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Electrical Safety Tips for Children
There are simple electrical safety tips for children that are important in preventing serious injury or possible death.
The Dangers of Electricity
Children are naturally curious and do not know the dangers of electricity. Teaching them the basics about the power of electricity and electrical shock helps to keep them safe from harm. The following basics of electricity are important for children to understand.- Electricity has the power to cause burns, shocks and even death.
- Appliances and power cords can be just as dangerous as electrical power lines if you do not take proper safety precautions.
- Electricity flows easily through water, and it will travel through your body since your body is made of 70 percent water.
Electrical Safety Tips for Children
All children, regardless of their age, need to be aware of the dangers of electricity. While the following safety tips are for all children, there are some tips that are more applicable for older children.At Home
- Never stick your fingers or any object into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
- Keep fingers and other objects out of small appliances, such as toasters, even if the appliance is off.
- Never use an appliance near a sink, bathtub or other source of water.
- Keep electrical wires and appliance cords away from sources of heat.
- Keep electrical cords away from sinks, bathtubs and other sources of water.
- Never touch any electrical appliance or device, such as a light switch, hair dryer or toaster, if you are touching water.
- Never pull an electric plug out of the wall outlet by yanking on the electric cord.
- Unplug an electrical appliance before cleaning it.
- Never use any electrical appliance if you are wet.
- If you see a worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord, tell an adult immediately.
Outdoors
- Do not climb trees that are near power lines or have power lines running through them.
- If you are flying a kite, or have Mylar or helium-filled balloons on strings, make sure to keep away from power lines. If the kite line or balloon strings are tangled in power lines, the electricity can travel down the line and cause a shock or start a fire.
- Never go swimming during an electrical storm.
- If you see something stuck or tangled in a power line, have an adult call the power company. Never try to remove the item from the power lines yourself.
- Do not climb utility poles.
- Keep away from electric substations.
- Do not climb on fences around electric substations.
- If you see a fallen electrical wire, stay away from it.
- Never touch anything or anyone touching a wire that is down..
- Be careful to avoid touching overhead electrical wires if you are carrying a long object such as a pool skimmer or ladder.
- Never throw objects, such as sneakers, at or onto electric power lines.
- Never touch a power line with any part of your body or any object.
- Never fly model airplanes or remote controlled airplanes or helicopters near overhead power lines. Play with them in open areas such as parks or fields.
- Never go into an electric substation for any reason. If a pet has gone into the area, do not try to get it yourself. Have an adult call the power company.
- Do not hang signs or banners on electric utility poles.
- If you are operating an electrical tool, using an electrical appliance or playing with an electrical toy outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any wet surface or swimming pool.
- Do not touch any electrical tools, appliances or toys if you are wet, standing in a puddle or are in a pool.
To reducing the risks presented by electricity in the workplace, including advice on basic electrical safety and safer working practices.
It also gives details of related legal duties and obligations on employers and links to further information.
Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shocks or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are fatal, most of them arising from contact with overhead or underground power cables.
Shocks from faulty equipment can cause severe and permanent injury and can also lead to indirect injuries, due to falls from ladders, scaffolds, or other work platforms.
Faulty electrical appliances can also lead to fires. As well as causing injuries and loss of life, fires cause damage to plant, equipment and property.
Those most at risk include maintenance staff, those working with electrical plant, equipment and machinery, and people working in harsh environments such as construction sites.
Most electrical accidents occur because individuals:
In addition, specific duties and obligations are laid out in the following regulations:
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 These regulations apply to all aspects of the use of electricity within the workplace from electrical supplies to the use of electrical equipment. They place a duty on employers, employees and the self-employed to:
Live parts Normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill. Also, contact with live parts can cause shocks and burns.
Fire Electrical faults can cause fires. This is particularly true where the equipment contains a heat source (e.g. heaters, including water heaters, washing machines, ovens, heat-seal packaging equipment).
Flammable or explosive atmospheres Electricity can be a source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in spray paint booths or around refuelling areas.
Where and how electricity is used The risks from electricity are greatest in harsh conditions.
In wet conditions, unsuitable equipment can easily become live and can make its surroundings live.
While outdoors, equipment may not only become wet but may be at greater risk of damage.
In cramped or confined spaces with a lot of earthed metalwork, such as inside tanks, ducts and silos, if an electrical fault develops it can be very difficult to avoid a shock.
Types of equipment in use Some items of equipment can also involve greater risk than others. Extension leads are particularly liable to damage to their plugs and sockets, cables, and electrical connections. Other flexible leads, particularly those connected to equipment that is moved a great deal, can suffer from similar problems.
Mains supplies
Reduce the voltage Using lower voltages can reduce or eliminate the risks of electric shocks and burns:
The best place for an RCD is built into the main supply or the socket-outlet, as this means that the supply cables are permanently protected.
If this is not possible, use a plug incorporating an RCD or a plug-in RCD adaptor. RCDs for protecting people have a rated tripping current (sensitivity) of not more than 30 milliamps (mA).
Remember:
Most faults can usually be identified by an informal visual inspection. It is important that before an item is used a check is made on the plug, cable, cable-entry or input socket and the casing of the equipment.
If a fault is identified, the item should be removed from use and repaired before being used again. Staff should be trained to carry out these simple visual checks.
There should also be a system where formal visual inspections are carried out and recorded, backed up by a system of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) where appropriate.
There is a misconception that this testing should be carried out annually, but the legislation requires employers to decide on the frequency of testing based on their risk assessment.
Factors to consider include:
Work safely Make sure that people working with electricity are competent to do the job. Even simple tasks such as wiring a plug can lead to danger - ensure that people know what they are doing before they start.
Make sure that:
Work on exposed live parts of equipment and systems must not be carried out unless it is absolutely unavoidable and suitable precautions have been taken to prevent injury, both to the workers and to anyone else who may be in the area.
More detailed guidance on avoidance of danger from underground and overhead electric lines is available from the Health and Safety Executive.
Quick links:
- What are the main risks from electricity?
- Who is most at risk from electricity?
- Legal duties and obligations around electricity
- Assessing the risks from electricity
- Basic electrical safety
- Underground and overhead electrical supplies
- Further information on electricity and safety
- This webpage available in other languages
Good practices:
- Use other forms of power where possible
- Reduce the voltage
- Use Residual Current Devices (RCDs) for extra safety
- Maintain your electrical equipment and installations
- Work safely
What are the risks from electricity?
Harm can be caused to any person when they are exposed to ‘live parts’ that are either touched directly or indirectly by means of some conducting object or material. Voltages over 50 volts AC or 120 volts DC are considered hazardous.Electricity can kill. Each year about 1000 accidents at work involving electric shocks or burns are reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Around 30 of these are fatal, most of them arising from contact with overhead or underground power cables.
Shocks from faulty equipment can cause severe and permanent injury and can also lead to indirect injuries, due to falls from ladders, scaffolds, or other work platforms.
Faulty electrical appliances can also lead to fires. As well as causing injuries and loss of life, fires cause damage to plant, equipment and property.
Who is most at risk from electricity?
Anyone can be exposed to the dangers of electricity while at work and everyone should be made aware of the dangers.Those most at risk include maintenance staff, those working with electrical plant, equipment and machinery, and people working in harsh environments such as construction sites.
Most electrical accidents occur because individuals:
- are working on or near equipment which is thought to be dead but which is, in fact, live
- are working on or near equipment which is known to be live, but where those involved are without adequate training or appropriate equipment, or they have not taken adequate precautions
- misuse equipment or use electrical equipment which they know to be faulty.
Legal duties and obligations around electricity
As well as a moral duty on employers to protect employees and members of the public, General Health and Safety Legislation covers all employers and workplaces.In addition, specific duties and obligations are laid out in the following regulations:
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 These regulations apply to all aspects of the use of electricity within the workplace from electrical supplies to the use of electrical equipment. They place a duty on employers, employees and the self-employed to:
- have the electrical systems constructed in a way that prevents danger
- maintain their electrical systems as necessary to prevent danger
- have work on, use of, or closure of, electrical systems carried out in a way that prevents danger.
- electrical equipment used in hazardous environments (e.g. extremes of weather, temperature, corrosive conditions) must be constructed or protected to prevent it becoming dangerous
- only those with adequate knowledge or experience, or who are under adequate supervision should work with, or on, electrical equipment that could cause danger or injury.
- injury to staff due to an electric shock or electrical burn leading to unconsciousness or requiring resuscitation; or admittance to hospital
- electrical short circuit or overload causing fire or explosion
- plant or equipment coming into contact with overhead power lines.
Assessing the risks from electricity
Consider the following hazards in your risk assessment:Live parts Normal mains voltage, 230 volts AC, can kill. Also, contact with live parts can cause shocks and burns.
Fire Electrical faults can cause fires. This is particularly true where the equipment contains a heat source (e.g. heaters, including water heaters, washing machines, ovens, heat-seal packaging equipment).
Flammable or explosive atmospheres Electricity can be a source of ignition in a potentially flammable or explosive atmosphere, e.g. in spray paint booths or around refuelling areas.
Where and how electricity is used The risks from electricity are greatest in harsh conditions.
In wet conditions, unsuitable equipment can easily become live and can make its surroundings live.
While outdoors, equipment may not only become wet but may be at greater risk of damage.
In cramped or confined spaces with a lot of earthed metalwork, such as inside tanks, ducts and silos, if an electrical fault develops it can be very difficult to avoid a shock.
Types of equipment in use Some items of equipment can also involve greater risk than others. Extension leads are particularly liable to damage to their plugs and sockets, cables, and electrical connections. Other flexible leads, particularly those connected to equipment that is moved a great deal, can suffer from similar problems.
Basic electrical safety
Below are some minimum steps you should take to ensure electrical safety.Mains supplies
- install new electrical systems to BS 7671 Requirements for Electrical Installations
- maintain all electrical installations in good working order
- provide enough socket-outlets for equipment in use
- avoid overloading socket-outlets – using adaptors can cause fires
- provide an accessible and clearly identified switch ('Emergency Off' or 'EMO' button) near fixed machinery to cut off power in an emergency
- for portable equipment, connect to nearby socket-outlets so that it can be easily disconnected in an emergency.
- choose electrical equipment that is suitable for its working environment
- ensure that equipment is safe when supplied and maintain it in a safe condition
- electrical equipment used in flammable/explosive atmospheres should be designed not to produce sparks. Seek specialist advice when choosing this type of equipment.
- protect light bulbs and other easily damaged equipment – there is a risk of electric shock if they are broken.
- ensure equipment is fitted with the correctly rated fuse.
- ensure cable ends always have their outer sheaths firmly clamped to stop wires working loose from plugs or inside equipment
- replace damaged sections of cable completely – never repair cuts with insulating tape.
- use proper connectors to join lengths of cable – don't use connector blocks covered in insulating tape or 'splice' wires by twisting them together
- some equipment is double insulated. These are often marked with a ‘double-square’ symbol. The supply leads have only two wires – live (brown) and neutral (blue)
- make sure all wires are connected securely if the 13A plug is not a moulded-on type.
Good practices:
Use other forms of power where possible Electrical risks can sometimes be eliminated by using air, hydraulic or hand-powered tools. These are especially useful in harsh conditions, but remember they could introduce other hazards.Reduce the voltage Using lower voltages can reduce or eliminate the risks of electric shocks and burns:
- portable tools are available which can be run from a 110 volts, centre-tapped-to-earth supply, (usually from a transformer)
- where electrically powered tools are used, battery-operated are safest
- temporary lighting can be run at lower voltages, e.g. 12, 25, 50 or 110 volts.
The best place for an RCD is built into the main supply or the socket-outlet, as this means that the supply cables are permanently protected.
If this is not possible, use a plug incorporating an RCD or a plug-in RCD adaptor. RCDs for protecting people have a rated tripping current (sensitivity) of not more than 30 milliamps (mA).
Remember:
- an RCD is a valuable safety device – never bypass it
- if the RCD trips, it is a sign there is a fault. Check the system before using it again.
- if the RCD trips frequently and no fault can be found in the system, consult the manufacturer of the RCD
- use the RCD test button regularly to check that its mechanism is free and functioning.
Most faults can usually be identified by an informal visual inspection. It is important that before an item is used a check is made on the plug, cable, cable-entry or input socket and the casing of the equipment.
If a fault is identified, the item should be removed from use and repaired before being used again. Staff should be trained to carry out these simple visual checks.
There should also be a system where formal visual inspections are carried out and recorded, backed up by a system of Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) where appropriate.
There is a misconception that this testing should be carried out annually, but the legislation requires employers to decide on the frequency of testing based on their risk assessment.
Factors to consider include:
- type of equipment
- where equipment is used
- is equipment portable or transportable?
- is it used in a harsh environment?
Work safely Make sure that people working with electricity are competent to do the job. Even simple tasks such as wiring a plug can lead to danger - ensure that people know what they are doing before they start.
Make sure that:
- suspect or faulty equipment is taken out of use immediately
- suspect or faulty equipment is labelled ‘DO NOT USE’
- suspect or faulty equipment is kept secure until examined by a competent person
- where possible, tools and power socket-outlets are switched off before plugging in or unplugging
- equipment is switched off and/or unplugged before cleaning or making adjustments
- where possible, all electrical appliances are switched off at the mains at the end of the working day.
Work on exposed live parts of equipment and systems must not be carried out unless it is absolutely unavoidable and suitable precautions have been taken to prevent injury, both to the workers and to anyone else who may be in the area.
Underground and overhead electrical supplies
Always assume supplies are live unless it is confirmed otherwise by a competent person or utility company. Use plans and cable-avoiding tools to locate cables. Have overhead lines switched off if possible or maintain safe distances from the lines for plant and equipment.More detailed guidance on avoidance of danger from underground and overhead electric lines is available from the Health and Safety Executive.
Work near electricity
Work near electricity
- Do a risk assessment for the work you are planning, and make sure this covers electrical hazards.
- Learn how to recognise electrical wires. These may be overhead power lines, electrical wiring in a workplace, or cables buried under the ground.
- Get an up-to-date map of the services in the area and use it.
- Look for electrical wires, cables or equipment near where you are going to work and check for signs warning of dangers from electricity, or any other hazard. Remember to look up, down, and around you.
- If you will be digging or disturbing the earth or cutting into surfaces, use a cable locator to find buried services and permanently mark the position of services you do find.
- Work away from electrical wiring wherever possible. If you have to work near electrical wiring or equipment, ask for the electrical supply to be turned off. Make sure the power is off, and cannot be turned on again without you agreeing.
- If the electrical supply cannot be turned off, consult a competent person who should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
- Identify where it is safe to work. Put up danger notices where there are still live electrical circuits, and warn your co-workers where it is safe to work and where it is not safe. Remember to remove notices at the end of the work.
Information
The booklet ‘Electricity at work, safe working practices’ provides general guidance on working near electricity. Many electricity supply companies will provide advice on how to work safely near electrical distribution equipment. You should contact them directly.Electrical danger signs
Signs warning of electrical danger may not always be easy to see, or may have been removed, so even if you see no signs, electrical cables may still be nearby. Stay vigilant.
When you see signs warning of electrical danger it is highly likely there is electricity present. Remember, you don’t need to touch a high voltage cable to get an electric shock and even low voltage cables can be dangerous.
If you cannot work out where the electricity is, ask a competent person to do it for you.
The Department for Energy and Climate change (DECC) 
enforces the use of electrical safety signs on electrical distribution equipment such as substations and electricity poles.Electrical wiring
You may not see electrical wires near where you plan to work but this doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Even if you do see wires, there may be others you cannot see. Electrical wiring may sometimes look like pipes, and may be a range of colours.
Before you drill or start cutting into surfaces:
- look for electrical wires and any other hazards such as asbestos. Remember to look on both sides of walls;
- ask to see plans of the electrical installation, and use these to find electrical wiring;
- If you are competent, use a suitable cable detector, or get a competent person to do it for you. Remember that some cable detectors won’t find a wire carrying a small current – consult the user guide.
- look for nearby electrical equipment or installations and find where the wiring runs to these.
- use equipment that will minimise the risks during the work.
- wear suitable protective clothing.
Cable colours
Many electrical cables are coloured to show their purpose and the voltage they are carrying. However, there are many standards used around the world, and you should never assume that a cable of a particular colour is at a particular voltage. The colours used for wiring in Britain changed in 2004. It is very important that you identify what voltages are present on an installation you are not familiar with.Making sure the power is off
If you are not competent to check if the power is off, ask a competent person to do it for you, and watch them doing it. If you have any doubts about the method they have used, ask someone you know is competent.When checking that power is off the competent person should be SURE that:
- The device being used is suitable for the purpose of isolation.
- The isolator being used to turn off the power is working correctly and reliably.
- The switch being used is the only way that the circuit can be fed with electrical power.
- The switch being used is locked in the off position and cannot easily be turned on again.
- The equipment and method being used to check for voltage works and is reliable.
- The isolation has been successful by confirming the circuit is no longer 'live'.
Making sure the power stays off (Secure Isolation)
If the electrical power has been turned off to allow you to do work safely, it is essential that the power stays off until you have finished work. Make sure YOU are in control and STAY in control. A good way is to have the only key to the switch or a locked room or cabinet containing the switch. Remember, if you remove a fuse, another one could be inserted in its place, and people ignore notices. If you have any doubts that the electricity may be turned on again without you agreeing, STOP WORK.
Saturday, 30 January 2016
Work near electricity
- Do a risk assessment
for the work you are planning, and make sure this covers electrical hazards. - Learn how to recognise electrical wires. These may be overhead power lines, electrical wiring in a workplace, or cables buried under the ground.
- Get an up-to-date map of the services in the area and use it.
- Look for electrical wires, cables or equipment near where you are going to work and check for signs warning of dangers from electricity, or any other hazard. Remember to look up, down, and around you.
- If you will be digging or disturbing the earth or cutting into surfaces, use a cable locator to find buried services and permanently mark the position of services you do find.
- Work away from electrical wiring wherever possible. If you have to work near electrical wiring or equipment, ask for the electrical supply to be turned off. Make sure the power is off, and cannot be turned on again without you agreeing.
- If the electrical supply cannot be turned off, consult a competent person who should be able to advise you on the best way to proceed.
- Identify where it is safe to work. Put up danger notices where there are still live electrical circuits, and warn your co-workers where it is safe to work and where it is not safe. Remember to remove notices at the end of the work.
Information
The booklet ‘Electricity at work, safe working practices’ provides general guidance on working near electricity. Many electricity supply companies will provide advice on how to work safely near electrical distribution equipment. You should contact them directly.Electrical danger signs
Signs warning of electrical danger may not always be easy to see, or may have been removed, so even if you see no signs, electrical cables may still be nearby. Stay vigilant.
When you see signs warning of electrical danger it is highly likely there is electricity present. Remember, you don’t need to touch a high voltage cable to get an electric shock and even low voltage cables can be dangerous.Electrical wiring
You may not see electrical wires near where you plan to work but this doesn’t mean there aren’t any. Even if you do see wires, there may be others you cannot see. Electrical wiring may sometimes look like pipes, and may be a range of colours.
Before you drill or start cutting into surfaces:
- look for electrical wires and any other hazards such as asbestos. Remember to look on both sides of walls;
- ask to see plans of the electrical installation, and use these to find electrical wiring;
- If you are competent, use a suitable cable detector, or get a competent person to do it for you. Remember that some cable detectors won’t find a wire carrying a small current – consult the user guide.
- look for nearby electrical equipment or installations and find where the wiring runs to these.
- use equipment that will minimise the risks during the work.
- wear suitable protective clothing.
Cable colours
Many electrical cables are coloured to show their purpose and the voltage they are carrying. However, there are many standards used around the world, and you should never assume that a cable of a particular colour is at a particular voltage. The colours used for wiring in Britain changed in 2004. It is very important that you identify what voltages are present on an installation you are not familiar with.Making sure the power is off
If you are not competent to check if the power is off, ask a competent person to do it for you, and watch them doing it. If you have any doubts about the method they have used, ask someone you know is competent.When checking that power is off the competent person should be SURE that:
- The device being used is suitable for the purpose of isolation.
- The isolator being used to turn off the power is working correctly and reliably.
- The switch being used is the only way that the circuit can be fed with electrical power.
- The switch being used is locked in the off position and cannot easily be turned on again.
- The equipment and method being used to check for voltage works and is reliable.
- The isolation has been successful by confirming the circuit is no longer 'live'.
Making sure the power stays off (Secure Isolation)
If the electrical power has been turned off to allow you to do work safely, it is essential that the power stays off until you have finished work. Make sure YOU are in control and STAY in control. A good way is to have the only key to the switch or a locked room or cabinet containing the switch. Remember, if you remove a fuse, another one could be inserted in its place, and people ignore notices. If you have any doubts that the electricity may be turned on again without you agreeing, STOP WORK.
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