Extension leads are an incredibly useful device to have around the office and at home. They can help you make the most of power outlets, which can be ideal when you’re trying to power a number of electronic devices at once.
While extension leads are a great solution for both temporary and long-term power, they also carry risks if they’re misused or overloaded. Extension leads are safe when used correctly and undergo regular maintenance.
Learn more about extension lead risks and how to ensure they’re used safely in the workplace.
Using an extension lead in the workplace is generally safe. As with any electrical equipment, you’ll need to ensure that extension leads are used safely and responsibly in order to prevent:
According to the Health and Safety Executive, most fires are preventable. Workplaces are required to carry out and maintain fire risk assessments to help ensure fire safety at work.
Extension leads pose a fire risk when they are misused, like all electrical equipment. An extension lead can become damaged, leading to potential shock and fire hazards, while overloading an extension lead could also lead to a fire.
It’s very easy for an extension cable to cause a trip hazard. A lead that’s been overstretched and pulled tightly poses a serious risk, which could not only damage the cable and attached equipment but cause injury to people and animals too.
Tangled extension leads and those that aren’t properly secured could also lead to trips and falls. This could happen in the workplace or when working somewhere off-site.
Extension leads are great for helping you use more power outlets than your wall sockets allow. But that doesn’t mean they should be used to add further extensions and adapters than they’re supposed to power. Plugging too many appliances into an extension lead could cause a system overload, causing a power cut and severely interrupting your operations.
Some top tips for using extension leads safely in the office include:
Following the right precautions can ensure extension leads are used safely in the office, preventing a number of hazards to keep your employees and workplace safe.
According to the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, any electrical equipment that ‘has the potential to cause injury’ needs to be maintained in a safe condition. There is no specific guidance on how this is done, although many employers and building managers choose to use Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) to test electrical equipment regularly.
PAT testing involves regular testing of electrical appliances to ensure that they are safe to use. The frequency of testing depends on the type of appliance and how often they’re used. Heavy duty or high-risk machinery or equipment, for example, will need testing more frequently than a desk fan. Most PAT providers will label equipment with details of when the next recommended test is.
PAT testing should be carried out by a competent person to ensure that testing is carried out correctly. They should have the training, experience and equipment to conduct thorough tests and identify potentially problematic appliances.
Regular PAT testing can help you maintain safety standards in the workplace, keeping your employees safe. Remind staff to be vigilant when using electrical equipment and put policies in place for reporting issues.
To give your business or organisation peace of mind, use a PAT provider you can trust. phs is the leading provider of PAT testing services in the UK, dating back to 1991. Each year we carry out over 10million PAT tests, working with businesses and organisations across a range of sectors.
We help ensure that businesses and public facilities throughout the UK meet all PAT testing requirements for the safety of employees and visitors and the prevention of fires caused by electrical defects.
Contact phs Compliance today to arrange a quote for PAT testing in your workplace. From extension leads to larger electrical appliances, we’re here to help you maintain safety in the workplace.
To learn more about how to keep your business safe and save money in the process, please contact us now.
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