Safety Precautions When Working With Electricity

Introduction

The concepts discussed here are about clarification and explanation about the safety while using electricity in any way and hazards we face daily at different places like home, schools, offices, and many places. 

Electric materials

There are some electrical mediums or materials which are compulsory to know about it. It is observed that a material which have number of free electrons would easily carry current and such eletron is termed as conductor. For example, Gold, silver, and aluminum are good conductors of electricity.

Materials that contain few free electrons are called insulators. For example, wood, rubber, and glass are good insulators.

Fair conductors include the human body and the earth.

Electrical Safety equipment

Here we discuss some types of equipment and tools that are used in working with electricity, such as:

• Insulated gloves 
• Insulating matting 
• Insulating ladders 
• Life safety kits 
• Short circuit kits 

Insulating gloves 

Electrical safety rubber insulating gloves provide voltage protection. And it would also provide heat protection to the workers. These gloves can be selected according to their class which corresponds to the voltage level and categories like size and product color. 

Insulating matting 

While selecting insulating matting, you can find the right solution for the use of switchboards and transformers, and in other high-voltage areas.

Life-Saving kit 

The life-saving kit is designed to eliminate electrical current in case of an electrical accident; quick action is essential to saving lives. In this way, you get more chances to save a life. By providing safe access to the arc flashing object and conducting surfaces, the electrical life-saving kit helps the situation by making the victim and the energised source accessible to the rescuer. 

Rescue rods 

Rescue rods are commonly used to remove a casualty from an area to danger; in rescue operations, rescue rods or poles are intended to remove the person who has been electrocuted from the source of the electricity. The rescue pole is the protection for the person rescuing by insulating them from any electrical shock.

Insulating ladders 

Insulating ladders are used to protect workers against electrocution. While working in a potentially hazardous situation ladder insulates the workers from earth CATU. However, such ladders have quality fire resistance, and they also have good strength that would bear the weight easily. In addition to this, there are three common types of ladders 

• Single pole ladders 
• Extension ladders 
• Step ladders 

Electrical Hazards or Hazards of electricity 

• There are some hazards of working with electricity 
• Shock 
• Burns 
• Fires 
• Explosion 
• Pressure waves 
• Arc blast 
• Thermal radiation 

Shock 

Electrical shocks occur when it finds a human body; a part of the current would make the body a path that helps the electrons flow. So, as a result of this process the body gets affected; it may be either direct or indirect. Direct Injury or maybe death occurs whenever electrical current flows through the human body. However, the indirect current causes injuries to humans. 

Burns 

Burns can result when the person touches electrical wire or equipment which is improperly used or maintained; typically, such burns injuries occur on the hands. 

Thermal radiation a hurdle for labour health

It is a known fact that laborers have to work under certain conditions. And sometimes, they are exposed to heat and extreme heat, and as a result of this environment, they would face injuries as well as occupational illnesses. 

Pressure wave 

A high-energy arcing fault can produce a considerable pressure wave; such a powerful pressure wave can cause ear damage. And it is common for labourers who work under such conditions where there is the chance of electric shocks. 

Arc Blast 

Arc blast occurs with high amperage currents arcing through the air. This abnormal current flow is initiated by contact with two energised points. When the labourers are working with the components and equipment, an accident occurs if a person comes into contact with their body that time arc blast occurs. And as a result, the person gets fatigued. And the abuse temperatures in arc blasts are as high as 35000 per F and it has been recorded in research. 

Explosions

The explosion occurs when electricity provides a source of ignition for an explosive mixture in the atmosphere. Ignition can be due to overheated conductors and equipment or normal arcing at switch contacts. 

Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers as well as fuses are used to protect humans from the electric shocks. The selection of a circuit breaker or fuse is essential. Normally in protection against short circuit fuse rating, 150% of the normal circuit current is selected. 

Never try repairing equipment without safety

Prior to touch any equipment is essential to test them with the tester the hot wire, the bulb inside the tester lights up, showing that the electrical current is flowing through this specific area. It is required to keep proper check on all the wires as well as the outer covering of the service panel. It is also necessary to check the other hanging wires; for this purpose, you should use an electrical tester, and then you should start your work with them. 

Underground cabling

Sometimes the labourers also have to work with the underground cables, which is also dangerous for the workers health. It is a known fact that the damp soil that surrounds the cable is also one of the conductors of electricity, and ground faults are quite common in underground cabling.

Effects of Electricity on the Human Body

There are some effects that cause problems for the human baby and are not safe for humans. Such common effects are listed here. 

• Current and voltage 
• Resistance 
• Path through body 
• Duration of shock 

Current and Voltage

Often high voltage often produces massive destruction of tissue at contact locations. It is generally believed that the detrimental effects of electrical shock are due to the current actually flowing through the body. Heavy current flow can result in severe burns and heart paralysis; if the shock is of short duration, the heart stops during current passage and usually re-starts normally on current interruption, improving the victim’s chances of survival. 

Removing the Capacitor

Take care while removing the capacitor from the circuit. The capacitor stores energy, and if it’s not properly discharged when removed, it can cause electrical shock. 

Conclusion

It is to be submerged that taking control of electrical hazards is an important part of life. It is also important in every safety and health program. The measures suggest establishing a program of health and life. Everyone has the right to work safely in every environment like working in an electrical place is more careful working because it is very risky work for human life and safety. So always work with preventative measures which are important in electrical work like shields, gloves, glasses, and many more things; otherwise, do not touch any area of electricity without these precautions because life is very precious for all.