Electricity
Most machines use electric power. Damaged and frayed electrical cords attached to electrical appliances such as fans, rice cookers, freezers and pie warmers are the cause of the most electrical hazards in the hospitality and tourism industry.
Electrical leads should not be wrapped around the appliance and electrical boards should be secured on the wall to prevent the risk of stretching the leads and short circuiting the wires causing a fire risk.
 | | Your employer must make sure that equipment is in good working order and regularly checked. |
If water leaks into electrical equipment it can cause electric shock or even electrocution unless precautions are taken. The risk is greater where pressure washers, steam cleaners or hoses are used.
Make sure electrical switchboards are not blocked. If there is an electrical fault it may be important to be able to switch off an appliance at the power point quickly.
An example of the dangers of electrical hazards can be found in the case study Electric Shocks in Cleaning Industry.
