Electrical hazards are all over the workplace. Whether you work with power tools, small appliances, or anything that gets plugged into an outlet, it’s important to know how to deal with it safely.

Here are some quick electrical safety tips to make sure you’ve got the basics covered.

Always Inspect Electrical Equipment

Inspect power tools, power cords, and electrical fittings prior to use. Look for signs of damage or wear and tear. Make sure there’s no fraying or damage on the cords (including the insulating layer).

Damaged or faulty equipment should be immediately removed from service and sent for repairs or replaced. Even slight damage can compromise the safety of the equipment and significantly increase the risk of electrical shock.

Use the Right Extension Cords

Every extension cord will fit in a standard outlet and deliver power, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right cord for the job. Make sure it has the right gauge to handle your power needs. The lower the gauge, the more power it can handle. Most cords designed for household use are 16 gauge, but you’ll need a 10 gauge cord for heavy duty uses.

If you’re using the cord outside, make sure it’s rated for outdoor use.

Get the length you need as well. Extension cords are not meant to be plugged into each other, and doing so increases the risk of an electrical incident.

Beware Hot Outlets

If you notice that an outlet is unusually hot, this is a sign that the wiring is unsafe.

Unplug any devices connected to an overheating outlet and stop using it until it can be checked by a qualified electrician.

Avoid Damaging Electrical Cords

Cords should be kept out of the way so they don’t create a tripping hazard.

Taping them to the wall or the floor can be a good way to achieve this. But never staple or nail them into place. Even if the cord still works, the damage to the cord and its insulation creates a fire and shock hazard.

When you affix the cord to the floor or wall, make sure it’s not in contact with sharp edges or anything else that could wear and fray the cord over time.

Use Power Strips Wisely

You’ll find power strips in just about every office setting. They’re convenient, but it’s important to understand how they’re supposed to be used.

Power strips are designed for low voltage equipment only – things like a phone charger, a computer monitor, or a printer. Even a toaster or hair dryer are too much for it to handle. Overloading it can cause a fire, so think before plugging anything into it.

Like an outlet, if the power strip gets hot, unplug it immediately.