Difference between revisions of "Prevent Electrical Shock"

Electrical shock is no laughing matter, as it often results in serious injury and can even be fatal. Educating yourself about avoiding electric shock can help keep you safe and prevent a dangerous accident. This article will give you tips on preventing electrical shock.

#Learn how electricity works. Knowledge is power, and the first step in preventing a dangerous situation is to understand the cause of electric shock. Read books, articles, websites and blogs about electricity and safety measures to take when working with electricity.<ref name="rf1"> http://www.safetyed.org/howtopreventelecrticalshock.html</ref>

#*In basic terms, [[Feel Safe Around Electricity|electricity]] naturally tries to flow to the earth or ground through any and all materials that will conduct an electrical current.<ref name="rf2">http://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/152291/how-grounding-works-to-prevent-electrical-shock</ref>  

#*Certain compounds, like wood and glass, are poor conductors of electricity. Other materials, like seawater and many metals, conduct very well. The human body is able to conduct a current largely due to the amount of sodium and water in the body, and an electric shock happens when electricity flows through parts of the body.<ref name="rf2" />  

#*This happens most often when a direct source of electricity is exposed to human contact. It may also flow into a person through another conductor, like a pool of water or a metal pole.<ref name="rf1" />  

#Know your limits. There are some simple electrical problems around the house that you can handle yourself. However, any time you are having serious or major electrical issues, you should hire a professional electrician. It may be expensive, but it is cheaper than a stint in the hospital.<ref name="rf3">http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,213817,00.html</ref>

#Find out electricity requirements. The items and appliances in your household all have their own electrical requirements. Know the specific types of circuit breakers, fuses, and even lightbulbs that are required in your home. Make sure to replace them with the right parts when needed. Using incompatible parts could cause the equipment to function improperly, create an unsafe condition that may result in fire, injury or death.<ref name="rf4">http://www.caes.uga.edu/departments/bae/extension/handbook/documents/Wiring%20Requirements%20for%20Household%20Circuits.pdf</ref>

#Turn the electricity off. The first step that you need to take before attempting to fix any electrical problems yourself is to turn the electricity off in your home. This helps to ensure that, even if you make a mistake, you won’t be electrocuted.<ref name="rf5">http://www.pge.com/en/safety/gaselectricsafety/electriconoff/index.page</ref>

#* There will be a main electrical panel somewhere in your home (usually in a basement or garage). This panel has a simple on/off switch that allows you to cut the flow of electricity to your entire house. Make sure the switch on this panel is flipped to “off” before attempting any repairs.<ref name="rf5" />  

#Cover sockets and outlets. Covering outlets with wall panels is crucial for preventing accidental contact with wires, and is required by code. If you live with small children, it is also wise to use socket safety plugs to keep curious fingers safe from injury.<ref name="rf6">http://www.cableorganizer.com/articles/preventing-home-electrical-hazards.html</ref>

#Install GFCI breakers, outlets and adapters. GFCI, or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter, devices are able to detect imbalances in the amount of electricity flowing through an appliance and will cut off power at the GFCI device. GFCI receptacles are required in most new construction homes, and can typically be installed in older homes for a low cost.<ref name="rf7"> http://www.cableorganizer.com/articles/preventing-home-electrical-hazards.html</ref>

#*Avoid overloading power strips and other receptacles with multiple plugs. Using only two plugs per outlet lessens the risk of shock and fire.<ref name="rf7" />

#*Never use an electrical appliance while in the bath or shower.<ref name="rf7" />

#*If your toaster or another electric appliance is near your kitchen sink, never use the running water and the appliance at the same time. Keep it unplugged when not in use.<ref name="rf7" />

#* Store outdoor electrical equipment in a place where it will be kept dry, like a garage shelf.<ref name="rf7" />

#*If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, do not attempt to retrieve it until you turn off power to the corresponding circuit. Once the power is off, you may retrieve the device. Once it is dry, it can be evaluated by an electrician to see if it is suitable for future use.<ref name="rf7" />

#Replace worn or damaged equipment. Pay attention to the condition of your electric devices, and maintain them regularly. Some signs that indicate a need for repair are:<ref name="rf7" />

#Turn the power back on. Once you have made the necessary repairs and are ready to test the appliance or outlet you have fixed, turn the power switch on your main panel back to the “on” position. <ref name="rf8">http://www.pge.com/en/safety/gaselectricsafety/electriconoff/index.page?</ref>

#* You may need to reset your circuit breakers as well. To do this, flip the switch on each individual breaker to “off”, then flip it back to “on”.<ref name="rf9"> http://www.pge.com/en/safety/gaselectricsafety/electriconoff/index.page?</ref>   

#Turn the power source off. Whenever a project involves exposure to electrical equipment or electricity, check and double-check that the power is off before beginning your work.<ref name="rf9" />

#* Again, there should be a main electric panel for the entire facility. Find this panel and flip the switch to off.<ref name="rf8" />

#Wear protective gear. Rubber soled shoes and non-conductive gloves provide a barrier. Putting a rubber mat on the floor is another effective precaution. Rubber does not conduct electricity and will help you avoid getting shocked.<ref name="rf10"> https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/personal_protective_equipment.html</ref>

#Exercise caution when operating power tools. Make sure that all of your tools have a three-pronged plug, and inspect all equipment for signs of damage. It is also important to turn off power tools before connecting them to electricity. Always keep power tools away from water, and clear the work area of flammable gasses, vapors, and solvents when tools are in use.<ref name="rf11"> https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3080.pdf</ref>

#Double up. It is always wise to have a second person around to assist you when working with electricity. This second person can double check to ensure you have followed all necessary precautions. Also, if something does go wrong and you do get shocked, this second person can immediately get you the help you need.<ref name="rf12">https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/medical_first_aid.html</ref>

#* Make sure you communicate well with this other person. Many electrical accidents occur because of miscommunication. You need to be able to trust that when this person says the power is off, it is actually off.<ref name="rf13"> https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/electric_power/medical_first_aid.html</ref>   

#* Even if you trust this other person with your life, it is probably a good idea to double check and make sure the power is off for yourself. Never assume anything when dealing with electricity.<ref name="rf13" />  

#Call a professional for big jobs. Working with electricity is inherently dangerous and complicated. If you are not completely confident in your skills, bring in a trusted electrician to complete the job.<ref name="rf14">http://www.safetyed.org/howtopreventelecrticalshock.html</ref>  

#Check the weather report. It may sound obvious, but making sure you have a clear forecast for your outdoor adventure is crucial to avoid getting caught in an electrical storm. Even if you're just gone for an afternoon, weather can change quickly and the best prevention is preparedness. Know the chance of a thunderstorm in the outdoor area you plan to visit, and plan to head in long before the [[Avoid Being Hit by Lightning|lightning]] is due to start.<ref name="rf15">http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/grounders/lightningsafety.html</ref>

#Watch for signs of a coming storm. Pay attention to changes in temperature, increases in wind, or darkening of the sky. Listen for thunder. If it looks like a storm is rolling in, stop what you are doing and take shelter immediately. <ref name="rf15" />

#Find shelter. If you are outside and a storm approaches, quickly heading indoors is the only real way to be protected from lightning. Look for a completely enclosed shelter with its own electricity and plumbing, like a house or business. If that option is not available, hiding out in a car with the doors closed and windows up is also a safe bet. Covered picnic areas, stand-alone restroom facilities, tents, and other small structures will not keep you safe. No reliable shelter in sight? Reduce your risk with these preventive guidelines:<ref name="rf15" />

#*Stay low<ref name="rf15" />

#*Avoid open areas<ref name="rf15" />

#*Avoid metal and water<ref name="rf15" />

#Wait it out. Whether indoors or out, do not leave your chosen safety area for at least half an hour after the last clap of thunder is heard. If you have any doubts about whether or not the storm has passed, stay inside. <ref name="rf15" />  

#Keep a [[Use a Fire Extinguisher|fire extinguisher]] handy. Keep a fire extinguisher ready to go in areas where you work with electrical equipment. Fire extinguishers for use on electrical fires will have a "C," "BC," or "ABC" on the label.<ref name="rf14" />

#Prepare for the worst. No matter how many precautions are in place, [[Treat a Victim of Electrical Shock|electric shock]] is always a risk when electricity is in use. If shock occurs, it is important to be prepared in order to handle the situation safely.<ref name="rf13" />

#Call for help. In the case of an electric emergency, always  [[Call Emergency Services|call the Emergency Services]]. It is unwise to try to treat the victim yourself when an electrical shock has occurred.<ref name="rf13" />

#Do not touch a victim of shock with bare hands. Shock victims usually don’t hold the electricity in their bodies for very long. However, you must always use caution, as the victim could potentially still be conducting electricity. Use a non-conductive barrier, like rubber gloves, if at all possible, to touch or move the victim.<ref name="rf16">http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-electrical-shock/basics/art-20056695</ref>

#Turn off the power source, if possible. If you can do so without being shocked yourself, turn off the power. If this is not possible, move the victim away from the source with a non-conductive material, like a piece of wood.<ref name="rf17"> http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-electrical-shock/basics/art-20056695</ref>

#* You should only try to move an electrical shock victim if the person is in immediate danger.<ref name="rf16" />

#Check for vitals. Once you are certain the victim is no longer conducting electricity, check to see if the person is breathing. If the victim is not breathing, begin [[Do CPR on an Adult|CPR]] immediately while someone else alerts emergency medical services.<ref name="rf13" />

#* OSHA’s safety rules for working around electricity state that you have about 4 minutes to get help for an electric shock victim, so move quickly.<ref name="rf13" />  

#Wait for medical help to arrive. Stay calm and keep the victim lying horizontally, with his legs slightly elevated until medical help can arrive. Once help arrives, stay out of the paramedics’ way. If the paramedics ask for any assistance, follow their instructions.<ref name="rf17" />