Comprehensive Guide on Workplace Safety: 4 Overlooked Facts and Role of Elastomers

Have you ever thought, how safe is your workplace? Most working people spend 9-10 hours on average in their workplace. However, they do not know how safe they are, especially around high-voltage machines and fire-prone zones. What if we tell you that you can elevate workplace safety with just one component- elastomers? Read on to find out more about workplace safety and the role of polymer elastomer in it.
In this blog your key takeaways will be a comprehensive knowledge of elastomers and the reason behind using them. We will also talk about 4 overlooked facts about workplace safety. There will also be an added bonanza in the end, where we will share 15 practical tips about enhancing workplace safety.

Workplace safety is a vital component for decent work. According to the International Labor Organization, here are the top 10 places around the globe reporting the most workplace accidents:

What are elastomers?

An elastomer is a natural or synthetic polymer with elastic properties.
One of the most used elastomeric materials is rubber. It is one of the most popular electrically conductive polymers. Hence, you can also use it for high-voltage workplaces to avoid electrical fatalities.
Electrical Insulation Mats have been a common electrical safety preventive method for a long time now.

Why use Electrical Insulation Mats in Workplaces?

For your workplaces, the most fatal encounter with electricity would be a static discharge.

And this is where installing a tested high-voltage electrical rubber mat could save lives in your workplace. It also keeps your company off the bad records of insurance claims. In addition, you can avoid occupational fatalities due to the lack of electrical safety.
The irony is, although many companies have become progressive at adapting to smarter workplace safety gears and elastomers, they often do not know these 4 facts:

4 Overlooked Facts About Electrical Safety in Workplaces

Some of these facts are going to surprise you and are geared to help you design an ideal electrical safety protocol at your workplace.

Usually, it is the Voltage that is Fatal

Any live equipment is dangerous.
Does it mean you always wear complete electrical PPE around HV live equipment?
Even if the answer is yes, there are times when you make ‘short, casual trips’ around them without any protection. Moreover, you can also encounter a fatal electrical accident in higher voltage areas or low voltage areas with electrical safety precautions.
Install an electrical mat near them to make these casual trips safer. The elastomers in the mats are dielectric and prevent the formation of a complete electric circuit within your body.

Estimating the Danger from Electrical Sources Beforehand

You can easily determine the kind of electrical insulation mats you need from the electrical sources in your workplace.
For example, since HVAC components, automobiles, and washing machines are all big in size, their electrical parts need to be well covered.
Nevertheless, a 50V component can also be a hazard when in the wrong circumstances. So, at workplaces, ensuring all electrical loose ends are covered and insulated is one of the best electrical safety tips we can give you.

HV Equipment Must Be Out of Reach in Workplaces

In workplaces, there should be zero guessing about high-voltage equipment. In fact. Any 50V or higher live equipment must be set out of the reach of people who are not trained. Nor should it be accessible to people without proper non-conductive insulation gear.
And, in terms of floor-live equipment, the entire space should be covered with electrical insulation mats made of premium polymer elastomer to ensure maximum electrical safety for operators.

Refer to OSHA Electrical Safety Guidelines

There is a detailed guideline on how to deal with electrical hazards as per OSHA. Similarly, HSE also has a protocol that proposes some safety rules in industry.
To set up and update electrical safety protocols in workplaces, you should always refer to OSHA-certified Electrical Safety Standards or the HSE ones. Among the other types of electrical safety equipment they have suggested, there is a special mention of types of elastomers to use. Specifically, electrical mats made of elastomer material. The ASTM D178, IEC 61111:2009, and IS 15652 are the most used electrical matting standards.
However, using an electrical mat might not be sufficient in some cases. Therefore, our specialists have curated these tips for you:

Added Bonanza: 15 Workplace Safety Tips for You

1. Wear tight & comfortable clothing while at work without loose or hanging accessories.
2. An emergency power cut-off switch must be placed with heavy machinery.
3. Consider all circuits as LIVE until double confirmation.
4. Make sure the fuse wire of the correct size and capacity is installed.
5. Attach the Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker to the mainline.
6. Relay on only professional & trained persons for repair works.
7. Utilize OEM products on the premises.
8. Read manuals & literature for any equipment before installation or bringing it into use.
9. Use electrical cables of higher capacity than the device to maintain some safety margin between working & breakdown Voltage.
10. Ensure all appliances are effectively earthed.
11. Always use the prescribed & identical color insulated wire for representing Neutral.
12. Keep Fire Fighting equipment ready & in an operative condition.
13. Make sure all the Safety Equipment is installed in the workplace, such as electrical Rubber mats, helmets, gloves, and fireproof clothing.
14. Only Dry Powder extinguishers should be used for extinguishing the fire in the electric room.
15. Train your staff in case of an emergency.

Summing up,

Electrical safety at workplaces benefits the operators and the business owners equally. Safety audits of factories and workplaces routinely happen. And, this is where electrical rubber mats, made of quality certified elastomers, play a huge role for operators working on live equipment.
You can protect yourself from electrical workplace fatalities by using the right protective means and electrical insulation mats.

We at Duratuf products are one of the leading exporters of electrical mats all over the globe. Buy now!