Electrical Safety Recommendations

In the electrical industry, if safety is not observed, the risk of electric shock is certain. Therefore, before touching a wire or electrical equipment for repair or any inspection, the current in the circuit must definitely be cut off, and you must be sure that there is no electric current; testing for the presence or absence of current is done with a voltage tester (phase meter). Electric current: Electric current is measured in amperes, and it is of two types: 1/ Direct current (DC): The electric current produced by generators and batteries is of this type. 2/ Alternating current (AC): The electric current of the urban grid is of this type. Earthing (grounding) system for electrical devices: Since the resistance of a wire to electric current is lower than the resistance of the human body, if our electrical device is connected to the ground by a wire, the electric current will be transferred to the ground through this wire. Portable electrical devices are connected to a special socket by a wire fitted into their plug. For large devices and structures, all cables must be connected to one point called an earthing pit (ground rod). A: Some basic safety principles Be careful never to touch electrical appliances with wet hands and bare feet. As mentioned, when the body becomes wet, its electrical resistance decreases, and therefore the passage of electric current through the body becomes stronger and more effective, because electric current always tries to transfer to the ground via the nearest and easiest path. When replacing a lamp, switch, or socket, or repairing any other appliance or electrical device, try to make sure the power has been cut off at the meter (fuse). In this regard, care should be taken that during wiring, the live (phase) wire is placed in the switch circuit; in this case, turning off the current with the switch will cut off the live current. Otherwise, although turning off the switch and cutting the neutral current means the lamp cannot turn on, contact of the live wire with the human body—and completion of the circuit, for example through the ground on which the person is standing or by placing a hand on a device or wall—can lead to current passing through the body and to electric shock. In general, the use of ordinary electrical appliances is not recommended in environments with high humidity, such as bathrooms, and as far as possible there should be no electrical outlets in such environments, with the lighting supplied from outside. If wires need to be connected to a lamp, it must be designed so that humidity does not affect it. Remember that under no circumstances should you use ordinary heaters or electric stoves in the aforementioned environments. While a lamp or any other electrical device is on, refrain from replacing or repairing it. Never run a live wire under a rug or carpet, because the wire may be damaged by people constantly walking over it and lose its insulating quality. Also, if the cross-section of the wire is not proportionate to the type of appliance it is connected to, the wire will heat up; consequently, over time, as its conductivity decreases, it heats up more intensely, to the point where the wire begins to melt and create sparks. Since in most cases floor coverings, rugs, carpets, and such mats are made of flammable materials such as thread, plastic, wool, and synthetic fibers, they catch fire and ultimately cause a blaze. When cleaning walls and electrical appliances, be careful that switches and sockets do not get wet, because water is a very good conductor and, if it enters switches and sockets, will pose a threat to life and property. In such cases, before starting work, cut off the main switch at the meter, and after finishing and once the sockets and switches are dry, reconnect the fuse. When drilling walls to install a wall clock, picture frames, or anything else, be careful not to damage the path of the electrical wiring. Only electricians are allowed to work on the network or devices. All electrical devices must have an earth (ground) wire. All defective cables must be replaced. All devices must have a plug. To repair an electrical appliance, you must definitely pull out its plug. Power cables that lie in the path of vehicle traffic must be passed through a pipe or something similar. If electrical sockets are placed at a low height on the walls (less than 110 to 120 centimeters), they should be sealed with safety covers made for this purpose. If the power grid passes around the building, when replacing or adjusting the television antenna on the roof or balcony, be careful of the power lines. As mentioned earlier, the inductive field of such grids can, even before contact, cause an electric arc leading to severe electric shock and burns. Inspect the wires of electrical appliances, especially portable ones such as irons, rice cookers, radios, and the like, from time to time, and replace them if any damage or wear is observed. No children's toy should be operated by grid electricity. It is often seen that parents, to save money, use an adapter instead of a battery for such toys, thereby exposing their child to the risk of electric shock. While working with an electrical device, try to place a piece of dry board or a thick rubber sheet under your feet. Distinguish electrical and telephone sockets by choosing special types, so that the plugs of electrical appliances and the telephone are not mistakenly inserted into the wrong sockets and damage the aforementioned devices. To cut the circuit in case of a short circuit in the home's wiring or a fault in electrical devices, use automatic or miniature fuses with an amperage suitable for the level of consumption. It is better to use separate fuses for devices such as air conditioners, washing machines and dishwashers, large display refrigerators, and electric water heaters that require a current of more than 6 amperes, so that when faults occur in such devices, the power to the whole house is not cut off and damage to other devices is prevented. In electrical work, never act by chance (take no risks). The actions that can be taken to save a person who has been electrocuted are: 1/ Cutting off the electrical circuit 2/ Freeing the electrocuted person from the circuit 3/ Artificial respiration 4/ Getting them to a doctor Death from electric shock is usually the direct result of two things: 1/ Disruption of the heart's regular function 2/ Stoppage of the respiratory system A minor contact with a wire or electrical equipment can quickly kill a person, and it is dangerous if the path of the electric shock is from the left side of the body or from the head. The important matter in electric shock is artificial respiration, which must be performed within less than 3 minutes after the shock to restore breathing to normal. To do this, lay the casualty on their back, fold your work shirt or jacket and place it under their shoulders so that the head is pulled back, position yourself beside the casualty's head, and perform artificial respiration and cardiac massage. B: General recommendations The lighting of squares, parks, streets, boulevards, and the like is often supplied through metal poles. These poles necessarily have hatches for fixing faults and installing fuses, and sometimes the curiosity of small children playing and having fun nearby can lead to tragic accidents. Therefore, it is necessary that all families, in addition to watching over their children and giving them the necessary instruction not to tamper with such hatches, report any unusual situation in this regard to the nearest power station. If there are power transmission and distribution lines around your land or property, discuss the matter with the municipality and the electricity companies from the start of construction, so that—in addition to preventing possible electric shock hazards—no legal problems arise. Climbing power poles is always dangerous. Always keep in mind that the grid wires are uninsulated, and getting close to them may cost you your life. Posting any kind of announcements such as business or advertising signs on grid poles, in addition to the risks of electric shock, is considered interference and tampering with electrical installations and is legally prosecutable. On the other hand, posted signs can disturb workers in this industry while working on the grid and may even lead to dangerous accidents. If you encounter an electrocuted person, immediately grab their clothing with a piece of dry wood or by wrapping a dry cloth around your hand, and pull them to a safe place so that they are separated from the electrical conductor. While acting quickly, keep your composure and, if necessary, begin artificial respiration. Assign another person to call emergency services. In any place where you encounter an electric shock warning sign, refrain from approaching that place and touching it. Using electricity illegally, in addition to being a forbidden act that can lead to severe accidents, is also legally prosecutable. When excavating for water or gas piping, building foundations, or any other purpose, be aware that if you reach a depth where there is a row or two of bricks or tiles or a yellow warning tape, there are definitely electrical, gas, or water installations beneath them. In this case, stop the operation and inform the responsible organization.