Electrical Safety Guide

Electricity is a common thing in our daily life. Wherever we go, whatever we do, in everything electricity has some part to do. Without its help and without its usage we are unable to perform a number of our important tasks. That's why it has become an integral part of our life. Most of the devices and appliances are run from electricity so it is present everywhere as in our bed room, kitchen, roof, in our office, in the path, in trains. But one thing that we must be careful of is that we must keep distance from electricity because it is extremely dangerous for the life of living creatures as well as for non living objects.

It is harmful for us because if we get in touch with electricity we may get shocks which is very dangerous for our life. The electric shocks affect the nervous system and may cause heart attacks, it can paralyze that part of your body which gets the shock or it may even be responsible for the death if the shock is strong.

The electrical shocks may also prove dangerous for the non living objects like electrical appliances, homes etc. During electrical shocks spark is often produced which sometimes become the cause for fire. Electric fire may damage or burn the appliances and devices and also the electric installations. They even create fire in the buildings and homes. So it is very important to follow some electrical safety guides which will definitely be helpful for our safety.

Physiological effects of electricity

• If we touch the naked wire then we get some shock which causes pain or trauma to our body. If the intensity of shock is little then we will survive but if it some strong shock then we can get serious effects.
  
  
• The electric shock generates heat inside our body and if the shock is strong then it will generate a lot of heat and it may burn or damage our tissues. The ultimate effect of burning or damage of tissue can lead to permanent problem inside our body.
  
  
• The most significant effect of electrical shock in our body is on nervous system. It blocks the signals produced by the nerve cells from reaching their destinations. Thus they are overloading the nervous system and preventing both reflex and volitional signals from being able to actuate muscles. Muscles triggered by an external (shock) current will involuntarily contract, and there's nothing the victim can do about it.

Rescue operations

• If a person gets the electric shock then until and unless he/she is released from the connection the person remains electrified. In that situation don't try to touch the electrified person with your hands as it may shock you.
  
  
• At first try to switch off the main supply of electricity. If the power can't be switched off then try to free the victim from contact immediately with the help of some non conducing material like plastic pipe, rope, clothing, dry stick or any other similar thing.
  
  
• Never try to touch the victim with any metallic object or with bare hands.
  
  
• The first three minutes are very important for the victim so act immediately. If the victim is unconscious and isn't breathing then commence resuscitation.
  
  
• Quickly send for a doctor.

Water and electricity: A dangerous mixture

• Electric shocks in wet or moist areas are more dangerous than at other locations. Usually people get electric shock in wet areas when they are bare feet or have minimum clothing.
  
  
• We should take extra care while dealing electricity in wet or moist areas.
  
  
• Take extra care near swimming pools.
  
  
• Never use a portable electric radiator in the bathroom. Because the connections may be loose and may touch water.
  
  
• Never wash the appliances by immersing them in water unless and until the instruction allow you to do so.
  
  
• Don't leave any electrical appliance near the bath or basin.
  
  
• Always wear dry shoes or slippers while installing any device or repairing it.
  
  
• Avoid touching the electrical devices with wet hands or clothes.