Workplace dangers are relatively low for office employees, but you should still be proactive about minimizing risk. The extensive use of equipment for lighting, computers, and meetings means that there’s a lot of electrical wiring throughout your space. Here’s a closer look at what to do—and what you should avoid—to eliminate any potential hazards.

Do:

Inspect electrical wiring regularly.

Once a month, conduct an electrical inspection of your own. Look for any cords that are frayed, cracking, or showing exposed wires. Immediately remove anything that shows any damage. Bring in an electrician to conduct a thorough inspection of your entire system once a year.

Unplug when possible.

Unplug appliances when they’re not in use. This might include kitchen appliances, computers, and lamps throughout the office. Have everyone unplug their own devices at the end of each workweek. This will save energy costs and reduce the risk of fire or shock.

Don’t:

Run cords through high-traffic areas.

Cords are a tripping hazard in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, but people stepping on them can also gradually damage the cord and expose the electrical wiring underneath. Once the damage has reached this level, it can spark a fire or shock someone. Attach cords to the wall and run them around the room’s perimeter.

Overload outlets.

Plugging many devices into an outlet may run too much electricity through it and overload it. This can spark an electrical fire. Only plug one major appliance into each outlet. Avoid using power strips since these can tempt people to plug too much into one outlet.

The licensed and insured commercial electricians at J.R. Electrical offer electrical wiring inspections for businesses of all sizes in Marietta, GA, and the surrounding Metro Atlanta area. They use state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading standards of craftsmanship for installations, repairs, and maintenance. Learn more on their website or call (770) 420-1530 to schedule a service call.