May 2007

Electrical Safety at the Office

Think about it during electrical safety month

Since May is electrical safety month, it’s a good time to think about safety in a place many of us spend a lot of (maybe too much) time–the office.

Whether you travel to your office every day or labor at a home office, it’s a good idea to take a look around and make sure you’ve taken steps to ensure a safe workplace.

If your office resembles this, you have electrical safety work to do.

Use this checklist as a guide:

• Office equipment is plugged into several circuits to spread the electrical load and not concentrated at just one or two outlets.
  
• Electrical cords are placed where they can’t be cut by sharp desk or drawer edges.
  
• Electrical cords are protected from being rolled over by chair wheels.
  
• Air is able to circulate around office equipment and cabling to prevent overheating.
  
• Electrical equipment is protected against spilled food and drinks.
  
• Office equipment is protected by a good quality surge suppressor.
  
• Surge suppressors and power strips are a name-brand product from a reputable retailer.
  
• The third prong on three-prong plugs is not defeated by removal or using an AC adapter.
  
• Electrical panel doors are unobstructed and freely accessible.
  
• Extension cords are properly sized to prevent overheating and not used as a permanent power source.

If you notice signs of electrical problems, like computer monitors flickering or fading or electrical burning smells, contact building maintenance immediately. If you work at home, call a licensed electrician.

More Information:  Electrical Safety Foundation

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