Stay safe when working in disaster areas
With thousands of homes flooded across Australia, electrical contractors will be called on to carry out safety checks and re-energize properties. But working in recently flooded areas poses challenges that most businesses to not regularly encounter.
Make sure you or workers carry out a risk assessment before any job. You are more likely to come across unusual risks than you would under normal work circumstances, including:
- Water contamination
- Distressed domestic animals
- Displaced wild life
- Asbestos exposure
- Mould exposure
- Biological and chemical hazards
- Working around demolition
- Fatigue
- Mental Health
- Working at heights
- Operating machinery in flooded areas
You should be alert to snakes, spiders, rats and other wildlife that may have taken refuge in the building, structure or furniture. As an employer, you must reduce the risk of death, injury and illness to yourself and your workers.
Flood water is not clean and can contain contaminants including sewage, fuel and oil. If an employee is planning to work or travel to work in an area that’s impacted by flooding, it’s important to assess the potential for hazardous conditions and what you can do to mitigate that risk. Natural disasters are stressful times. Make sure you consider your employees, and your own, mental health.
Electricity
- Turn off all switches at the main electrical switchboard, including the Main Switch.
Unplug all your appliances and if you can, lift them up so they will remain clear of any floodwater that may inundate your property.
Solar
- Turn your solar system off at the inverter and then turn off at the switchboard (all switches on the switchboard should be in the OFF position). The solar system will have information on shut down procedures.
Batteries
- Turn solar batteries off. Follow the shutdown procedure which will be close to battery system.
Do not attempt to disassemble the battery or open any of the panels.
If you have any queries on workplace safety, Master Electricians have unlimited direct access to the MEA Safety hotline. Phone direct on 1300 889 198.
MORE FROM MEA