Basic Electrical Safety By Greg Bock PLU Electrician

Basic Electrical Safety By Greg Bock PLU Electrician

Why Bother? In 1997, over 12,000 people went to hospital emergency rooms to be treated for electrical shocks and burns. Hundreds of workers die every year from electrical shock. The amount of current to power a 5watt lightbulb is enough to kill three people. One of your co-workers was injured last year by electricity.

Voltage, Current, Resistance Voltage is the pressure or force that carries the current. Current (amperage) is the amount of electricity that flows. Resistance slows down the flow of electricity.

Current Vs. Resistance Metals are good conductors of current having very low resistance Rubber, ceramics, and wood are poor conductors of current with very high resistance. Materials with high resistance are often called insulators. The human body can be a very good conductor or a very poor conductor.

Factors Affecting the Conductivity of the Human Body Condition of the skin: Is it wet, dry, greasy? Health of Individual Duration of Contact with Electricity Part of the Body contacted

See Do’s & Don’ts Handout

More Do’s & Don’ts Keep electrical equipment away from water sources Use a C-rated fire extinguisher on electrical fires and shut off power source Remove frayed or damaged equipment and cords from service Remove plugs by pulling the plug; not the cord.

See Extension Cord Handout

Grounding Electrical Equipment Grounding functions to conduct current leaks to the earth or ground. A grounded cord is a 3-wire plug and requires a 3-way receptacle. Double-insulated equipment does not require grounding.

Electrical Shock Injury Amps Milliamps Injury 1 1000 Severe burns 0.1 100 Irregular heart beat (requires medical defibrillation) 0.01 10 Cannot release grip 0.001 1 Threshold of sensation

See Electrical Shock Handout

Summary Even low voltage electricity can cause injury. Your body can be a good conductor of electricity, especially when wet. Follow the Ground Rules of electricity. Do not use defective equipment.

Electrical Safety Quiz