FORT LAUDERDALE, FL--(Marketwire - May 12, 2008) - Award-winning eTailer
CableOrganizer.com, among the world's leading purveyors of cable, wire and
equipment management-related products for use in business and at home,
today announced 10 easy tips to prevent electrical hazards on the job in
honor of May National Electrical Safety Month, an observance sponsored by
the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). This in an effort to
help business owners take an active roll in identifying electrical hazards
and in safeguarding their employees from the dangers these hazards pose.
CableOrganizer.com's 10 easy tips to prevent electrical hazards on the job
are as follows:
1. Have only licensed electricians install, repair and dismantle electrical
wiring. This will ensure the work is completed according to electrical
safety codes, promoting greater protection for employees who will be using
the wiring to power tools and equipment. Using a professional electrician
also prevents injuries that result when ill-qualified individuals attempt
electrical jobs that they aren't properly trained to do.
2. Keep extension cords in a safe place where they won't be stepped on or
driven over. The force of a vehicle -- or even repeated treading by
pedestrians -- can cause an extension cord's conductor to become misshapen
or break, a problems that can lead to electrical fires. Because it occurs
in the core of the cable, conductor damage isn't always obvious to the eye,
so play it safe from the start by guarding jobsite extension cords with
heavy-duty cord covers.
3. Use the right extension cord for the job. Before you plug in, make sure
that the wattage rating of the extension cord you're using is greater than
the pull (or power requirement) of the equipment it's powering. Using an
extension cord to supply more wattage than it's rated for can cause
conductor strain, overheating, and possibly even fire.
4. Never modify electrical plugs. Under no circumstances should you ever
file down the blades, remove the ground pin, or otherwise modify an
electrical plug so that it will fit into a socket -- doing so only
increases the likelihood of shock, electrocution, and fire. Either have a
certified electrician change the device's plug, or replace outdated
two-prong receptacles with grounded outlets that can accommodate a ground
pin.
5. Ensure that all electrical components stay dry. It's one of the cardinal
rules of electrical safety: don't mix electricity and water. Store power
tools and cables above water level when not in use, cover outdoor
receptacles, and never use electrically powered tools in a wet environment.
6. Check each extension cord before use. Ensure that the cord's insulation
is completely intact (free from cracks, tears, or abrasion) and that power
extension cables haven't been knotted, which can cause conductor damage and
increase the risk of fire.
7. Inspect power tools on a regular basis. Look over the tools' power cords
and plugs for any sign of damage to the insulation, blades or grounding
pin. If you find signs of excessive wear and tear, take tools out of
commission until they've been properly repaired. Maintain awareness during
electrical tool use as well; if a tool starts to overheat, smoke, give off
a burning smell, or shock you on contact, discontinue use immediately.
8. Check insulated tools for damage before each use. Once the insulation
layer of an insulated hand tool becomes nicked, cracked or cut, the tool is
no longer effectively insulated -- it actually becomes more of an
electrical conductor, and can increase your risk of injury. If a tool has
damaged insulation, it is no longer safe to use -- destroy and replace it
right away.
9. Always plug into a GFCI. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter protection is
required at every plug-in point -- even those associated with a temporary
job site's electrical supply -- right down to extension cords. Make sure
that only GFCI receptacles are installed, and that portable GFCIs are kept
on hand in case additional grounding needs arise.
10. Do a thorough check for electrical wiring before cutting through any
wall, floor or ceiling. Any time that a tool inadvertently makes contact
with an unseen electrical line, the person holding that tool is likely to
be shocked or electrocuted. Always size up the situation before you get
started to reduce risk of injury.
CableOrganizer.com offers a wide range of electrical safety products from
its industry-leading Web site located at
http://CableOrganizer.com. Among
others, these include:
GFCI receptacles
http://cableorganizer.com/gfci-receptacles/
Insulated hand tools
http://cableorganizer.com/klein-tools/insulated-tools/
Heavy-duty cord covers
http://cableorganizer.com/cord-covers/high-capacity-covers.htm
Extension cords
http://cableorganizer.com/extension-cords/cool-color-outdoor-extension-cords.html
About CableOrganizer.com
Founded in February 2002 and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL,
CableOrganizer.com is a premier cable and wire management-related product
vendor. The company provides companies, organizations and individuals
around the globe with 24/7/365 access to an extensive array of high-quality
products and information resources through its convenient online
storefront. In addition to
http://CableOrganizer.com, the company also owns
and operates
http://CableOrganizer.fr, which is operated out of Rennes,
France. CableOrganizer.com also publishes "On the Wire," a free monthly
electronic newsletter with a considerable multi-national opt-in circulation
base. Among other honors, CableOrganizer.com was named among Inc.
Magazine's Inc. 500, Internet Retailer magazine's 2007 "Top 500" and earned
a Stevie® Award as the "Best Overall Company of the Year - Non-Services
Businesses - Up To 100 Employees."
Contact Information: CONTACT:
Merilee Kern
Kern Communications
858-577-0206