The misuse of electrical sockets (as illustrated above) caused a fire at one of our camps. Fortunately, no one was injured and the fire was extinguished, but severe damage was caused HSE INSTRUCTIONS • Never, ever insert bare wires directly into a socket without plug: Never insert bare wires into sockets without a plug as this may cause spark and result in a fire, and is a dismissal offence • Don't overload plug sockets: Never overload an electrical socket or extension lead by plugging in phone chargers or appliances that together will exceed the maximum current rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat and possibly cause a fire. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it can take so, to help reduce the risk of fire, be careful not to overload them. • Regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires: Check to see if the cable is fastened securely to the plug and check the socket for scorch marks. You should always carry out these checks before you plug an appliance or charger in. • Unplug appliances when not in use: This helps to reduce the risk of fire. Unplug appliances when you go to bed or when you go out unless they are designed to be left on, like fridges and freezers. • Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order: Look out for fuses that blow, circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason and flickering lights to prevent them triggering a fire. • Always use certified and original chargers: Certified and good quality chargers and power cables for phones, computers and other appliances are installed with fuse. • Always check that you use the right fuse: When you're fitting or replacing a fuse, it's important to use the right fuse for the appliance to make sure the cable doesn't overheat and that the appliance is protected in the event of a fault.

1. Form # HSEQ – HSEA (Rev 1 – Aug 18)
HSE ALERT - 42
Misuse of Electrical Sockets
The misuse of electrical sockets (as illustrated above) caused a fire at one of our camps.
Fortunately,noonewasinjuredandthefire was extinguished,but severedamage was caused
HSE INSTRUCTIONS
 Never, ever insert bare wires directly into a socket without plug: Never insert bare wires
into sockets without a plug as this may cause spark and result in a fire, and is a dismissal
offence
 Don't overload plug sockets: Never overload an electrical socket or extension lead by
plugging in phone chargers or appliances that together will exceed the maximum current
rating stated for the extension lead. This could cause the plug in the wall socket to overheat
and possibly cause a fire. An extension lead or adaptor will have a limit to how many amps it
can take so, to help reduce the risk of fire, be careful not to overload them.
 Regularly check for frayed or worn cables and wires: Check to see if the cable is fastened
securely to the plug and check the socket for scorch marks. You should always carry out these
checks before you plug an appliance or charger in.
 Unplug appliances when not in use: This helps to reduce the risk of fire. Unplug appliances
when you go to bed or when you go out unless they are designed to be left on, like fridges
and freezers.
 Keep electrical appliances clean and in good working order: Look out for fuses that blow,
circuit-breakers that trip for no obvious reason and flickering lights to prevent them triggering
a fire.
 Always use certified and original chargers: Certified and good quality chargers and power
cables for phones, computers and other appliances are installed with fuse.
 Always check that you use the right fuse: When you're fitting or replacing a fuse, it's
important to usethe right fuse for the appliance to make sure the cable doesn't overheat and
that the appliance is protected in the event of a fault.
13A Twin SwitchedSocket
MULTIPLUG
BEFORE AFTER

2. Form # HSEQ – HSEA (Rev 1 – Aug 18)
HSE ALERT - 42
Overloading Power Sockets
Overloading could cause fire Inserting bare wire in socket can result in fire
Bare wire Inserted into socket
Check regularly for the following danger signs:
 Wires inserted directly into an electrical socket without use of a plug.
 A smell of hot plastic or burning near an appliance or socket
 Sparks or smoke coming from a plug or appliance
 Blackness or scorch marks around a socket or plug, or on an appliance
 Damaged or frayed leads
 Colored wire inside leads showing at the plug or anywhere else
 Melted plastic on appliance casings or leads
 Fuses that blow or circuit-breakers that operate for no obvious reason
Arabtec Construction
HSEQ & Org. Risk Dept.
Don’t Walk By
Workers Lives Matter