The inherent damage of an electric shock is not something to joke about, as it can often result in serious injury or even death. However, there are many preventative safety measures that you can use to greatly reduce the risk of electrocution at home, at work or outdoors. Read on to get to know them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preventing Electrocution at Home
Step 1. Learn how electricity works and why electric shocks happen
Knowledge is power, and the first step in preventing a dangerous situation is knowing its causes.
- Put simply, electricity naturally tries to reach the earth through any conductive material.
- Some materials, such as wood or glass, are not good conductors of electricity. Other materials, on the other hand, such as water and metal, conduct very well. The human body is capable of conducting a current, and electrocution occurs when electricity flows into a part of the body.
- This most often happens when a person comes into contact with a direct source of electricity. It may also flow into a person through another conductor, such as a pool of water or a metal rod.
- To learn more about electricity and the causes of electrocution, read this site or ask a trusted expert.
Step 2. Determine the electrical requirements of your home and appliances
Know the specific types of switches, fuses, and light bulbs that are required in your home, and be sure to replace those present with the most suitable ones. Using incompatible components can cause malfunctions or cause an electrical fire.
Step 3. Cover the wall outlets
Covering the sockets with panels is essential to prevent accidental contact with cables. If you live with children it is wise to also cover the holes in the sockets with safety plugs to prevent them from getting injured with their curious fingers.
Step 4. Install circuit breakers in your home's electrical circuit
These devices are able to identify power imbalances in the circuit that feeds an appliance and will trip if necessary. These switches are required by law in modern homes and can be installed for a small fee even in older homes.
Step 5. Store and use electrical devices away from water
Water and electricity don't mix well, and you should always keep appliances away from moisture.
- Never use an appliance in the bath or shower.
- If the toaster or other appliance is located near the kitchen sink, never use the faucet and the appliance at the same time. Do not keep the plug inserted when you are not using the appliance.
- Store outdoor electrical equipment in a dry place, such as a garage shelf.
- If an appliance connected to the plug falls into water, do not try to recover it until you have disconnected the corresponding circuit. Once the power has been disconnected, you can recover the device and once it has dried, you can have it evaluated by an electrician to determine if it is suitable for further use.
Step 6. Replace worn or damaged electrical equipment
Pay attention to the condition of your appliances and regularly take care of their maintenance. Some signs that may indicate the need for repairs:
- Sparks
- Small discharges on contact
- Worn or damaged cables
- Excessive heat produced by electrical circuits
- Frequent short circuits
These are just some of the signs of wear. If you have any kind of suspicion, contact an electrician. Always better to be cautious than sorry!
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Electrocution at Work
Step 1. Turn off the power before working with electrical devices
Whenever an assignment involves working on electrical equipment, double check that it is turned off before starting work.
Step 2. Put on protective gear
Rubber-soled shoes and non-conductive gloves provide a barrier against electrocution. Another effective precaution is to spread a rubber mat on the floor.
Step 3. Be careful when operating electrical powered machinery
Make sure all your tools have a three-pin socket, and always check for wear damage. Also remember to turn off these tools before plugging them into an outlet. Always keep them away from water and remove all flammable gases, vapors and solvents from the work area.
Step 4. Call a professional for more challenging jobs
Working with electricity is inherently dangerous and complicated. If you are not entirely sure of your abilities, ask a trusted electrician to complete the assignment.
Method 3 of 3: Prevent Electric Shock during a Lightning Storm
Step 1. Check the weather forecast
It may sound anal to you, but making sure you have reliable predictions before venturing outdoors is key to avoiding falling victim to a storm. Even if you're only going out for an afternoon, the weather can change quickly and the best prevention is preparation. Know the likelihood of storms in the area you visit and plan to return well before the expected arrival of a storm.
Step 2. Look for signs of an impending storm
Watch out for changes in temperature, increased wind intensity and darkening of the sky. Listen for any thunder.
Step 3. Find shelter
If you are outdoors when a storm approaches, head quickly indoors, as it is the only sure way to be protected from lightning. Look for a completely enclosed shelter with access to electricity and running water, such as a home or business. If these options aren't available, you can hide in a car with the doors and windows closed. Covered picnic areas, tents, portable toilets, and other small facilities will NOT keep you safe. If there is no reliable refuge in sight, reduce the risk of electrocution by following these tips:
- Stay low
- Avoid open areas
- Avoid metals and bodies of water
Step 4. Wait for the storm to pass
Whether you are outdoors or not, do not leave your chosen safe zone for at least half an hour after the last thunder.
Advice
- Never touch a bare wire that could conduct a current.
- Avoid overloading power strips and other sockets with too many plugs. By connecting only two plugs to each outlet you will reduce the risk of electrocution and fire.
- Use three-pin sockets whenever possible. The third pin, which represents electrical earth, should never be removed.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy in areas where you work with electrical devices. Fire extinguishers suitable for electrical fires have the letters "C", "BC" or "ABC" on the label.
- Never assume that someone else has turned off the power. Always check firsthand!
Warnings
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Regardless of the precautions you take, the risk of electrocution will always be present when operating on electrical devices. In the event of an electrocution, you will need to be prepared to best deal with the situation.
- In an emergency, always call 113.
- Do not touch an electric shock victim with your bare hands, as they may still conduct electricity. Use a non-conductive barrier, such as rubber gloves, if possible.
- Unplug the power if possible. Otherwise, move the victim away from the source using a non-conducting material, such as a piece of wood.
- Check if the person is breathing. Otherwise, cardiopulmonary resuscitation begins immediately.
- Keep the victim lying down, with the legs slightly raised.
- Wait for the paramedics to arrive.
