F or Electrical Safety: Proper Wiring and Installation: Use appropriate wiring materials and methods. Follow recommended wire sizes and types for different circuits. Properly install electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures. Grounding and Bonding: Ensure proper grounding of electrical systems to prevent electrical shock and fire hazards. Bond metal parts of the electrical system to prevent differences in electrical potential. Overcurrent Protection: Install circuit breakers or fuses to protect circuits from overloads and short circuits. Electrical Panel Safety: Keep electrical panels accessible and clear of obstructions. Label circuits clearly for easy identification. 5. Protection in Damp or Hazardous Locations: Install appropriate electrical devices and equipment in areas where there's a risk of moisture, chemicals, or other hazards.
6. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Protection: Use GFCI outlets or breakers in areas prone to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent electrocution. 7. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) Protection: Use AFCI breakers to detect and prevent dangerous arc faults in electrical circuits. 8. Electrical Appliance Safety: Choose appliances that are certified by safety organizations. Avoid overloading outlets with too many devices. 9. Outdoor Electrical Safety: Use weatherproof outlets and covers for outdoor installations. Keep outdoor extension cords away from water. 10. Regular Inspections and Maintenance: Periodically check for signs of wear or damage in wiring and outlets. Replace damaged cords and frayed wires promptly. 11. Safe Electrical Practices: Avoid using electrical devices with wet hands. Never touch electrical components with metal objects. Keep flammable materials away from electrical sources.
Electrical Hazards BE SAFE: B urns E lectrocution S hock A rc flash/arc blast F ire E xplosions
Causes and prevention of accidents Whether it’s household appliances or workplace equipment, each day, we are surrounded by electrical devices. While most of us can go our entire lives without experiencing an electrical incident or, worst-case scenario, accident, it is ever so important to familiarise ourselves with the signs that a problem is brewing. By knowing the major causes of electrical accidents and methods for prevention, we can not only keep ourselves safe but also those around us, our home and workplace. In order to remain safe when using electrical equipment and appliances, it’s worthwhile to familiarise yourself with basic electrical safety knowledge. This will help to minimise the risk of incidents and prevent accidents.
What is an electrical accident? An electrical accident is an undesired, unexpected event that has been caused by an electrical current and has resulted in either injury or property damage. Electrical accidents are more common than you expect. There are three main types of electrical accidents that you may encounter at home or even in the workplace. Each of these can vary from mild to severe depending on the strength of the electrical current and factors such as water enhancing the danger.
Electrical shock This occurs when a person (or animal) comes into contact with a live part. In this instance, the electrical current will flow through the body and travel to the nearest earthed source. Exposure to electrical energy may result in no injury at all or may result in devastating damage or death. A mild electric shock will leave a slight tingling sensation in the area that made contact with the current. A moderate electric shock will cause your muscles to contract, making it hard to pull away from the electric current. A severe electric shock can cause heart failure.
Electrical burn This usually coincides with a moderate or severe electric shock as the shock causes tissue to burn. Electric burns to the skin can leave scarring, but burns can also be internal as the electric current can travel through the bone and burn surrounding deep tissue.
Electrical fires Although electrical fires may not initially harm you, they can cause severe damage to any property and are a health and safety hazard for everyone in the building. Electrical fires occur when a current ignites a flammable material. The natural reaction for onlookers may be to try to extinguish the fire with water; however, this may increase the risk of further injuries to all involved as water conducts electricity and can make the flames worse. It is always urged to contact the emergency services in these circumstances.