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HAZARDS OF
ELECTRICITY
The
primary
hazards
associated with electricity
and its use are:
SHOCK-1
Electric shock occurs when the
human body becomes a part of a
path through which electrons can
flow. The resulting effect on the body
can be either direct or indirect
Direct
Indirect
Although the electric current
through the human body may be
well below the values required to
cause noticeable injury, human
reaction can result in falls from
ladders
or
scaffolds,
or
movement
into
operating
machinery. Such reaction can
result in serious injury or death.
BURNS 2
Burns can result when a person
touches
electrical
wiring
or
equipment that is improperly
used or maintained. Typically,
such burn injuries occur on the
hands.
ARC-BLAST -3
Arc-blasts occur from high-amperage
currents arcing through air.
This abnormal current flow (arc-blast) is
initiated
by
contact
between
two
energized points. This contact can be
caused by persons who have an accident
while working on energized components,
or by equipment failure due to fatigue or
abuse.
Temperatures as high as 35,000F have
been recorded in arc-blast research.
4-EXPLOSIONS
Explosions occur when electricity
provides a source of ignition for
an explosive mixture in the
atmosphere. Ignition can be due
to overheated conductors or
equipment, or normal arcing
(sparking) at switch contacts.
5- FIRES
Electricity is one of the most common
causes of fire both in the home and
workplace.
Defective
or
misused
electrical equipment is a major cause,
with high resistance connections being
one of the primary sources of ignition.
High resistance connections occur
where wires are improperly spliced or
connected to other components such as
receptacle outlets and switches
First aid
No matter how careful we are,
there are times when we or
our
workmates
have
an
accident. Prompt action can
relieve unnecessary suffering,
prevent permanent disability
and, in extreme cases, save
life. This action is first aid.
Electric shock
An electric shock is experienced
when a current passes through the
body. Not everyone would have the
same level of shock from the same
source;
it
would
depend
on
variables such as the individuals
body resistance, his or her health,
etc. However, it is generally
accepted that 50 mA (0.05 ampere)
is the lethal level. Below this level,
contact with a live source throws
us away from the source. Above 50
mA the muscles contract or freeze
Electric shock
Also, interruption of the hearts
rhythm takes place and its beating
may stop altogether (ventricular
fibrillation). Burns to the parts of
the body in contact can occur,
together with burning of internal
organs and loss of breathing
It is clearly essential that prompt
action be taken in the case of
severe
electric
shock.
The
following
procedure
must
be
adopted:
Method of resuscitation
Cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR)
B. Breathing.
Look, listen and feel
for breathing. If not
breathing
give
mouth
to
mouth
resuscitation.
Close nostrils with
fingers and blow
into mouth. Make
sure there is no air
leak and the chest
expands.
Give
2
normal
breaths.
Feel
for
carotid
pulse in neck. If no
C.Perform
chest
compressions.
Place both hands
on the lowest third
of
breastbone.
Depress
sternum
11 inches at a rate
of 80 compressions
(1.5-2)inches
per
minute.
Alternate 2 breaths
with
15
compressions.
Check pulse after 1
minute and every 3