Awareness - Electricity
Awareness - Electricity
Electricity is a form of energy resulting from the existence
of charged particles (such as electrons
or protons). It is a form of energy which we use to power
machines, electrical & electronic devices.
When the charges are not moving,
electricity is called static electricity. When the charges are moving
they are an electric current,
sometimes called dynamic
electricity.
Electrical Hazard:
A dangerous
condition where a worker could make electrical contact
with energized equipment or a conductor, and from which the person may sustain
an injury from shock.
Common Causes for electrical hazards:
·
Making contact with overhead wires
·
Undertaking maintenance on live equipment
·
Working with damaged electrical equipment, such as extension leads, plugs and sockets
·
Using equipment affected
by rain or water ingress
Electrical Injuries:
There are basically
two ways to be injured by electricity. One is by electric
shock and the other is by arc flash.
Electric shock is the passing of electric current through
the body. Electrical contact can cause involuntary physical movements. The electrical current
may
·
Throw you into contact
with a higher
voltage conductor
·
Cause you to lose your balance and fall
·
Cause severe internal and external
burns
Effects of Electric Shock on Human Body:
·
The longer the exposure, the increased danger
of shock to the victim
·
Low voltage can be extremely dangerous because
the degree of injury depends not only on the current, but on the length of time in contact
with the circuit.
· Low voltage does not mean low hazard.
Arc flash is a release of energy
caused by an electric arc. The flash causes an explosive
expansion of air and metal.
The blast produces:
·
A dangerous pressure
wave
·
A dangerous sound wave
·
Extreme heat
·
Extreme light
These dangers
can result in blast injuries, lung injuries, ruptured eardrums,
shrapnel wounds, severe
burns, and blindness. Arc flash injuries
can also result
in death.
High voltages
lead to additional injuries such as:
·
Violent muscular contractions – Muscle contractions may cause bone fracture
from either contractions themselves or from falls.
·
Internal bleeding, destruction of tissues, nerves and muscles
Precautions for Electrical Installations:
Ø
Only persons having valid wireman's license/competency certificate
shall be allowed for carrying out electrical work and repair
of electrical equipment & installation at site.
Ø
Electrical equipment and installations shall be installed and maintained as to prevent danger from contact with live conductors and to prevent
fires originating from electrical causes like short circuits,
overheating, etc. Installation shall not cause any hindrance to movement
of men and materials.
Ø Grounding conductor of wiring
system shall be of copper or other corrosion
resistant material.
An extra grounding
connection shall be made in appliances/equipment where chance
of electric shock is high.
Ø
Electric fuses and/or circuit
breakers installed in equipment
circuits for short
circuit protection shall be of proper rating.
Ø
Visually inspect all electrical equipment before
use. Remove from service
any equipment with frayed cords,
missing ground prongs, etc.
Protective tools and equipment
Workers exposed to an electrical hazard must use rubber mats, rubber
hand gloves, flame resistant
clothing
and any other protective equipment required to protect themselves from electric shock and burn. As part of everyday work, electrical workers should always
·
Wear electric-shock-resistant footwear
·
Remove watches, rings, neck chains,
or other current-conducting apparel
“Don’t be a stranger to electrical danger”
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