Proper security and perfect safety tools can prevent or reduce the chances of any accident in the workplace. Using electrical insulating mats is one of them if you are working with high voltage electricity. It will provide you and your employees with great security. Besides it also assists them to increase their productivity as well.
Electrical protection matting should be used at that time when you are working close or with any type of hardware, switchboard or different mechanical equipment that exhibits the danger of damage from electric shock. Obviously, it is not only yourself that you are securing, as well as partners and other individuals around you.
The danger from electric shock originates from ineffectively protected mechanical equipment or wiring or hardware that is not electrically grounded. The seriousness of the electric shock relies on the current going through the body and the term of contact. Little shocks result in a jolt to the body but delayed shocks can cause muscle spasms, loss of motion, and even death. The extra hazard from electrical contact is that of burns, experienced when the current enters and leaves the body.
Did you know?
Electrical safety mats also reduce physical accidents in the workplace.
Electrical rubber floor matting has anti-skid properties. It has a corrugated surface. Often, workers in factories tend to slip and fall, which causes severe injuries. ASTM D-178 and IEC 61111:2009 compliant industrial rubber matting has ribbed texture. The IS 15652:2006 compliant rubber mat electrical has dotted or ribbed texture. These types of surface texture enhance traction to the ground, reducing potential risks of physical accidents and reducing downtime costs.
Electrical safety mats have fire retardant properties. Sometimes, when high-voltage electrical appliances or machinery get overheated, fire outbreak occurs. Electrical rubber floor matting can resist the ignition and spread of fire.
Insulated rubber mats for the electrical panels protect workers from:
- Arc flashes due to electrical faults.
- Excessive current discharge due to short circuits.
- Electrocution.
- Short circuit conditions.
Workers operating high voltage appliances need to work for prolonged hours. Their develop fatigue in their joints and legs. As a result, they fail to perform with their optimum efficiency. A rubber mat electrical provides a cushioning effect to the feet of the workers. This reduces their chances of development of fatigue and joint issues. Hence, they get a comfortable and relaxing flooring that elevates their productivity in the workplace.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
You need security when working with electrical gear. So, here comes a question: 'Will a rubber mat prevent electric shock? The answer to the questions share the information of utilization of electrical matting and different types of protection is dictated by a few variables as indicated by the HSE:
- Who can possibly be hurt?
- What level of danger is there?
- What precautions should be taken to prevent the accident?
You should consult with an expert to figure out what hardware you require. But, in the very first place, you need to use electric shock protection mats or electrical insulating mats to prevent electrical shocks.
RISK ASSESSMENT
When you step back and take a look at all the dangers involved in the work you are going to start, you can figure out if or not you require matting. The HSE suggests having an RCD when working with 230 volts or higher.
SUPPORT AND TESTING
When you have your rubber mat for electrical purposes, you have to keep up it and test it routinely with the goal that it keeps on acting as it was proposed. Most matting is not resistant to acid, oil, and comparable chemicals. Always prefer insulating mats that are fire resistant, slip resistant, and puncture resistant. Storing the mat in a dry place far from conceivable harm when not being used is important and inspecting the mat for any harm, for example, puncture, wear and tear or rips is essential to maintain the safe working functionality of the matting. Nevertheless, while purchasing an electrical insulating mat, you should consider receiving a test certificate with it. The insulating mat manufacturer is going to provide you with test certificates, affirming its properties, dimensions, and performance.
