Be grounded
Proper electrician tools prevent injury.
An electrical shock occurs when an individual comes in contact with two conductors of a circuit. The electrical shock damages are originated by lightning or any electric current from some mechanical equipment passing through the human body. The natural behavior of electricity is to flow from earth or ground toward anything that will conduct the electricity flow. Therefore, experts say that electrical systems must be grounded.
Electricity accidents have fatal results most of the time. A severe electrical shock could cause burns, heart and lungs stop functioning, and nerves damage. In the United States, around 1,000 deaths are caused by electric shocks. The severity of the injury depends on the voltage, the amperage, the type of current, and the body’s resistance. The voltage does not constitute a difference because low voltage could be as dangerous as high voltage. Some people have been killed by shocks of just 50 volts. The brain, the spinal cord, and nerves are the most vulnerable parts to be injured. The neurological problems are the most common consequences of electrical shocks. Some of them could be treated with medical treatment; however, others are permanent. Usually, these problems appear after three years or more.
Dangers and Health Effects
Respiratory and cardiovascular systems are very susceptible at the moment of the electrical shock. In fact, this kind of accidents could paralyze the lungs and heart actions causing the death immediately. Unfortunately, the amputation is normally required. The smaller veins and arteries dissipate heat less easily than the larger blood vessels and can produce blood clots.
After an electrical shock accident, the person requires close and frequent observation. The person’s condition can fluctuate rapidly. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) could be required to check some brain injuries. Normally, the electrical shock survivors have to attend a burn center because skin replacement therapy is necessary. Plastic surgery is another solution. Nevertheless, emotional support from relatives and friends are the best treatment for people who have suffered an electrical shock.
What to Wear?
Electrician working safely
For people who work as an electrician protection is more than a word. For this people protection could help them save their life. The government of the United States and different organizations such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are working very hard to provide safe working places for electricians and individuals.
If you work in this field you should know that your clothes must be fit tightly to avoid the danger of becoming entwined in moving machines. These people have to be used to wear a hard hat, safety shoes, use ear plugs, goggles and avoid using rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces because gold and silver are excellent conductors of electricity. The sole of the work shoes must be oil and grease resistant. Rubber boots are used for wet locations. Also, if you have long hair, always keep your hair tied up and try to not stand close to any rotating machine.
Remember to remove the electrical power when the electrical equipment is inspected or repaired. The equipment must be locked out and tagged out to protect your life and the people who are around you. Maybe these words are common for electricians. However, it is important to review the meanings. Installing a lock is to prevent the power being turned on and tagging out is to put a danger tag on the source of electrical power which informs that the equipment or machine will not work until the danger tag is removed. This tag usually contains the name of the employee, craft and other necessary information.
Always remember to be careful and if you are not sure about something, look for help.
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