Electricity has become the driving force in every recent technological idea and device that we're enjoying today. But, however useful electricity is, there continues to be quite a sizeable incidence of electricity-related accidents throughout the world. Every day, electrical accidents account for hundreds of people who sustain a shock injury, burns of varying degrees and most horrible of all, loss of life due to electrical faults.
Why is Electricity so Dangerous?
Overhead power lines that carry in the region of 500,000 volts are not insulated. Substations and transformers include "live" components that are hazardous. Underground wires are well insulated, but any sharp object like a shovel for instance can damage them, therefore producing an electric shock. Electricity always will find the shortest path to the ground. It will seek any good conductor that it can pass through to get to the earth. Seeing that your body is about 70% water, it instantly will become a good conductor for electricity. If you touch a live wire while your feet are touching the ground, electricity will pass through your body to get to the ground causing an electric shock that can be injurious or even lethal.
Electric current can also produce extensive burns to your body. The lung and heart muscles can also be affected by electric shock. Direct current (DC) can make muscles against your will contract while alternating current (AC) can cause the heart to fibrillate.
Power lines are not the only cables that will harm you if you make contact to them. Home electrical devices and wires also have the potential to harm you if you do not know how to take precautions. December is the most dangerous month in terms of electrical fires. This is because there are more indoor activities during this month that cause a rise inthe need for lighting, heating and appliance usage.
Electrical Safety Tips.
A number of electricity-related incidents can be prevented by observing straightforward safety tips in the home. It is essential that you educate the children about following and using electrical safety procedures.
Electrical Sockets and Cables.
Check plug sockets for slack fitting plugs which could overheat and cause a fire. If wall plates are gone or broken be sure to replace them. If there are children in the house, cover up all wall outlets as a safety precaution and tell your offspring not to play around the sockets. If possible, cover wall outlets or sockets with furnishings.
See to it that cables are in good working order and not frayed or worn. Cables should not be nailed against walls or placed under heavy fitted carpet. Donot put any pieces of furniture on top of them. If you are using extension cables, make sure that they are not overloaded. Extension cables ought to only be used on a brief basis only. When unplugging cables remember to pull the plug from the outlet and not the cable itself.
Electrical Appliances.
All unused appliances must be unplugged and their cables out of reach from young offspring, pets. Ensure that appliances that create heat have some clearance all around for cooling and air circulation. When using devices follow instructions and do not carry out repairs that you are not qualified to do. It is best to keep all electrical devices away from areas where water is present such as sinks, lavatories, swimming pools, tubs or any overhead vents that may drip. Bear in mind not to operate electrical devices with wet hands or whilst standing in water. If you have radiators, heating vents or space heaters, keep away articles of clothing, toys, curtains or any combustible materials.
Outdoor Electrical Safety.
It has long been seen that some people mistakenly elect to use electric lawn mowers or equipment when it is raining or when the grass is wet. Stop! You'll only electricute yourself.
If there are segments of a tree that are near the power lines, make sure you trim them. If you are not able to do it, call the local tree surgeon and ask for help in pruning the tree. Keep away from power lines when you are flying kites or model airplanes. If there is an electrical storm (lightning) do not swim or play near water. If you see a power line that is down, do not handle it, even if you think it is not "live". Call the proper authorities.
Author Resource:
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