How to prevent electric shock?

Electric shock causes harm to our body or can prove to be fatal. In fact it is the flow of electrons (electrical current) through our body. When the phase or live wire touches our body, electric current gives shock depending on the intensity of voltage. Electric shocks can occur due to leakage and earth faults in electrical appliances. Muscular functions of the body are paralyzed after the shock. This article tells you how to prevent electric shocks during electric works or contact. 

Employ a professional technician

A professional or qualified and licensed technician should be employed to do electrical job. 

Wear rubber shoes/gloves to avoid electric shock

During electrical works wear rubber sole shoes and stand on a rubber mat or dry wooden floors or sub floors. Never work barefoot or with slippers.

Always light up and lock electric panel

Keep a flashlight near your electrical panel at all times and at the place of work. Lock main panel while doing electric work else anyone could start the supply ignorantly.

Switch off power supply in case of fire 

Switch off power supply immediately and use sand, carbon dioxide or dry powder extinguishers in case of fire from electrical circuits. Don’t use water to put out the fire. 

Cut off electric supply while repairing

Shut electric supply from the mains before taking up electrical repair work. Make sure the power is off using a simple pocket tester, a multi-meter, or lamp, blow dryer or any other appliances after closing power supply.   

Install plugs and switches properly

Fix switches and plugs at a height, out of reach of children. Main switchboard and meter should be safe and be protected from rain, dust and wind.  

Make use of good wiring

Utilize good wiring and change any damaged, rusted wiring immediately. Don’t make joints in wiring. All necessary joints should have proper tapes/insulation. Avoid loose connection in wiring and make use of fuse / MCB’s of appropriate. Keep away from overhead lines and do not touch broken wires.    

Provide effective Earthing 

All electrical appliances should be provided effective Earthing. Install Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers to prevent electrical shocks. Make use of properly earthed 3 pin plugs for all electrical appliances. 

Remove or insert fuse carefully

At the time of working with fuse panels, when you remove a fuse, use only one hand to remove it. Put your other hand either in your pocket or behind your back. In this way electricity can still flow through one hand and one foot and not pass through your heart. Another important aspect of safety is to use good quality tools.

Utilize safety standards

Safety equipments such as masks for dust, safety glasses for eye protection and gloves to preserve your hands should be used at the time of electric works. Keep your face away from the panel at the very moment you turn on or off a breaker.

 

Do electric jobs cautiously

Whether home wiring or electrical repair work is done either by you or by electrician, do the job safely and confidently. It’s essential to be watchful while doing electric works.  Electrical works should not be done in a hurry. Make sure that electrical works are done in a planned way and allow plenty of time to complete the work. Generally people think that 120 volts is not dangerous but it is not only dangerous but also it is lethal.  

Use wooden ladders while doing repairs

Use wooden or fiberglass ladders which are non conductor of electricity during electrical repair works. Electrical repair works should not be done in rain, or in damp or wet locations, or where the power is not completely shut off. 

 

;