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Electrical Safety. Mrs. Brinston. Introduction. Electrical malfunction is the second leading cause of fires in hospitals. Fortunately, electricity is also the most manageable of all energy sources. . Understanding Electrical Principles.
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Electrical Safety Mrs. Brinston
Introduction • Electrical malfunction is the second leading cause of fires in hospitals. • Fortunately, electricity is also the most manageable of all energy sources.
Understanding Electrical Principles • Voltage: electrical pressure which moves electrical current. • Current: or amperage, flows at a rate that depends on the “impedance” or electrical resistance caused by the wires or other electrical pathway. • Conductors and Insulator: Electrical current flows easily through “conductors” • Good conductors: water, copper, aluminum, and other metals. • Electrical current does not flow easily through insulators like rubber, plastic, enamel, glass and dry wood. (contact with conductors can increase your risk of serious shock • Grounding Hazards: in most electrical systems, current that leaks out due to faulty wiring or some other defect is grounded – sent into the earth to be harmlessly discharged. You can become part of this electrical circuit and get shock.
Electrical Shock • When electric current flows through your body from an outside source. How the shock affects you depends on the following factors: • How much voltage and current are involved: the more current the more risk • Your body’s resistance: tingling sensation – deadly jolt that cause your heart or breathing to stop. • The path of the current: most dangerous when current travels through vital organs. • How long the shock lasts: the longer current flows into you, the more damage it does.
Effects of Shock (What happens when you are shocked?) • If shocked you may be thrown back from the source • If shocked your hand may contract and clench the electrical contact point tightly. This is dangerous.
Other dangers • Fires • Electrical arcs (showers of sparks) • Severe burns (when current flows through the body)
Safety on the job • Using cords and plugs safely • Using electrical devices • GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters): Special Protection when working outdoors or in damp locations. It detects shock hazards and cut off the flow of current before you can be injury. • Protecting Patients and Staff • A Note on Personal Appliances
Electrical Emergencies • Killing the power • Rescuing a shock victim • Electrical fires • Power outage