Electric current is a clearly directed movement of electrically charged particles under the direct influence of an electric field. See below for more information.
Electricity
The phenomenon of electric current can be observed in the following situations:
- with direct heating of the conductors;
- when changing their chemical composition;
- upon the formation of a magnetic field (this phenomenon occurs in all conductors without exception).
Electricity is an indispensable element in our time. Without it, no enterprise can function. However, it is important to know that, along with useful properties, current can harm human health and even life. Of course, this does not mean at all that people should completely refuse electricity. But each of us needs to be careful. To preserve your life and health, you should follow some protective measures against electric shock. Weβll talk about this now.
It is important to note that the protection of the entire work team is more dependent on the operating situation, namely on factors such as temperature, humidity, building dust, etc.
Sad statistics
Unfortunately, people often neglect simple safety rules. And sad statistics say that in most cases, death as a result of electric shock overtakes workers who are more knowledgeable in handling electricity.
People do not always follow the rules, even knowing them. What makes workers expose themselves to such danger in the enterprise? Perhaps this is due to the fact that the person wants to save time. Sometimes working conditions force an employee to expose himself to such a danger. In such situations, you must immediately contact the appropriate organizations, which should be any in the enterprise in order to avoid death.
What current carries the greatest threat to human life?
There are three groups of power voltage. They have different effects on human life. A certain level of tension can cause minor harm to a person and even kill him. Voltage levels are listed below:
- threshold current (palpable). Under its influence, a person may feel slight tingling. Hand trembling is observed;
- threshold (non-releasing), under the influence of which, the employee is physically unable to overcome muscle contraction. He is unable to unclench his hand and release the direct source of tension;
- threshold fibrillation. Its effect leads to cardiac arrest, causing contraction of the heart muscles.
For the human body does not carry any threat alternating 0.6-1.5 mA and a constant 5-7 mA current. However, a variable 10-15mA and a constant 50-80mA pose some threat to human life, but not fatal.
It is generally accepted that in buildings of increased and not increased danger, a voltage above 40V is a threat. As for highly hazardous structures, voltage from 12V is critically dangerous in them.
Necessary methods of protection
There are a sufficient number of means and methods to protect a person from electric shock. And every citizen who uses electricity should know about this. Especially these skills are extremely necessary for employees of various enterprises. After all, it is they who are most often at risk. Situations with electric shock are quite common in mines, various factories, etc. Therefore, it is very important to be extremely careful, follow all recommendations, rules and responsibilities when doing their job.
When creating a quality security system, one very important rule must be observed. And it consists in the fact that dangerous parts that allow current to pass must be made inaccessible to humans.
As for the protective measures themselves from electric shock, as a rule, they distinguish:
- The use of insulating linings, the use of double insulation is acceptable.
- Inaccessibility of live parts.
- The use of a small voltage (in rooms with increased danger - from 42V, and in rooms of special danger - from 12V).
- Protective grounding equipment.
- Use of special protective equipment.
- Protective grounding equipment.
Solid and air insulation
How to provide protection? The use of solid insulation helps prevent contact with the electricity conductor.
There is one more option. It's about air isolation. But just using it alone will not be enough. After all, a barrier is needed that will limit the access of unauthorized persons. To do this, we recommend the use of various code keys and locking devices.
In general, there are two categories of means of protection against electric shock - individual and collective. That's not all. They are still divided into additional electrical protective equipment and basic, the use of which is mandatory.
Safety precautions
The main measures of protection against electric shock should be aimed at reliable isolation for a sufficiently long time. They include:
- rods (insulating);
- voltage indicators;
- stairs (insulating).
Some protection methods are applied additionally. But they can only be used in conjunction with the main ones. Otherwise, security will not be fully ensured. So, these methods of protection include:
- Signs and posters on electrical safety.
- Portable grounding.
- Stands and pads (insulating).
- Dielectric mats.
- Dielectric gloves (in such gloves it is possible to work with voltages up to 1000V).
- Insulating stands.
- Dielectric galoshes.
- Dielectric caps and gaskets.
As mentioned above, there are individual protective equipment against electric shock (abbreviated PPE), which include: devices for protecting the head (helmets, helmets, etc.), protective devices for the eyes and face (various masks, glasses etc.), gloves, etc. This is not all. There are also technical measures for protection against electric shock (abbreviated TSZ).
Terms
There are few professionals among us. Therefore, it is so important to understand certain terms. You must clearly understand all the rules and safety standards in order to avoid the terrible consequences in the future. Forewarned is forearmed! This saying never loses relevance.
So, protective grounding is an electrical connection to the ground or its equivalent metal non-conductive parts, which can be directly under voltage.
Remember one more term. Protective grounding is the electrical connection of open conductive parts of an electrical installation that may be energized due to a short circuit.
And what is equalization of potentials? This is a combination of parts that conduct current to equal their potentials. This term is often used by electricians.
Potential equalization is directly reducing the potential difference on the surface using protective conductors installed in the ground and connected to the grounding device.
Protective shutdown refers to the use of automatic installations whose purpose is to automatically turn off the power for safety reasons. We hope you remember these terms.
Circuit breakers
Now we will talk about the modern form of the technical measure of protection against electric shock. These are VA circuit breakers. They are used to conduct current. In case of short circuits and strong voltage drops, it automatically shuts off. These devices guarantee safety in use and long-term work. VA circuit breaker is most often installed in enterprises.
Providing first medical care in case of direct electric shock
Of course, it is important to create all conditions so that accidents do not occur. Each employee must strictly observe all precautionary measures and safety rules. However, accidents do occur. An important task is to help the victims before the ambulance arrives. Remember: every second matters here. The help provided to the victim during the first minutes after the defeat saves life in 90%. In medical care for the victim with a lesion, two main stages are distinguished:
- Relief of the victim from the direct action of electric current.
- Providing first aid to the injured.
The presence of signs and posters on electrical safety is very important. After all, they can save someone's life!
To release the victim from exposure to voltage, it is necessary to disconnect this voltage or remove the source of electric current away from the person. The one who provides first aid should also follow all precautions so as not to aggravate the situation.
A shocked person remains conscious? Then he should be left alone until the arrival of an ambulance. If he lost consciousness, but there are signs of breathing, then it is necessary to put and warm the victim, and then try to bring him to his senses. In the absence of any signs of life, it is necessary to do a heart massage in combination with artificial respiration.