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t20c.txt
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1998-10-07
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Summary
There are extra safety considerations when using electrical
equipment. Good workmanship and the use of proper materials
are essential requirements.
1 Safety first
2 Seeking professional help or advice
3 Electrical shock
4 Dealing with electrical shock
5 Using electrical tools outdoors or in wet
conditions
6 Basic safety rules for ladders
7 Walking on joists
8 The hazards of naked flames
9 Checking that the circuit is dead
10 Special safety comments
Tools
Ladder, Steps, Leather Belt with flap for inserting tools,
Crawling Board, Multi-meter.
Materials
First aid box.
Step 1 - Safety first
Never work on any part of the electrical installation
without first switching off the supply at the consumer
unit and, where possible, removing the circuit fuse.
Always unplug any electrical appliance before doing
any work on it. Check all connections are secure and
all covers have been replaced before you turn the
electricity on again.
Step 2 - Seeking professional help or advice
If you donÆt feel competent to do a particular job,
always seek the advice of a professional electrician.
Make sure that any person you hire is fully qualified.
A person registered with the Electrical Contractors
Association/ NICEIC, will be approved for undertaking
this type of work and will be well versed in all the
wiring regulations for electrical installations in
buildings.
Step 3 - Electric shock
Electric shock will result when a person becomes a
part of a live electrical circuit. The severity depends
on such factors as age, fitness and how the particular
circumstances affect the current through the person.
A personÆs resistance varies with the dryness of the
skin, females are more sensitive and wet situations
increase the danger. A shock current of 8mA is painful,
the lethal level is about 50mA.
Step 4 - Dealing with electric shock
DO NOT PANIC. Never touch the victim until he/she is
clear of any live parts. Isolate the electricity, or
if not practicable, push the victim away from the
source using a long dry wooden brush handle or
equivalent. If unconscious but breathing, place in
the recovery position before calling the emergency
service. When breathing has stopped, vital first
aid is essential, familiarize these procedures.
Step 5 - Using electrical tools outdoors or in wet
conditions
Take special care when using electrical power tools
outdoors. Preferably, use power tools supplied by a
110V transformer, these can be leased from Tool Hire
Suppliers. Otherwise, only connect extension leads
to sockets protected by a 30mA rcd and only work
when the conditions are dry. If working off an
aluminium ladder, stand on a substantial dry
wooden board. Do not allow the ladder to sink
into the ground.
Step 6 - Basic safety rules for ladders
Check the ladder is not damaged. Stand on a firm
base at an angle of 4 up to 1 out, or 75 . Do not
let the ladder touch any overhead cables or lean
against any pipework. Where possible, securely lash
the ladder at the top and bottom, otherwise, station
someone at the base to hold stable. Avoid slipping
on the rungs, clean mud etc., from footwear.
Step 7 - Walking on joists
When working in the roof space, never step on to
any of the plaster board or lath and plaster surfaces
fixed up to the joists. Walk or crawl on boards
spanning between the joists. The boards should be
40mm thickness and 350mm wide. Be careful not to
step on any overhang. Walking on the joist is
potentially dangerous, heavy persons should not
put all their weight on a single joist.
Step 8 - The hazards of naked flames
Dry flammable materials can collect in the roof
space area and beneath floorboards. Avoid smoking,
using candles, or taking any other form of naked
flame into these areas. Keep the area around
electrical joint boxes and loop-in ceiling roses
clean and clear of any flammable material.
Step 9 - Checking that the circuit is dead
Before starting to work on a circuit, ensure that
it has been isolated and is dead. To deter anyone
from re-connecting the circuit, remove the circuit
fuse and/or tape across any isolating switch, and
post a danger warning. Do not rely on the appliance
switch for isolation, parts within the equipment
may still be live when this switch is in the off
position. Preferably, use a circuit tester to
prove the circuit is dead.
Step 10 - Special safety comments
Always check the special safety comment box at the
top of the screen for specific safety recommendations.