Monday 30 December 2019

ELECTRICAL SAFETY Article by Dr.Yashoda Tammineni., HOD,HSE - NIFS



ELECTRICAL SAFETY

INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICITY
Electricity is a relatively safe form of energy. It is a familiar and necessary part of everyday life, but electricity can kill or severely injure people and cause damage to property if not used sensibly. An electric shock occurs upon the contact of a (human) body part with any source of electricity that causes a sufficient current through the skin, muscles or hair. Typically, the expression is used to describe an injurious exposure to electricity- a pathophysiological effect of an electric current through the human body. Very small currents can be imperceptible. The larger current passing through the body may make it impossible for a shock victim to let go of an energized object. Still larger currents can cause fibrillation of the heart and damage to tissues. Death caused by an electric shock is called electrocution.
The risk of electric shock is greater in certain working conditions, for example, wet areas. Accidents frequently involve the use of electrical appliances and tools, and unauthorized work on the electrical equipment of machinery and fixed electrical installations. The risks can be reduced by protective measures in accordance with the relevant regulations and standards.

ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Places of work generally have power nominally supplied at 230 volts (single-phase) and 400 volts (3 phase) although some larger workplaces will receive electricity at a higher supply voltage. Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians, and other workers deal with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, electrical installation and circuit assemblies. Others, such as office workers, farmers, and construction workers work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.

·   Electric Shock 
    The severity of an electric shock is directly related to the amount of current that passes through the body and the time it takes to pass. Lower levels may cause no more than an unpleasant tingle though it may be sufficient to cause a worker to fall from a ladder or scaffold. At medium levels, it causes increased muscular tension so that anything in the grasp can scarcely be released. At high levels, it can cause the heart muscles to contract irregularly and this is almost invariably fatal.

·   Burns
   The passage of an electric current can cause burning at the point of contact. Severe burns can occur from an electric shock without actual bodily contact. Damp and/or wet conditions add greatly to the danger of electric shock.

·   Explosion
    These can be caused by an electrical discharge in an atmosphere where there are certain concentrations of flammable vapours or dust. read more.. click on the link below

   


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