Trystan Casey
Protecting the body from electricity is a critical aspect of safety, especially in high-risk work environments. Electric shock, the most common electrical hazard, occurs when an individual comes into contact with a live electrical conductor, and its severity depends on the amount of current flowing through the body. The human body's resistance to electric current is influenced by factors such as skin condition, moisture, and contact area. To safeguard against electrical hazards, it is essential to wear appropriate electrical personal protective equipment (PPE) that covers from head to toe. This includes dielectric boots made of insulating materials and voltage-rated tools that prevent the flow of electricity into the user's body. Additionally, understanding the impact of electricity on the body, such as tissue heating, muscle stimulation, and nerve stimulation, is crucial for recognizing and responding to electrical emergencies.
Characteristics of how to protect the body from electricity
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Avoid contact with power lines | Never touch a fallen power line, and avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup or other activities |
| Do not drive through standing water with downed power lines | If a power line falls on your car, drive away from it with caution and do not turn off the ignition |
| Turn off power at the main breaker | In the case of electrical circuits and equipment getting wet or being in water, turn off the power at the main breaker |
| Do not enter standing water to access the main power switch | Call an electrician to turn it off, and do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected |
| Ensure electrical equipment is dry | All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before use |
| Use voltage-rated tools | Prevent the flow of electrical current into the body by using voltage-rated tools that are designed to withstand specific voltage levels |
| Use electrical personal protective equipment (PPE) | Electrical PPE provides protection from head to toe and is made of electrically insulated materials such as nylon, rubber, or leather |
| Prevent static electricity | Use moisturising hair treatments, wear natural or organic fabrics, moisturise your skin, and use a humidifier to reduce static electricity |
| Avoid water-related electrical hazards | Do not reach out of water to contact an energised conductive object, and avoid being in water with an energised conductor |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid water-related electrical hazards
Water is a perfect conductor of electricity, and the human body is composed of 70% water. Therefore, it is important to take extra precautions when dealing with electricity in wet environments. Here are some essential safety tips to avoid water-related electrical hazards:
Keep Water Away from Outlets and Electrical Appliances:
Keep water and other liquids away from electrical outlets and sources. Teach children not to splash water out of the bath, and consider installing a sump pump to minimize the risk of basement flooding that could reach outlets. Keep electrical appliances away from water sources, and never operate them with wet hands or while standing on wet surfaces. Unplug appliances after use, and do not leave them plugged in.
Use Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs):
Upgrade to GFCIs, which are electrical safety devices designed to quickly shut off power in the event of a ground fault. GFCIs are crucial in areas where water and electricity may come into contact, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor outlets. GFCIs are also required for pool outlets to protect against electric shock drowning (ESD).
Install Weather-Resistant Outlets:
Use weather-resistant outdoor outlets, which are made with materials that resist damage from exposure to the elements. Ensure that the weather cover over your outlet is intact and not leaking.
Avoid Using Electric Appliances Near Water:
Do not use electric appliances like hair dryers, shavers, or tongs near water locations, especially if you are in contact with the water. Avoid using electrical appliances in bathtubs, sinks, showers, or steam rooms. If an appliance falls into the water while it is on, do not reach for it, as you may suffer an electric shock. Instead, switch off the power at the mains or outlet and unplug the appliance.
Be Cautious Around Overhead Power Lines:
Overhead power lines can pose a serious hazard. Stay away from downed power lines and never touch them. If a power line falls on your car, stay inside the vehicle and drive away from the line. If you work near overhead power lines, wear appropriate safety clothing and use tested safety equipment. Even non-conductive materials like rubber, wood, or plastic can conduct electricity if they are damp, dirty, or damaged.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards related to water and protect yourself and others from harm.
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Protect yourself from power lines
Power lines are a common sight in many neighbourhoods, and while they may seem harmless, they can pose a serious threat to your safety if not respected and handled properly. Here are some important instructions to protect yourself from power line hazards:
Firstly, it is crucial to understand that you don't have to physically touch a power line to be in danger. High-voltage electricity can arc or jump to anyone who gets too close. Therefore, always maintain a safe distance from power lines and their connections. The recommended minimum distance is 10 feet. When working outdoors with ladders or poles, be vigilant and ensure they do not come within 10 feet of any power lines. Use non-conductive wooden or fibreglass ladders instead of metal ones, as metal conducts electricity.
If you encounter a fallen power line, never attempt to touch or go near it. Fallen power lines are extremely dangerous and can carry enough electric current to cause serious injury or even death. Always assume that a downed power line is live and energised. Stay at least 10 feet away from the power line and any objects it may be touching, such as a fence or tree limb. If you see someone else in contact with a downed power line, do not touch them. Call 911 or emergency services immediately.
When driving, if a power line falls on your car, stay calm and remain inside the vehicle. Drive away from the power line if possible, and warn others not to touch the car or the line. Do not turn off the ignition, as this could cause electrical circuits to short circuit. Instead, direct someone to call the local utility company and emergency services. If you must exit the vehicle due to a fire or other danger, jump out with both feet together, avoiding simultaneous contact with the car and the ground. Shuffle away from the car, keeping your feet close together.
Additionally, be cautious when dealing with water and electricity. Never enter standing water to access a power switch, and do not turn electrical power on or off yourself if you are standing in water. If electrical equipment has been in or near water, do not turn the power back on until it has been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified electrician. Consult your utility company for guidance on using electrical equipment and power generators safely.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of electrical hazards associated with power lines and protect yourself and others from serious harm.
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Use electrical personal protective equipment (PPE)
Electrical Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a range of specialised gear and equipment designed to protect individuals who work with or around electricity from electrical hazards. Electrical PPE is critical to keeping workers safe, protecting them against electrocution, burns, and other electrical hazards.
The type of electrical PPE used depends on the nature of the electrical job and the level of protection required. For example, arc flash suits are designed to safeguard workers from the intense heat and energy emitted during an electrical arc flash, which can reach temperatures of 10,000 degrees. The material used in this type of clothing is designed to self-extinguish when exposed to flames, preventing or minimising burn injuries.
Other types of electrical PPE include hard hats, safety goggles, face shields, ear protection, insulated gloves, rubber lineman gloves, insulated sleeves, safety shoes, dielectric boots, and flame-resistant clothing.
It is important to assess the level of electrical hazards in the workplace and provide employees with the appropriate PPE and training. The specific type of PPE required will depend on the nature of the hazards present and the level of protection needed. For example, voltage-rated tools are electrical tools designed to withstand specific voltage levels, protecting the user from electrical shock.
PPE should be selected based on the specific body parts that need protection. For instance, gloves and shoes are important for protecting hands and feet, which are often the most accident-prone parts of the body. Additionally, it is crucial to consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and the presence of flammable or explosive materials when choosing electrical PPE.
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Prevent static electricity
Static electricity is a common problem, especially in cold, dry weather. While it is usually harmless, it can be annoying and sometimes painful. In certain environments, such as manufacturing facilities or areas with flammable materials, static electricity can create sparks that ignite fires or damage equipment.
- Increase humidity: Static electricity is more active when the air is dry. Running a humidifier indoors can add water molecules to the air, preventing excess charges.
- Use metal objects: If you touch a metal object before reaching for something else, the electrons will jump between you and the metal, reducing the intensity of the shock by spreading the charge over a larger area. You can also use a key or a coin as an intermediary conductor to touch a metal object.
- Touch objects with your knuckles: Knuckles have fewer nerve endings than fingertips, so a static discharge won't be as painful.
- Wear natural fabrics: Synthetic fibres are more prone to generating static electricity due to their high insulation and low moisture absorption properties. Natural fabrics are more effective at preventing electrical charge buildup.
- Moisturise: Dry skin is more prone to static electricity. Moisturising your skin can help prevent static shocks.
- Use hair treatments: Dry hair is also more prone to static. Conditioning treatments, hair masks, oils, and heat protectants can lock in moisture and reduce friction between hair strands, helping to prevent charge buildup.
- Use anti-static products: Anti-static sprays, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, and wool dryer balls can help neutralise static charges on surfaces and clothing.
- Use metal tools: Metal combs and hangers can help absorb and disperse electrical charges.
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Understand the impact of electricity on the body
The human body is a natural conductor of electricity, which means that when exposed to electric current, it will conduct electricity. The impact of electricity on the body depends on the amount of electric current flowing through the body, the frequency of the current, the path of the current, and the duration of exposure.
Electric current flowing through the body can cause heating of tissues and stimulation of muscles and nerves. The stimulation of nerves and muscles can result in a range of problems, from a fall due to recoil from pain to respiratory or cardiac arrest. Relatively small amounts of current are needed to cause physiological effects, and contact with 20 mA of current can be fatal.
The nervous system is highly sensitive to electrical disturbances. Electric shocks can interfere with the normal transmission of nerve impulses, causing nerve damage, numbness, tingling sensations, muscle weakness, and even paralysis. Severe electric shocks can impact the brain, potentially resulting in seizures, memory loss, and cognitive impairments.
Electricity can also cause multi-system trauma, affecting the nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. For example, electric shocks can induce uncontrollable movements or render muscles completely immobile, and can cause irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), leading to cardiac arrest, heart attacks, or other life-threatening conditions. The electrical current can also damage blood vessels, potentially causing internal bleeding or impairing blood flow, which can result in organ damage.
Understanding the impact of electricity on the body is crucial to recognizing the potential hazards of electricity and promoting electrical safety.
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Frequently asked questions
Never touch a fallen power line. Call your local utility company and emergency services immediately.
Call 911 or emergency medical help immediately.
If you work in an area with potential electrical hazards, you must wear electrical personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes voltage-rated tools, electrical safety glasses, and dielectric boots.
