kept on top of for optimal health and safety, with our PAT test labels and stickers.
Electricity Warning Signs and Symbols
Here at Label Source, we stock an extensive range of electrical warning signs that are ideal for applications in a wide number of industries.
Here are some examples and definitions:
This symbol is used universally to outline danger
Exposed electrical wiring in vicinity
For use in permanent installations that require occasional maintenance
Appliance drawing 230 volts
For use at stations that are safe from electrical static
Browse High-Quality Electrical Warning Signs Today
If you are looking for high voltage warning signs, live wire hazard signs, overhead/buried cables, or specialist wiring regulations labels, head over to our electrical labels & electrical signs department to view our full range.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Simply get in touch, and a member of our friendly customer service team will be more than happy to assist you.
