Photocopying - Electrical Safety

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Clearing jams in photocopiers, paper shredders	Inserting fingers or metal objects (screwdrivers, letter-openers) into working parts of office machines.	Check that photocopiers and shredders can not be opened whilst power remains switched on. Ensure staff know correct (safe) procedures for accessing machines to clear paper jams. Call for technician to deal with problems which staff can not resolve using instructions provided.
Liquid spillages	Electrically powered machine, appliance or tool that may become 'live' to the touch after having liquid spilt over it.	Alert staff for need to keep liquids well away from all equipment connected to the electricity supply. Advise staff to disconnect equipment from power supply before mopping up spillages.
Condition of appliances	Electrical appliance or tool has developed a fault, or has defective insulation or exposed wiring.	Have all electric appliances inspected, tested and tagged on a regular basis. Where equipment is identified for repair, it should be immediately removed from service and appropriately labelled to prevent further use.
Extension leads	Extension lead which has exposed wiring or damaged insulation.	Use extension leads for temporary connection - not as a permanent method of supplying power. If an extension cord has to be used and is exposed to foot traffic, make sure it is secured (taped down?) and protected from damage.
Overloading	Using a series of adaptors to connect additional appliances to a power socket may overload the circuit to which it is attached, and cause an 'outage'.	If additional appliances needed permanently, install a larger power socket (eg. 4 - sockets). Discourage the use of adaptors and connection of unauthorised appliances which may overload the circuit dangerously (eg. fan heaters, electric radiators in winter).

Further Information

Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations Part 10: Electricity

Comcare Guidance Material
OHS Book 1 - Officewise

Further Information Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes

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Page last updated:June 23, 2008