ES : Associated Electrical Hazards

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Chapter : Electrical Safety

Associated Electrical Hazards 

A : LIGHTNING STRIKES

A single stroke of lightning may have 125,000,000 volts of electricity. That's enough power to light a 100-watt light bulb for more than 3 months, or enough to seriously hurt or kill someone. For every five seconds you count, the lighting is one mile away, if you can see a flash and instantly hear thunder, the lightning strike is very close and you should seek shelter immediately. When you see lightning, follow these safety rules:

If you're outdoors, seek shelter from lightning! Buildings are best for shelter, but if no buildings are available, try to find protection in a cave, ditch, or a canyon. Trees are not good cover! If you're in the woods, look for an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks.

• Stay off or away from anything tall or high including rooftops, scaffolding, utility poles and ladders.
• If you're traveling, stay in your vehicle and roll up the windows. Don't touch the metal parts of your vehicle.
• Do not use metal objects outside, such as golf clubs or metal tools.
• If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN!

When someone is struck by lightning, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. Often the person can be revived with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). There is no danger to anyone helping a person who has been struck by lightning - no electric charge remains. Start CPR immediately

B:  ELECTRICAL BURNS
 

Electrical burns occur when current jumps from an electrical outlet, cord, or appliance and passes through your body. Electrical burns cause tissue damage, and are one of the most serious injuries you can receive and need to be treated immediately.

• Burns suffered in electrical incidents can be divided into three types; electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. AN three types of burns may be produced simultaneously.
• High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin where it enters and much larger wound where it exits. Burns suffered in electrical accidents may affect the skin, muscles, and bone.
• High temperatures near the body produced by an electric arc or explosion cause arc or flash burns. They should also be attended to promptly.
• Thermal contact burns occur when skin comes in contact with overheated electric equipment, or when clothing is ignited in an electrical incident.
• If someone receives an electrical burn, seek medical attention immediately. If the victim is still in contact with the energized circuit, shut it off. Do not touch the victim. You do not want to be a victim too.

To prevent electrical burns, use safe work practices, lock out and tag all machines/ equipment/circuits during service, wear proper persona! Protective, and stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines

C :  BATTERY CHARGING

The charging of Lead-acid batteries can be hazards. Batteries emit explosive gasses while being charged, plus, battery fluid contains sulfuric acid, which can harm the eyes and skin on contact. Charging batteries is such a common task that many workers take it for granted and fail to use safe procedures. When changing a battery, use common sense and follow all manufacturer safety precautions.
 

• Charge batteries in a dry, well-ventilated area.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles and gloves when handling/charging batteries.
• Keep flames or sparks away from the battery to avoid contact with explosive gasses. Do not smoke while charging batteries.
• Before charging check the battery electrolyte level. Add distilled water if the electrolyte level is low before charging.
• Be sure to correctly connect positive and negative terminals: positive clamp (red) to positive(+) post and negative clamp (black) to negative (-) post.
• Leave the vent caps in place while charging.
• Immediately after the battery is fully charged, turn off and unplug the charger. Continuing to charge a fully charged battery may severely damage the internal plates and shorten battery life.

Other common Electrical Safety Issues

• Discard any piece of equipment that gives you even the slightest shock. If the resistance through your body is lowered i.e. standing in water or touching metal, even the slightest shock can be deadly.
• Never use electrical equipment in or around water.
• Junction boxes and electrical panels need to have proper covers in place to conceal all wiring.
• Hard wiring should not be exposed/accessible to non-electrical employees.