Month of May is National Electrical Safety Month
Each year, various foundations pertaining to electrical safety in various places like home, school, workplace and others celebrate the month of May as the National Electrical Safety Month. Promotions, campaigns, public awareness and sponsors are done in order to promote the electrical safety month.
There are innumerable fatal accidents which are caused by improper functioning of electricity. Various electrical hazards like electrical shocks, short circuits, blazing fire and others can be caused due to faulty insulation, improper grounding, loose connections, defective electrical parts, ground faults in equipment, unguarded live parts, failure to de-energize electrical equipment when it is being repaired or inspected, intentional use of obviously defective and unsafe tools and use of tools or equipment too close to energized parts.
The malfunctioning of electrical connections and the electrical failures were the reasons responsible for about 46,500 home structure fires. These fires further resulted in various deaths, injuries and property damage. The National electrical safety Month is celebrated in order to make the public aware about the risks associated with the usage of electricity.
Every year there are different themes which are initiated in order to make people aware about the electrical safety month. While talking about the safety measures for electricity, below are some tips to avoid accidents related to electricity;
Electrical Safety tips for home and office
Do not mass a bunch of plugs into one outlet or extension cord, it can damage the electrical system or even cause a fire.- Always remove the power cords from the outlets by pulling the plug and not the cord.
- Remember that you do not attach a cord to another surface with nails or staples.
- Avoid kinking, twisting, binding or walking on cords.
- Do check the appliances to make sure all cords are in good condition.
- Always repair or replace damaged or brittle electrical cords
- Never remove the third prong from a three-pronged plug.
- Always put plastic safety caps in all unused wall outlets.
- Keep all the electrical appliances and power tools away from water.
- Never use the electrical appliances in the shower or bath.
- Always dry your hands thoroughly before reaching for any electrical appliance.
Fire Safety measures outdoors
Avoid going near electrical wires which are dangling low.- Do not keep electrical connections on the way or within the reach of children.
- If a person comes in contact with an energized power line or if a power line has fallen to the ground, avoid approaching or touching the line or any person or object in contact with it.
- Inform the fire brigade immediately.
- Do not fly a kite near the cords or electrical connections.
Steps to take in case of electrical fire
- Remember that you do not throw water on an electrical fire. You could be electrocuted.
- Unplug the electrical device if it catches fire and call the fire safety department.
- Put off the electrical device when you see smoke, fire or smell a strange odor from the wires and other appliances.
- One of the helpful remedy to put off the fire is to use baking soda to extinguish an electrical fire if you do not have a fire extinguisher.
It is suggested by experts that a maintenance check of the wiring system and fire fighting system in a house is required to be done at least once in a years. For this you just need to find a trusted electrical and fire equipment vendor to do the maintenance check for you.
Read More related articles
Earthing Is Essential For Human Safety
10 Tips for Electrical Safety in your Apartment
Electrical Safety Tips For Apartment
Fire Safety Tips For Preventing Fire Mishaps in Apartments
