Basic H&S Guidelines

Section 10 – General Housekeeping/Lighting/Electricity

Occupational accidents can be avoided with proper planning and maintenance of lighting, electricity
and other utilities. The following sections outline the basic considerations to be taken into account
in the management and maintenance of such installations and utilities.

10.1 Electrical Safety

Regular maintenance and repair of electrical installations and other utilities is a basic element in
the avoidance of industrial accidents. Electrical safety is associated closely with fire safety.
Overloaded or improperly maintained electrical wiring can lead to fires.

10.2 Guidelines on Electrical Safety

High Voltage Areas and Generator Houses Electricity and Wiring

• Restricted access to authorised workers
only.
• Appropriate hazard warning signs (refer
to Section 8).
• No material storage in high voltage
areas.
Compressor Stations
• These should be separated from
production areas, preferably at locations
outside the building.
• They should be in enclosed areas, even if
outdoors, to reduce the noise emissions.
• They should be equipped with a drip pan
to prevent oil leaks to the ground.
• The belt drive systems should be totally
enclosed or guarded.
• Air filters should be installed on the
intake side.
• Motors should be kept free of dust,
grease, oil and fibers.
• Junction boxes, distribution panels and
similar electrical equipment should be
enclosed, damage-free, and should not
be misused for direct connection to
machines.
• All wiring should have proper industrial
connections.
• All wiring should be insulated, replaced
if damaged, and protected from
mechanical damage (e.g. metal cable
trays) and from extreme heat.
• There should be a regular inspection and
maintenance programme for all
electrical equipment.

10.3 General Housekeeping and Equipment

Reasonable housekeeping practices can reduce the number of fire and safety hazards in the
factory. Such practices typically reflect the level of factory management interest in worker safety.

Social & Environmental Affairs Page 52 of 127 Feburary 2010