Direct contact with exposed energized conductors or circuit parts.

These injuries can happen in various ways: There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and falls. Humans are more conductive than the earth (the ground we stand on) which means if there is no other easy path, electricity will try to flow through our bodies. People are injured when they become part of the electrical circuit. What kinds of injuries result from electrical currents? Back to top This is action is also known as creating or completing an electrical circuit. When you plug in a device (e.g., a power tool), the electricity takes the easiest path from the plug-in, to the tool, and back to the power source. Electricity will form a 'path' or 'loop'. The OSH Answers document on How Do I Work Safely - Static Electricity has more information.Įlectric current cannot exist without an unbroken path to and from the conductor. This contact/friction causes an accumulation of electrons on one surface, and a deficiency of electrons on the other surface. Note: Static electricity is accumulation of charge on surfaces as a result of contact and friction with another surface. This document is about dynamic electricity.

Conductors are materials that allow the movement of electricity through it. Electricity can be either 'static' or 'dynamic.' Dynamic electricity is the uniform motion of electrons through a conductor (this is known as electric current). What do I need to know about electricity? Back to topĪll electrical systems have the potential to cause harm. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can be hazardous because coming in contact with the 'hot', 'energized' or 'live' part of the socket could kill a person. The voltage of the electricity and the available electrical current in regular businesses and homes has enough power to cause death by electrocution. Why is it so important to work safely with or near electricity? Back to top

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Lights out device before electricity