How can electrical accidents be prevented?
- You should regularly check the electrical installations and have the required measuring tests run.
- The electrical installations in your home should be equipped with properly functioning protective apparatus, especially a fast-reaction automatic circuit breaker, which is highly recommended.
- Electronic apparatus which is supplied from the power network (especially television sets, radios, computers, telephone answering machines, etc), are sensitive to excess voltage, including lightning especially. In the event of there being a voltage surge, there is the risk of a short circuit occurring, and a fire may break out or an expensive item of equipment may be destroyed. Therefore all electrical input should be supplied via a surge protector.
- You can see if the currently installed electrical wiring is suitable by looking at a lamp. If the light is ‘shivering’ or blinking, there may be an error in the electrical connection. Old wires with an aluminium thread are especially hazardous and it is recommended that you replace them with copper wires.
- If the electrical protectors fail frequently or they have overheated, an expert must be called immediately to investigate the problem. Do you make at least an annual check to see if the automatic circuit breaker switches off when the control button is pressed?
- Are more than four items connected to one plug through an extension cord? If yes, then you should unplug them when you leave home.
What should you do if someone has been electrocuted?
First, the injured person should be freed from any contact with the electrical current and first aid should be provided immediately.
In order to remove the victim from contact with the circuit, the power should be switched off. Unplug or switch off the electrical item or switch off the fuses or main switch at the switchboard. Also show other members of the family (or let them show you) where you can switch the power off, and how, if necessary.
If the power cannot be switched off, use an object which does not conduct electricity in order to free the injured person. At home the electrical wires can be removed from contact with a person by using rolled newspapers (however, this won’t work with high voltage wires). Before providing any assistance, isolate yourself from the ground and the victim.
After removing the victim from any contact with the circuit call an ambulance and if necessary start resuscitation procedures.
Lightning is similar to an electric shock. Lightning delivers a very high electrical voltage charge which could immediately kill anyone who is struck by it. The consequences of being struck by lightning should be enough to remind anyone of the damage that can be caused by suffering an electric shock from high tension wires. If you are in a forest during a lightning storm, it would be a good idea to hide under a coniferous tree, below the tree’s crown. When you are in an open area, avoid bodies of water, high trees, and telephone and power lines.
What electrical work can you perform yourself and in which cases should an electrician be called?
You can replace existing plugs yourself, as long as you know how to do it. You can also install and connect lamps and uninstall them.
All other electrical work, such as the installation of completely new plugs, halogen lamps, cables, etc, should be entrusted to a professional electrician.
