BE SAFE

B = Burns:

A burn is the most common shock-related injury. Burns from electricity are one of three types:

• Electrical burns result from heat generated by the flow of electric current through the body.
• Arc/flash burns are high temperature burns caused by an electric arc or explosion.
• Thermal contact burns occur when skin comes in contact with overheated electric equipment.

Electrical burns are among the most serious burns and require immediate medical attention. They occur when electric current flows through tissue or bone, generating heat that causes tissue damage. Because the body cannot dissipate the heat generated by current flowing through the resistance of the tissue, burns occur.

E = Electrocution:

Electrocution is fatal; it means to kill with electricity. Electrocution results when a human is exposed to a lethal amount of electrical energy.

S = Shock:

Shock results when the body becomes part of the electrical circuit; current enters the body at one point and leaves at another. Electrical shock is defined as a reflex response to the passage of electric current through the body.

A = Arc flash/blast:

An arc flash is the sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors. An arc flash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can cause burns. Temperatures have been recorded as high as 35,000 °F. High-voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a blast.

F = Fire:

Most electrical distribution fires result from problems with "fixed wiring" such as faulty electrical outlets and old wiring. Problems with cords (such as extension and appliance cords), plugs, receptacles, and switches also cause electrical fires.

An arc flash can be spontaneous or result from inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other causes may include dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.

E = Explosions:

An explosion can occur when electricity ignites an explosive mixture of material in the air.

Although electricity is the source of all the aforementioned hazards, and all these hazards are of equal importance, this part of the course focuses on electrocution hazards.

To learn more about Focus Four Safety visit our Construction Focus Four Safety Online Training web page.