Electrical Safety – Basic Information
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:
- Electrocution (Fatal)
- Electric Shock
- Burns
- Falls
- Inspect portable cord-and-plug connected equipment, extension cords, power bars and electrical fittings for damage or wear before each use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
- Always tape extension cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage extension cords causing fire and shock hazards.
- Use extension cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you are using.
- Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.
- Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fiberglass) when working with or near electricity or power lines.
- Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains. Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.
- Know where the panel and circuit breakers are located in case of an emergency.
- Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.
- Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
- Do not use portable cord-and-plug connected power tools with the guards removed.
- Do not block access to panels and circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
- Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident. Always disconnect the power source first.
Safety FAQs
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:
- Both wires of an electric circuit• One wire of an energized circuit and the ground
- One wire of an energized circuit and the ground
- A metal part that becomes energized
- Another “conductor” that is carrying a current
Some of the most common injuries a person can deal with after being electrically shocked include but not limited to:
- Severe burns
- Cardiac arrest
- Arrhythmia
- Heart muscle damage
- Heart muscle damage
- Injuries caused by falling after being shocked.
- Loss of kidney function
- Seizure
- Respiratory failure
Common indoor causes of electrocution/ electric shock are:
- Faulty Appliances
- Electrical appliances in contact with water
- Wires, cords, or extension leads with damaged insulation
- Operating an electric generator/ water pump with wet hands
Common outdoor causes of electrocution / electric shock are:
- Broken wires due to fallen trees/ objects in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains, floods and bushfires
- Getting in contact with exposed wiring/ boosters of illegal net & TV cables
- Touching an individual that has been already electrocuted/ electric shock
- Electricity theft/ hook/ illegal connections
- Leakage of current in street light poles / damaged switches installed at street light poles
- Encroachment near or under power lines
Electrocution/ electric shock can be prevented at indoors by adopting following measures:
- Keep appliances away from moisture and water
- Never operate any switch board with wet hands
- Turn off the power when the equipment is not in use
- Utilization of standardized insulated extension cords for household usage/wiring
- Routinely Check for faulty wiring from competent person
- Never connect or disconnect an electrical appliance under load
- Do not run electrical cords underneath rugs, carpets, or furniture
- Never open the refrigerator or deep freezer with wet hands & bare feet
- Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes
- Always ensure repair/maintenance of water pumps/generators by competent person
- Make sure your hands are dry before touching the generator/water pumps and use a rubber mat
- If your hands are wet after being in the rain, then do not ring the house bell without drying them
- Don’t use Gas or water pipelines for grounding purpose
Electrocution / electric shocks can be prevented at outdoors by adopting following measures:
- Keep away from downed power lines caused by extreme weather condition (at least 35 feet).
- Use insulated tools such as rubber-soled boots and rubber gloves when moving past water-logged areas.
- Always use ladders made with non-conductive side rails (e.g., fiberglass) when working near electricity
- Do not use a Kunda or illegal hook connection under any circumstances
- Never fly kites or model airplanes near power lines
- Never connect or disconnect an electrical appliance under load
- Stay away from substations, transformers and the fences that surround them
- If there is lightning, avoid staying outdoors. Do not touch any metal objects and do not take shelter under trees.
- Never allow your children to play in pools of rainwater.
- Cut off the electric source as soon as you can
- Call for help & ask someone to turn off the power source
- Do not move unless you need to move away from the electric source
- See a doctor immediately & seek first aid. Also Cover any burns with a sterile gauze. Don’t use Band-Aids or anything else that might stick to the burn
- Do not touch someone who have been shocked if they are still in contact with the source of electricity. Stay 20 feet away from them
- Immediately call for help & contact KE Response Centre 118 or your nearest complaint center.
- Turn off the flow of electricity if possible. Use a non-conducting object such as rubber or wood to turn off the power source of electricity
- Once electric supply is turned off, elevate the individual’s (who received an electric shock) legs & keep the person warm
- Cool the individual’s burns with cool running water for 20 minutes.
- Don’t move someone who has been shocked unless they’re in danger of further shock.
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.
- Don’t work with exposed conductors carrying 50 volts or more.
- Make sure electrical equipment is properly connected, grounded and in good working order.
- Extension cords may not be used as permanent wiring and should be removed after temporary use for an activity or event.
- High amperage equipment such as space heaters, portable air conditioners and other equipment must be plugged directly into permanent wall receptacles.
- Do not access, use or alter any building’s electrical service, including circuit breaker panels, unless you are specifically qualified and authorized to do so.
- Wet environments can increase the risk of an electrical shock.