Electricity
A lot of the machinery, equipment and tools you will use in the primary industry are operated by electricity.
 | | Your employer must make sure all electrical machinery and equipment is kept in good working order, electrical plugs and switches are not damaged, cords are not split or frayed and are regularly checked for damage. |
There should be a system in place for locking out and isolating electrical machinery during maintenance, cleaning and repairs to prevent it being accidentally turned on.
You should follow instructions for using electrical equipment, which may include remembering to:
switch off appliances at the power point before you pull out the plug;
disconnect broken appliances and not use frayed cords or broken power points;
not use too many appliances from the same power point; and
always keep electrical cords off the floor to reduce the risk of damage from drag or contact with sharp objects.
Generally employees should not work alone with machinery unless it has "deadman" switches. This is a type of switch often used on electrical vehicles or equipment operated by a hand or foot pedal or lever. It is designed so that if the operator releases the pressure on the switch, peddle or lever, owing to sudden illness or other causes, the current is cut off and the machine ceases to operate.
An example of the dangers of working with electrical tools, particularly in an environment where there is water, is highlighted in the case study Use of Electrical Tools on Board Fishing Vessels.
