Think safety when working with electricity

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Vincent DiLoreta
  • 7th Civil Engineer Squadron
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When you think of things that are strong conductors of electricity, power lines, wires and metals likely come to mind. Surprisingly, the human body can also be an excellent conductor of electricity, and when an electric current hits the body several types of injuries can occur. 

The body may go into cardiac arrest because of the electricity's effect on the heart. Muscles, nerves and tissue can be damaged due to the current and thermal burns can occur if the body contacts an electrical source. 

The severity of the injuries depends on a variety of factors: the voltage of electricity, the person's state of health, how the current travels through the body and how quickly medical help is received. According to the National Institute of Health, nearly 1,000 people die in the United States each year from electric shock. Fortunately, you and your co-workers can dramatically reduce your risks of potential electrical threats in your office or shop area by taking these simple measures to avoid them. 

There are electrical distribution panels and possibly an emergency generator in and around your building. These are clearly marked for your safety and should only be opened or accessed by trained professionals. Occasionally, 7th Civil Engineer Squadron craftsmen find unauthorized personnel tampering inside these panels. It cannot be stressed enough to stay out of these panels! Call the 7th CES customer service at 696-4154 if you require assistance. 

If your facility has a generator, 7th CES provides training on a annual basis (or sooner, if requested) for the purpose of instructing building occupants in the safe operation of the emergency generator. The training consists of the safe user level operation and does not involve opening any distribution panels. If your building has a generator that fails to start automatically or you do not have a trained person to start it manually, call 7th CES customer service. Never attempt to troubleshoot or repair it on your own. 

On the personal side, it's the time of year for Christmas lights and decorations. To ensure you and your family enjoy the holidays in a safe manner follow these tips: 

-- Make sure your Christmas lights are UL (United Laboratories) rated for their intend to use them, indoor or outdoor. 

-- If you decorate your house, make sure they are UL and approved for outdoor use. 

-- Extension cords should be unplugged before bed or when you will be away from the house for any length of time. 

-- Extension cords have a maximum amp draw rating, should never be exceeded and should be clearly stated on the label. 

-- If label is missing, take the cord out of service and replace it. 

-- Do not run extension cords under rugs. 

-- Lastly, do not overload wall outlets with excessive amounts of strings of lights. 

-- Most home outlets are rated at 15 or 20 amps. Check your home breaker box. It will be stamped or printed on each breaker toggle switch. 

-- UL listed light strings generally range between 2 and 6 amps depending on number and type of lights and will be stamped.

Please be safe and enjoy the holiday season.