Although electricity is essential to our daily lives, it is not without risks. Every year, thousands of electrical-related accidents occur, some of which can have serious or even fatal consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to understand and follow general safety rules when dealing with electricity to prevent these accidents. From this standpoint, this article aims to provide a complete guide on the safe practices that must be followed,

General electrical hazards

Electricity, despite its vital importance, entails great risks that should not be underestimated. Two of the main risks we face are :

• Electrical Shock  : Electrical shock can occur due to improper handling of electrical appliances or faulty installations. They can cause injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
• Fire or explosion risk  : Fire and explosion risks are often caused by electrical overloads, faulty wiring or short circuits, creating extremely dangerous situations for people and property. It is essential to understand these risks and take appropriate safety measures to reduce these risks. 

– What are the electrical safety rules?
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the causes, rules and methods of preventing these accidents and ensuring safe daily use of electricity.

General safety rules in dealing with electricity

Prevention of electrical overloads

1.  Every electrical circuit has a maximum capacity in terms of load. This ability must be known and not exceeded. This means avoiding plugging too many devices into one electrical outlet.

2.  If you need to connect multiple devices to the same outlet, choose multiple outlets or extension cords equipped with overload devices. Make sure they are in good condition and comply with safety standards.

3.  One of the safety rules when using electrical appliances is to take into account the various outlets and circuits to avoid  overloading . For example, do not connect all devices in the same room to one outlet.

4.  Temporary extension cords are not designed for prolonged use. If you need more outlets in a particular location, it’s a good idea to install an additional electrical outlet.

Safe use of home appliances

1.  Take the time to read the instruction manual. It provides basic information about how to use the device safely.

2. Make sure that the electrical cords and outlets connected to the devices are in good condition. Never connect a device with a damaged cord.

3.  Never touch household appliances with wet hands, and avoid contact with water or other liquids.

4.  Unplug the device after use. Do not leave devices plugged in unnecessarily, especially if they are unsupervised.

Instructions for using electrical tools

1.  Use your own electrical equipment. It is necessary to wear electrical equipment for personal protection and occupational safety, such as gloves, glasses, and a helmet if necessary.

2.  Avoid using power tools in wet places or in the presence of water to avoid the risk of electric shock.

3.  Use the right tool for the right job as you work. Avoid forcing the tool to do more than it is capable of, as this may result in damage and accidents.

Precautions to be taken inside the bathroom

1.  Since the bathroom is often humid, installing  GFCI  outlets is necessary to detect current leakage and prevent electrical shock.

2.  Exposed wires in the bathroom are dangerous if they come into contact with water. Therefore, it must be replaced as soon as it is seen.

3.  Dry yourself before using electrical appliances such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, etc.

Safety and protection in the kitchen

1.  Avoid placing electrical outlets near the sink or water sources to prevent the risk of short circuits and electrocution.

2.  Make sure that the device cables are not hanging over the edge of a table or work surface, to avoid any risk of tripping or spilling.

Approval of protective devices

Protective devices play an essential role in electrical safety. Here are two important elements :

• Circuit breakers and fuses
  Circuit breakers and fuses play an important role in maintaining electrical safety and preventing its risks. They automatically cut off power in the event of an overload, eliminating the risk of fire and damage to appliances. Choosing the right size for each circuit is essential, as an oversized device can itself pose a hazard. Clear labeling and easy accessibility of the breakers ensures quick response in the event of an emergency. By fully understanding the role and operation of these protective elements, we ensure an electrical installation that is robust, safe and ready to face any eventuality.

• Sockets and
  Switches Safe sockets and switches are the foundation of our daily electrical safety. Equipped with devices such as safety shutters, they prevent the risk of electric shock by preventing the introduction of foreign objects into areas exposed to moisture, such as the kitchen and bathroom. The use of waterproof switches is crucial to reducing the risk of short circuits.

Maintenance and periodic inspection

Regular inspections of electrical installations are the lifeblood of the safety and reliability of any electrical system. So perform regular checks to ensure that the cables do not show signs of damage or voltage spikes. Replace any damaged cable immediately.

Emergency procedures

In the event of an electrical accident, a quick and appropriate response can make a big difference. First aid is necessary. If someone experiences an electrical shock, it is necessary to turn off the power source immediately, either by unplugging the device or flipping a circuit breaker. Next, assess the situation and ensure that the environment is safe for intervention. If necessary, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation  (CPR)  if the victim is not breathing. Meanwhile, alert emergency services by calling your country’s emergency number. Rapid and correct intervention can save lives in the event of electrical accidents.

Responsibility and awareness

One of the general safety rules when dealing with electricity is that all citizens bear individual responsibility for electrical safety. This includes spreading awareness, adopting rules and safe practices, and reporting any potential dangers. In addition, it is necessary to promote awareness of electrical safety in children and within families to ensure the protection of each one of us, and for the goals we seek to achieve at home.

By following  general safety rules for dealing with electricity , we can create a safe and functional electrical environment. By taking measures such as regular maintenance, safe use of equipment and appropriate emergency procedures, we reduce the risk of electrical-related accidents. Individual responsibility and community awareness also play a crucial role in maintaining electrical safety. By adopting these practices, we all help ensure the safety and protection of everyone in our environment.