Mrs. Brinston

Electrical Safety

a. Electrical malfunction is the second leading cause of fires in hospitals.

b. Fortunately, electricity is also the most manageable of all energy sources.

Introduction

a. Voltage: electrical pressure which moves electrical current. b. Current: or amperage, flows at a rate that depends on the “impedance”

or electrical resistance caused by the wires or other electrical pathway. c. Conductors and Insulator: Electrical current flows easily through

“conductors” Good conductors: water, copper, aluminum, and other metals. Electrical current does not flow easily through insulators like

rubber, plastic, enamel, glass and dry wood. (contact with conductors can increase your risk of serious shock

a. Grounding Hazards: in most electrical systems, current that leaks out due to faulty wiring or some other defect is grounded – sent into the earth to be harmlessly discharged. You can become part of this electrical circuit and get shock.

Understanding Electrical Principles

a. When electric current flows through your body from an outside source. How the shock affects you depends on the following factors:

i. How much voltage and current are involved: the more current the more risk

ii. Your body’s resistance: tingling sensation – deadly jolt that cause your heart or breathing to stop.

iii.The path of the current: most dangerous when current travels through vital organs.

iv.How long the shock lasts: the longer current flows into you, the more damage it does.

Electrical Shock

a. If shocked you may be thrown back from the sourceb. If shocked your hand may contract and clench the

electrical contact point tightly. This is dangerous.

Effects of Shock (What happens when you are shocked?)

a. Firesb. Electrical arcs (showers of sparks) c. Severe burns (when current flows through the body)

Other dangers

a. Using cords and plugs safelyb. Using electrical devicesc. GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters): Special Protection

when working outdoors or in damp locations. It detects shock hazards and cut off the flow of current before you can be injury.

d. Protecting Patients and Staffe. A Note on Personal Appliances

Safety on the job

a. Killing the power b. Rescuing a shock victimc. Electrical firesd. Power outage

Electrical Emergencies