SAFETY AND

ELECTRICAL
ACCIDENTS
 Table of contents
01 02 03
Introduction Causes of short Causes of
circuits electrical
accidents

04 05 06
Steps to be taken Reference
Safety measures
when using when an electric
electrical appliances shock occurs
 01 Introduction
Electricity is very useful for mankind since its invention. We are using it in our
domestic life and Industries for lighting, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
, Fans, and to drive Pumps, Compressors etc. But it is very important not to
get in electricity's way because it can kill. Electrical safety is an important
issue for ensuring the safety of employees, users at house and the working
environment whether it is through the use of electrical equipment or the safety
of the main distribution system.
02
Causes of short
circuits
 Vermin or pests like rats, cats, and squirrels
● Vermin or pests chewing on electrical wires is one of the leading
causes of short circuits. This problem is
chewing widespread in older homes where the wiring
may be more exposed. These pests can cause a
through wires lot of damage to your home and your electrical
system.
● Deterioration of electrical cable
sheathing
There are several reasons why the
sheathing material may degrade,
including excessive heat or cold,
chemicals, weather conditions,
and abrasion of the sheath. All of
these factors can ultimately cause
electrical failure as the insulated
cores are no longer protected by
the sheathing as originally
designed.
● Old or damaged
outlets, switches, lights,
appliances, or other
electrical devices

If your lights are flickering or you

have to jiggle your plugs to keep
them working, it may be time to
replace your outlets, switches, and
lights. Old or damaged electrical
devices can cause a short circuit, a
dangerous situation where
electrical current bypasses its
intended path.
● Nails or screws piercing
through walls and
coming into contact with
wires
Nails or screws pierce through
walls and come into contact with
live electrical wires can cause a
short circuit. This is a serious
hazard that can lead to fires and
electrocution.
Short circuits can occur in the
power cords, plugs, or inside the
appliance. Make sure you get
short-circuit protection for all the
appliances.
03
Causes of
electrical
accidents
❖ Unsafe Work Practices
There are times when working on or around a live
circuit is unavoidable, but most of the time, that
isn’t the case. A worker will look at a job and
decide it’s only going to take a few moments, so he
won’t bother to throw the breaker or take similar
safety steps. That’s especially true if he doesn’t
expect to come in contact with the electrical lines.
❖ Negligence When Using
Electrical Equipment
Around Water
Electricity has the potential to seriously
injure or kill. When inappropriate electrical
equipment is used or placed near water,
there is a greater risk of serious injury or
death from an electric shock as water
conducts electricity. Electricity can flow not
only through a pool of water, but also along
wet surfaces.
❖ Improper Use of
Electrical
Equipment
Exposure to damaged electrical
tools and equipment can be very
dangerous. Do not fix anything
unless you are qualified to do so.
❖ Missing Ground-
Fault Protection

If there is no ground-fault
protection, these can cause a
ground-fault that sends current
through the worker's body,
resulting in electrical burns,
explosions, fire, or death.
04
Safety measures when
using electrical
appliances
❏ Never use equipment with
frayed cords, damaged
insulation, or broken plugs.

The electric cord on your appliance contains

a live wire that is securely insulated. But if
a cord becomes frayed, the live wire can be
exposed. This is dangerous and can leave
you vulnerable electric fires.
❏Avoid overloading
sockets by providing
enough socket-
outlets
Only plugging one plug into the socket at a time.
When you need to plug additional items into the
socket, make sure that you have enough watts and
amps to do so.
❏ Never use metallic pencils or
rulers, or wear rings or metal
watch bands when working with
electrical equipment.
An electrical wave will ground you, and the whole electrical current will pass
through your body.
❏ Disconnect the power source before
servicing or repairing electrical
equipment.
When it is necessary to handle
equipment that is plugged in, be
sure hands are dry and, when
possible, wear non conductive
gloves and shoes with insulated
soles.
 05
Steps to be taken when
an electric shock occurs
Step 1
Turn the power off at the mains
➔ Push the casualty away from
the power source using non-
conductive items such as the
safety hook or broom
Step 2
Check the casualty response
➔ If they respond by answering or
moving, providing they are in no
further danger, leave them in the
position you found them
➔ Call for an ambulance
Step 3
Remove any obvious obstruction from
their mouth
➔ Open the airway by tilting their head back and lifting
their chin
Step 4
Check for signs of breathing
➔ looking for the chest movements, listen at the mouth
for breath sounds and feel for air on your cheek - look,
listen and feel
Step 5
Feel the pulse
➔ If the pulse and breathing are present, place in the recovery
position
➔ If pulse is present but breathing is absent commence rescue
breaths
➔ If pulse and breathing are absent
➔ commence CPR
 06 References
● https://www.thespruce.com/what-causes-short-circuits-4118973
● https://www.dfliq.net/blog/electrical-short-circuits-types-causes-and-prevention/
● https://www.elandcables.com/the-cable-lab/faqs/faq-what-are-the-main-causes-of-el
ectrical-cable-failure
● https://www.smithbaltaxe.com/blog/2017/12/11/electrical-injuries-in-the-workplace
-187895
● https://www.atlantictraining.com/blog/15-safety-precautions-electrical-safety/
● https://electrical-engineering-portal.com/21-safety-rules-for-working-with-electrical
-equipment
● https://nasdonline.org/970/d000813/first-aid-for-electrical-accidents.html