Electrical current can harm you if it is allowed to flow through your body. The human body is more conductive to electricity than the earth on which you stand, and people can get injured when electricity passes through their bodies. When the current passes through the body it interferes with the normal electrical currents that are used to pass signals from the brain and muscles, and this can cause muscles to spasm or even the heart to stop beating.
The electricity passes through the body and finds its route to the ground. If this route is blocked through wearing rubber soled shoes, this damage can be minimized. Electricity can also cause thermal burns and burn internal tissues. That is why it is very important to practice electrical safety when you are installing electrical appliances or using them.
Electrical safety is something that has to be assiduously practised in order to prevent is ill effects. If you own or operate a business then it is highly recommended to employ health and safety consultants such as DDS International to assess your electrical safety. To start with, whenever you need to work on any electrical gadget, make sure that the power is switched off. You can confirm that the power is off by using simple hand help testers. At times, defective switches may show the device is off, when it actually is not. When you are doing major work, it is best to switch off the mains power. You also need to wear rubber sole shoes and refrain from using metallic ladders. Opt for a wooden ladder or one made of fibreglass.
Any work on electrical systems must never be done in damp conditions, unless the power is totally switched off. Almost all materials transmit electricity, even those that are considered insulators. It can also help if you have all circuits in a home equipped with circuit breakers that will trip when any defect is noticed in the circuit. Make sure that any tools that you use in your work on electrical circuits or appliances are also insulated.
It is quite common for extension cords to be used when circuits are not available at the point where you want to use any appliance. The extension cords you use must have protection devices that prevent any misuse or wrong use, and automatically cut off power. The use of power tools is quite common in household, especially with home-owners who are avid DIYers. Most of these tools are portable and will have long cords that need to be plugged into electrical outlets. Make sure that these cords are always in good condition and never have any exposed wires that can become a danger. The plugs also must be in good condition and must be replaced whenever they are broken or cracked. It can also help if proper electrician’s gloves are used, when you are handling such equipment. Check your power tools thoroughly before you use them, just to be on the safe side.
You will work with full attention to electrical safety if you study and plan any project you are undertaking. Switching off mains power is the most important step to follow. Use tools in good condition, and switch on the power only when you are sure no unsafe conditions are present.