Electrical Safety


	Electrical Safety
	Electricity is as dangerous as it is useful.
	Unlike other products we use every day, we can't see, hear or smell electricity.
	So we may not always think about using it safely.
	A moment of carelessness, or a piece of faulty equipment, can cause an electrical accident.
	Protect yourself and your home from the potential disasters associated with electricity.
	Find out all you need to know about precautions and protection here.
	Electricity is something which can be as hazardous as it is useful.
	Minor electrical shocks could be fatal,
	and minor errors while handling electrical equipment could hurt you and your own.
	The more we learn about the safe use of electricity, the less our chance of injury.

	Here are a few tips to protect yourself from electrical circuits:
	Protect Yourself
	Always examine your surroundings for power line locations before doing any outside work .
	Do not allow children to play in trees close to power lines, or to swing on live wires.
	Teach your children about electrical safety as early as possible.
	Do not plant vegetation to grow up or near electric poles or wires.
	Do not throw objects up into power lines, which can cause short circuits that could result in injuries.
	Damage to electrical appliances or wires in your house must be repaired by an electrician.
	If anyone in your household suffers an electric shock, call your local emergency medical service immediately. Even minor shocks can cause life-threatening conditions hours later, so it is important to seek medical attention.
	Stay clear of overhead power lines when moving or storing irrigation pipes and grain augers.
	Never climb electricity poles, towers or substation fences. If you have lost something over a substation fence, call your electricity service representative to retrieve it for you.
	If you are involved in a traffic accident that results in power lines touching your car, do not get out of your car unless it is on fire. If you must get out of your car because of fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Then shuffle away from the car, keeping both feet close together, to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electric shock.
	If you are at the scene of such an accident, do not approach a car that is touching power lines. Remain at a safe distance. Try to Keep the victim in the vehicle calm and wait for emergency personnel to handle the situation.
	Never touch a person who is in contact with power lines or other objects that are touching power lines. You cannot help them by being electrocuted yourself.
	Ladders
	Ladders, regardless of what they're made of, can become electrified if brought into contact with electric wires. Even a wooden ladder can conduct electricity. Bear that in mind and use extra caution when you or your contractor are installing siding, painting, cleaning gutters or have other reason to use a ladder while working outside around your home.
	Wires
	Treat all downed, hanging, or burning wires as though they are "live" - energized - and stay away from them. Be especially attentive to children who might be outdoors if fallen wires are in the neighborhood. Report any downed, hanging, or burning wires to the supply authorities or the police or fire department. If you happen to be in a vehicle and wires are on or near it, stay in your vehicle and tell others not to touch it.
	Tree Work
	Electric wires may be concealed in the trees or shrubs you want to trim. Before you trim trees or shrubs, inspect the area carefully to ensure that it's clear of wires.
	Climbing
	Never let children climb utility poles, towers, or trees near power lines.
	Protect your home
	Turn off your range, toaster oven, iron, or other items that could cause a fire when the power comes back on whenever the current supply gets disrupted.
	Turn off your air conditioner and water heater to prevent system overloads when power is restored. These two appliances are big users of electricity, especially after they have been off for a while. Turn them on about 30 minutes after power has been restored.
	Some households use a backup generator to supply them with power during an outage. Proper installation of generators is essential to prevent a house fire and to avoid electricity feeding back into our lines and endangering the life of an unsuspecting line worker. Please follow these guidelines if you are considering buying or using a generator: Before you buy a generator, make sure it's the right size for your needs. Always have a licensed electrician to install the generator. You need the sanction for energisation from Electrical Inspector. The generator must be connected to your home's wiring through a special transfer switch to be sure electricity produced by the generator does not back feed into our electric lines. Generator exhaust is deadly, so it's important that the unit be vented outside.
	Other Important Safety Reminders:
	Antennas
	Before you work on a rooftop television or citizen's band radio antenna, be sure the area is clear of power lines. Install antennas where they won't touch or fall on electric lines.
	Power Tools
	Don't use outdoor power tools - electric drill, hedge clipper, sander, electric mower - in the rain or while working with or on wet surfaces. Consider installing a ground fault interrupter on outside outlets.
	Kites
	Never construct a kite from wire or metal; always use paper or wood. That goes for the tail, too; it should only be made of dry string or cloth. Always keep your kite away from electric power lines and choose a clear, dry day for kite flying. If your kite should get snagged in power lines or in a tree in which lines might be concealed, don't try to free it yourself.
	Boats
	Watch for power lines when sailing or bringing your boat ashore. Lower the mast when pulling the boat on a trailer so you can avoid contact with power lines along the road.
	Pools
	Be sure all electrical equipment for your swimming pool is grounded properly. If you're installing a pool, have it inspected by your town's electrical inspector when the job is completed. A ground fault interrupter should be installed on your pool's electrical equipment. If a fault occurs in the equipment, the interrupter will instantly cut the power, preventing a serious electric shock. Do not have any plug-in appliances near the pool.
	When you're working outdoors -- on the job or around the house -- Remember: You shouldn't even get close to power lines. We all need electricity, but nobody needs accidents. Don't put your life on the line. Accidents can happen -- to you or someone you care about -- if you're not careful. Thanks for being careful!
	Read more through my paper in Electrical Safety.

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