Avoiding Electrical Shock – Tips and Techniques
Electric shock is a dangerous and life-threatening hazard that can result in serious injuries or death. It occurs when a part of the body completes a circuit with different voltages or between an electrical source and a ground.
People are most at risk for electrical shock when working near or near to power lines, especially construction workers. This can include trimming trees, cleaning gutters or repairing roofs.
Keep Your Hands Dry
Keeping your hands dry when handling electrical appliances is important because it reduces the chances of an electric shock. A damp hand is more conductive to electricity than a dry one, so it’s easier for current to pass through the skin and cause injury or even death.
A lot of the time, dry hands are caused by weather conditions such as low humidity or cold temperatures. But there are also some medical conditions that can lead to dry hands, such as eczema.
The key to avoiding dry, cracked hands is to keep your skin moisturized and hydrated, says dermatologist Sara Gendreau, MD. She recommends using a hand cream or lotion with shea butter or aloe. And when it comes to washing your hands, make sure you’re using a soap that doesn’t strip the natural oils from your hands and is designed to promote healthy, glowing skin.
Another important factor in preventing dry hands is keeping your hands from getting too hot after showering or bathing. Too much heat can also lead to dry, itchy skin on your hands.
You can help keep your hands from getting too hot by taking frequent breaks, such as a 5-minute break every 20 minutes while you’re showering or bathing, Gendreau says. And be sure to thoroughly dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer after showering or bathing.
Avoiding greasy lotions is another way to keep your hands from becoming too moist, Gendreau suggests. Some lotions contain antiperspirant chemicals that can make your hands feel clammy, while others may just be too heavy or greasy for your skin to handle.
Lastly, if you’re prone to getting dry hands or have other symptoms, such as peeling and cracking skin on your hands, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can check for underlying medical issues that may be causing your dry hands and give you medications to reduce the symptoms.
Washing your hands frequently can be irritating for your hands and the rest of your body, especially if you’re prone to dry, itchy hands. But there are a few ways you can reduce dryness, including washing with lukewarm water and choosing a soap that supports your skin’s natural pH balance.
Stay Away From Water
Whether you’re out on the boat or at the beach, it’s important to be safe. Water is a great conductor of electricity, which means that it can easily transfer current through your body. This can lead to an electrical shock, and it’s not something you want to risk.
If you’re going to be in the water, try to avoid touching any metal objects. Also, don’t touch any electrical equipment or outlets that are wet.
In addition, make sure to use a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlet in your home, which can save your life by automatically cutting off power if a device or appliance comes into contact with water. These breakers detect a variation in the normal electrical flow in less than a third of a second, and they shut off power instantly to prevent an electric shock.
You should also keep an eye out for any electrical devices that may be connected to the water, such as underwater lights or switches. These should be regularly inspected by a licensed electrician and replaced as necessary to keep your family safe from electrocution.
Swimming is a popular spring and summer activity, but it can be dangerous. It’s especially important to be safe around pools, hot tubs, and spas.
It’s also important to stay away from any fallen power lines. They can cause severe electrocution and death if someone touches them.
Another danger is leaking electricity into the water. This can happen when docks or boats leak electricity into the water, and it’s especially important to be aware of this when boating, fishing or swimming.
When you’re near water, always stay at least 10 feet away from any nearby power lines. It’s also best to never go into a substation or any other electrical location when you’re not allowed.
If you’re ever in a situation where you’re exposed to water or electricity, call 911 immediately. This is so you can be taken to a hospital for treatment. It’s also important to avoid touching any burns you have or any broken blisters.
Avoid Touching Electrical Appliances When Wet
During storms, flooding can cause damage to homes and electric appliances. These damages can be costly and may require professional repairs or replacements.
Fortunately, there are ways you can keep your home and electrical appliances safe after storms. One of the most important is to avoid touching electrical appliances when they are wet.
Water and electricity do not mix well, and the ions in water are highly conductive. This means that touching an appliance that is wet or submerged in water can result in an electrical shock.
Wet hands can also increase the current through you to a point where you feel an electric shock, so it’s essential that you dry your hands before you touch any electrical appliances or outlets.
If you’re unsure about an electrical outlet that has been wet, turn off the power to the circuit at your main breaker panel before unplugging any appliances or electronics. Then, inspect the outlet for signs of damage and call a professional to fix any problems.
It’s also important to make sure all electrical outlets are grounded (three-prong) to prevent an electric shock from a ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI. These plugs automatically cut off power when water is connected to a plugged-in device, including hair dryers, radios and cell phones.
In addition, use safety covers over unused outlets if children are in the home. This will help protect your family from electrocution.
Additionally, don’t use a cord near sinks or bathtubs because it can get wet and sucked into the drain. This can cause your device to become tangled and potentially catch fire.
Lastly, don’t use an extension cord with any appliance or tool that uses high wattage because they can overload your outlets and cause a short circuit. If you must use an extension cord, purchase one with a built-in circuit breaker or surge protector.
There are many other ways to keep your family safe, but the most important thing is to remember that water and electricity do not mix. Follow these tips to keep your family safe after a flood or other severe weather event.
Don’t Touch Someone Who Has Been Shocked
Electrical shocks can cause both minor and serious injuries. They can burn both internal and external tissue, damage organs and cause cardiac arrest.
Electric shocks can occur anywhere there is live electricity, such as a power outlet or electric fence. They can also be caused by the contact of water, oil or a person’s hand with an object that contains electrical current.
The danger of an electric shock depends on the type of current, how high it is and how it travels through the body. In addition, it’s important to know that even a small amount of electricity can be fatal under some circumstances.
If you are in the presence of someone who has been shocked, avoid touching them. It’s not safe to touch them because it could pass the electricity through you and possibly kill them.
You should look for the source of electricity first and then try to turn it off if possible. If not, move it away from you and the victim using a nonconducting object.
Once the source of electricity is free of you and the affected person, check their breathing and pulse. If either has stopped or is unusually slow, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
This type of treatment can save lives. If you’re not sure how to perform CPR, ask your emergency medical service provider.
Another way to prevent an electrical shock is to keep your skin dry. Static electricity is more active when your skin and materials are dry. This includes clothes, hair, and shoes.
It’s best to wash your hands regularly and use moisturizers or lotions if you have dry skin. Then, wear cotton or wool clothing and avoid synthetic materials.
When you are outdoors, always stay at least 18 metres (20 yards) away from someone who has been shocked, as it is possible for high voltage electricity to ‘jump’ or ‘arc’ up to this distance. This is especially dangerous if the electricity comes from overhead power lines or live train rails.
A fall from a height can also be dangerous, as you may be in contact with a live powerline. In this case, you should stand well back and encourage anyone around you to do the same.