Electric shock is not something to laugh at because it often results in serious and even fatal injuries. Educating yourself to avoid electric shock can help protect you and prevent dangerous accidents. This wikiHow teaches you tips for preventing electric shock.
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Part 1 of 4: Preventing Electric Shock at Home
Step 1. Learn how electricity works
Knowledge is power, and the first step in preventing a dangerous situation is to know the causes of electric shock. Read books, articles, websites and blogs about electricity and the safe precautions to take when working with electricity.
- Basically, electricity naturally tries to flow to the earth or ground through all materials that conduct electric current.
- Some compounds, such as wood and glass, are poor conductors of electricity. Other materials, such as seawater and a large number of metals, conduct electricity very well. The main reason the human body can conduct electricity is the amount of sodium and water in the body. An electric shock occurs when an electric current flows through body parts.
- Electric shock often occurs when the human body is directly exposed to a source of electricity. Electricity can also flow into the human body through electrical conductors such as water in a pool or metal rods.
- To learn more about electricity and the causes of electric shock, read here or ask a trusted electrician.
Step 2. Understand your limits
There are some simple electrical problems in and around your home that you can handle on your own. However, if there is a major and serious problem with electricity, you should hire a professional electrician. The cost may be quite expensive, but it is still cheaper than being hospitalized.
In essence, there are two types of electricians whose services can be utilized, namely, electricians and hired electricians. In the United States, these two types of technicians are usually equally licensed by the state, but not always. Electricians are generally business owners and may employ other licensed electricians, assistants, or apprentices. Meanwhile, freelance electricians can work for electricians or self-employed and employ a single assistant or apprentice. The rules for each type of electrician may vary by country or region
Step 3. Find the electrical requirements
Various electronic items and devices in your home have their own electrical requirements. Understand the specific types of circuit breakers, fuses, and even light bulbs required in your home. Be sure to replace with the right parts if needed. Use of inappropriate parts of electrical equipment may result in electrical equipment malfunctioning, resulting in unsafe conditions that could result in fire, injury, or death.
Step 4. Turn off the power
The first step to take before trying to fix any electrical problem yourself is to turn off the electricity in your home. By turning off the power, even if you may make a mistake, you will not be electrocuted.
The main electrical panel is located somewhere in your home, usually in the basement or garage. This panel has a simple on/off switch that allows it to cut off electricity to all parts of the house. Make sure the main panel switch is in the "off" position before attempting any electrical repairs
Step 5. Cover the sockets and power plugs
Covering plugs with wall panels is crucial in preventing accidental contact with wires, and is required in the code. If you live with small children, protect your curious little fingers from injury by using socket safety plugs.
Step 6. Install the breaker, socket, and Earth Fault Circuit Breaker adapter
Ground Fault Circuit Breaker is a device that can detect an imbalance in the amount of electric current flowing in certain electronic devices and cut off the electric current in those devices. Ground Fault Circuit Breakers are required in most new home construction, and can usually be installed in older homes at relatively low prices.
Step 7. Avoid common mistakes
There are some common mistakes made when trying to repair electrical faults at home. You should be fully aware of these errors and take all necessary precautions to avoid them. Some things to avoid are:
- Do not touch bare wires that may still conduct electricity.
- Do not overcharge a long outlet or outlet that has more than one plug. Just use two plugs per outlet to reduce the risk of electric shock and fire.
- If possible use a three-prong plug. The third leg, which functions to transmit electric current to the ground, should never be removed.
- Never assume that someone else is turning off the power source. Always do your own check!
Step 8. Avoid water
Store and use electronic devices away from water. Water and electricity is a dangerous combination, electronic devices should be kept away from wet places. This will prevent accidental electric shock from occurring.
- Never use electronic devices when soaking in the tub or using a water dispenser.
- If your grill or other electronics are near the kitchen sink, never use running water or electronics at the same time. Leave the plug unplugged when not in use.
- Store your outdoor electronics in a place that keeps them dry, such as garage shelves.
- If an electronic device that is plugged into a wall outlet falls into the water, do not attempt to pick it up until you have turned off the circuit. Once the electrical power is successfully turned off, you can take it out of the water. When it's dry, ask an electrician to check if the appliance can still be used again.
Step 9. Replace worn or damaged tools
Pay attention to the condition of your electronic equipment, and perform regular maintenance. Signs that indicate the need for improvement include:
- Spark
- Small electric shock
- Cable frayed or damaged
- Heat comes from the wall outlet
- Repeated short circuit
- Those are some of the signs of damage due to age of use. If anything strange happens, contact an electrician. Ensuring safety is always better than sorry!
Step 10. Turn the power back on
Once the repair is complete and the electronics are ready to be tested, or the outlet has been repaired, turn the switch on the main electrical panel back on. Change the switch position to "on".
You may also need to reset the circuit breaker. To reset, push each breaker to the "off" position then return it to "on"
Part 2 of 4: Preventing Electric Shock While Working
Step 1. Turn off the power source
If there is exposure to electronic devices or electrical currents on the project you are working on, check and double-check that the power is turned off before you start work.
Again, there must be a main electrical panel for the entire facility. Find this panel and set it to the off position
Step 2. Wear safety devices
Rubber-soled shoes and non-conductive gloves provide a barrier to the conduction of electric current. Laying rubber mats on the floor is another effective preventive measure. Rubber does not conduct electricity and will help you avoid being electrocuted.
Step 3. Be careful when operating power tools
Make sure all of your tools have a three-prong plug, and watch for any signs of damage. It is also important to turn off power tools before connecting them to the mains. Always keep power tools away from water, and clean the work area from flammable gases, vapors and solutions when they are in use.
Step 4. Don't be alone
It is wise to have a second person to assist you when working with electricity. This second person can double check to make sure you have followed all the required precautions. If something goes wrong and you get electrocuted, this second person can immediately give you the help you need.
- Be sure to communicate well with this colleague of yours. Many electrical accidents occur because of miscommunication. You have to be able to believe that when this person says the power is off, the electricity has actually been turned off.
- Even if you entrust your safety to this person, it's still a good idea to double check and make sure for yourself that the power has really been turned off. Never assume when dealing with electricity.
Step 5. Call a professional when it comes to big jobs
Working with electricity is basically a complicated and dangerous activity. If you're not completely confident in yourself, call in a trusted electrician to get the job done.
Part 3 of 4: Preventing Electric Shock During a Rainstorm
Step 1. Check the weather report
This may sound obvious, but ensuring a sunny weather forecast during an outdoor adventure is crucial to avoiding getting caught in an electrical storm. Even if you've only been out for the day, the weather can change quickly and the best prevention is being prepared. Understand the chance of a thunderstorm in the outdoor area you will be visiting, and plan ahead well in advance of lightning strikes.
Step 2. Watch for signs of a storm
Watch for changes in temperature, increased wind speed, or darkening of the sky. Listen to the sound of thunder. If a storm is coming, stop whatever you are doing and find shelter as soon as possible.
Step 3. Get shelter
If you are outdoors and a storm is approaching, the only way to be really protected is to go indoors. Find a fully enclosed shelter complete with electricity and water, such as a home or place of business. If that option is not available, hiding in the car with the doors and windows closed is also possible. Covered picnic areas, stand-alone toilet facilities, tents, and other small structures can't keep you safe. Can't find a reliable shelter as far as the eye can see? Reduce risk by taking the following precautions:
- Stay in low position
- Avoid open areas
- Avoid metal and water
Step 4. Wait
Whether you are indoors or outdoors, do not leave the safe area for at least half an hour after the last thunder. If you're still unsure whether the storm is over or not, stay indoors.
Part 4 of 4: Damage Mitigation
Step 1. Store the fire extinguisher in an easily accessible place
Keep a small fire extinguisher readily available in areas where you work with power tools. Light fire extinguishers used for electrical fires have a "C," "BC," or "ABC" label.
Step 2. Prepare for the worst
No matter how many precautions have been taken, electric shock remains a risk when electricity is used. In the event of an electric shock, it is important to always be prepared to handle the situation safely.
Step 3. Call for help
In an electrical emergency, always call the emergency services. Trying to treat a victim of electric shock yourself is unwise.
Step 4. Do not touch the victim of electric shock with bare hands
Victims of electric shock usually do not hold the electric current for very long in their bodies. However, you should always be careful because the victim may still conduct electricity. Use non-conducting barriers such as rubber gloves, if possible, to hold or move the victim.
Step 5. Turn off the power source if possible
If you can do without getting stung, turn off the power. If this is not possible, move the victim away from the power source by using a non-conducting or non-conducting material such as wood.
You should only attempt to move the victim of an electric shock if the person is in immediate danger
Step 6. Check vital signs
Once you are sure that the victim is no longer electrocuted, immediately check to see if he or she is still breathing. If the victim is not breathing, perform CPR immediately while asking someone else to call emergency medical services.
The OSH safety rules for working with electricity state that you only have 4 minutes to get help for a victim of electric shock. So take action quickly
Step 7. Wait for medical help to arrive
Remain calm and lay the victim horizontally, with the legs slightly elevated, until medical help arrives. Once help arrives, don't let your position get in the way of the paramedics. If paramedics call for help, follow their instructions.
