The voltage of electricity and the available electrical current can be fatal. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous if contact is made with the “hot”, “energized” or “live” part of the socket.
All electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Electricity can be either “static” or “dynamic.” Dynamic electricity is the uniform motion of electrons through a conductor (this is known as electric current). Conductors are materials through which electricity can pass. Most metals are conductors. The human body is also a conductor. Note: Static electricity is the accumulation of charge on surfaces as a result of contact and friction with another surface. This contact/friction causes an accumulation of electrons on one surface and a deficiency of electrons on the other surface. Electric current cannot exist without an unbroken path to and from the conductor. Electricity will form a path or loop. When you plug in a device (e.g. a power tool), the electricity takes the easiest path from the plug-in to the tool and back to the power source. This is also known as creating or completing an electrical circuit.
People are injured when they become part of the electrical circuit. Humans are more conductive than the ground we stand on, which means if there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies. There are four main types of injuries:
Electric Shock is caused when electricity flows through the person’s body (an efficient conductor of electricity) to a ground or the earth. Shocks occur when a person’s body completes the current path with:
Some of the most common injuries a person can deal with after being electrically shocked include but not limited to:
Common indoor causes of electrocution/ electric shock are:
Common outdoor causes of electrocution / electric shock are:
Electrocution/ electric shock can be prevented at indoors by adopting following measures:
Electrocution / electric shocks can be prevented at outdoors by adopting following measures:
If you think you have an unsafe electrical installation you should first warn everyone to stay away from it and (if safe to do so) switch it off. You should then contact a competent person, such as an electrician.
It is safe to do your own electrical work if you are competent to do so. Simple tasks such as wiring a plug are within the grasp of many people but more complex tasks, such as modifying an electrical installation, may not be. More complex electrical tasks, such as motor repairs or maintenance of electrical equipment, should only be carried out by an electrician/ competent person.
If a person is “frozen” to a live electrical contact, you should shut off the current immediately. If this is not possible, you can use boards, poles, or sticks made of wood or any other non-conducting materials and safely push or pull the person away from the contact. It’s important to act quickly, but you should remember to protect yourselves as well from electrocution or shock.
Faulty or damaged wiring and related electrical equipment cause most of the electrical fires in homes, followed by lamps, light fixtures, cords, plugs, voltage stabilizers and other power supplies.
Always read and follow appliance instructions for improved electrical safety. Understanding home appliance safety improves both the performance of your device and your personal safety. Should any appliance give you even a slight electrical shock, stop using it until a qualified electrician checks it for problems.
Power cords should not be stapled into place or run under rugs and furniture. Cords under rugs pose a tripping hazard and can overheat, while furniture can crush cord insulation and damage wires.
One of the simplest electrical safety tips is also one of the easiest to forget: when an appliance is not in use, unplug it. Not only does this save you power by reducing any phantom drain (the amount of energy the device consumes even when not actively in use), but unplugging unused appliances also protects them from overheating or power surges.
Installing safety caps and covers on outlets prevents children from inserting objects into the outlet, protecting them from shock.
Tell your kids not to pull on electrical cords. Yanking can damage or fray the cord and compromise electrical safety.
Keep dangerous appliances (toasters, blenders and electric kettles) away from children until they’re old enough to operate them properly and understand electrical safety at home.
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