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We teach our children at a young age not to
stick their fingers or toys into the electrical outlets in our homes.
Most people know that a plugged-in appliance should not have any
contact with water. Yet each year, children and adults are either
seriously injured or even killed due to unsafe contact with electricity.
To avoid potential hazards, it is clear that ongoing efforts must
be made to instruct people about electrical safety, at home and
at work.
The United States Department of Labor, Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.gov) provides a detailed
website regarding the department’s standards of practices
for industrial safety. They have set out rules and regulations
that address all aspects of keeping workers safe during construction
including proper wiring procedures, use of protective equipment
and safe handling of commercial batteries. Being electrocuted
is one of the top five causes of death for construction workers.
Most of these deaths could have been avoided if the workers had
adhered to the federal guidelines for construction safety as dictated
by OSHA.
However, while there are inherent dangers to working
around electrical equipment in any industry, we must take care
to ensure the safety of our loved ones at home. There are several
common electrical hazards that can be found in most houses. We
use a tremendous number of electrical devices at home. Make sure
that the electrical cords are in good shape and do not use those
that are frayed or cracked. When changing a light bulb, only use
one that is the correct wattage for the socket. If you have appliances
that generate heat, ensure that there is sufficient air flow around
the unit and that it is not touching any flammable materials such
as curtains. These are common sense tips that are vital for the
health and safety of our families.
Following these simple tips will also help protect
your home from fire. Most house fires are accidental, either through
careless behavior such as a lit cigarette or through an electrical
fault. It is so important that we install fire alarm systems in
our homes so that we are alerted to any danger before it is too
late. A good practice to adopt is to develop a safety plan your
family will use in case of fire or emergency so that everyone
knows how to be safe what they should do if something happens.
Small children need to be taught what to do as well. It is possible
to order age-appropriate fire safety signs that can be displayed
around the home to make sure they remember what you have taught
them.
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