Please, click
here to be taken to our KAEC Safety & Loss Prevention web
pages. Once there you can find information about S&LP upcoming
events, the annual Lineman's Rodeo and how to get to our on-line
training center.
 Each
year over 1,400 people are killed by electricity, and many more
are badly
injured. To keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe, here
are some
precautions to follow
around electricity.
KITES
AND MODEL PLANES
TREE CLIMBERS
SAFE SIDE OF
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
HOME, SAFE
HOME
A DEADLY
RECEPTION
GROUND RULES
FARM/HOME
SAFETY TIPS
USE A
GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER WITH EVERY POWER TOOL
USE POWER
TOOLS SAFELY
FOR
MORE IMFORMATION
KITES AND
MODEL PLANES
- Never use
metal strings or any metal when building a flying toy!!
- Don’t fly
kites or planes anywhere near overhead power lines.
- Don’t fly
them in wet weather or use strings that absorb moisture.
- If your kite
or plane gets caught in an overhead line, DON’T pull the
string or try to climb
up after it. Keep others away and call your local electric
cooperative
immediately!
Back
to top
TREE CLIMBERS
- Stay away from
trees near overhead lines. The wind or your own weight could
make a limb touch a line and carry the electricity to you. Even
the slightest touch could cause injury or death.
- Never climb or
stand under any tree in bad weather.
Back
to top
SAFE SIDE OF
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Back
to top
HOME, SAFE
HOME
 Don’t touch
anything electrical if your hands are wet or you are standing on
a wet surface.
- Never put
anything except a plug into a wall outlet. Check with your local
electric cooperative to see if they have outlet covers
and place them
over your outlets. This will help protect you and children.
- Don’t set
radios or appliances where they could fall into the bathtub,
shower, or sink.
- Unplug small
appliances such as toasters, coffeemakers, etc., when not
in use.
Want some more
electrical safety tips for the home?
Go here:
National Electrical Safety Federation
Back to top
A DEADLY
RECEPTION
Careless installation of antennas is the number- one cause of
home electrocution. Our advice is to have your television or CB
antenna professionally installed.
If you feel you
are qualified to install your antenna yourself, follow these simple
tips:
- Assume that
electrical wires are dangerous.
- Survey your
work area and overhead clearance before you begin.
- Never install
an antenna close enough to wires that it can accidentally make
contact.
Safety is our top
priority. Don't put your life on the line.
Back to top
GROUND RULES
Do you own a home computer, microwave oven, or videocassette
recorder? These sensitive appliances can malfunction unless they are
properly grounded and wired. Read your appliance owner's manuals
carefully. They'll tell you about power supply requirements. Outlet
testers, which cost less than $10 at electronic equipment stores,
can also be used to check your wiring and grounds. If you have
questions, check with a qualified electrical contractor to make sure
you've laid the groundwork for appliance efficiency and reliability.
Back to top
FARM/HOME
SAFETY TIPS
Replace 2-wire 115 volt outlets with new 3-wire grounded
outlets. The third prong fitted into a grounded outlet completes the
grounding system and protects you against current from defective appliances
and equipment.
Inspect overloaded wiring.
Additional wiring may be needed to handle
increased electrical loads, whenever toasters or heaters are slow,
lights dim or TV picture temporarily shrinks. Prevent overloads by
using the right size and type fuse.
Stay out of a
flooded basement while electricity is still on. Call your
cooperative office. Disconnect utilities yourself only if the
basement is dry. Also, turn off the gas. A light switch can ignite
gas in a flooded basement. Before using equipment, gas and wiring again have them
checked by a qualified serviceman.
Replace extension
cords with permanent wiring and outlets wherever you regularly plug
in appliances or lamps. Extension cords provide temporary service, but
develop tripping, fire, and shock hazards when used in one location
for several months.
Label entrance
panels. Show what use is made of each circuit. When a fuse blows or
breaker opens the source of trouble can be quickly identified if
labels tell which lights, outlets or equipment are on each circuit.
Use twist covers
or plastic inserts. Keep little children from sticking a knife, fork
or bobby pin into wall circuits. They protect curious children from
being shocked, yet can be easily removed by an adult.
Fly kites away
from power lines and trees. They should be constructed from wood and
paper only and used with a dry, non-metallic string. Notify your
utility if a kite is caught in the power lines.
Back to top
USE A
GROUND-FAULT CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER WITH EVERY POWER TOOL
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends
the use of a ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) with every
power tool to protect against electrical shock hazards. Each year,
CPSC learns of approximately 20 to 30 electrocution deaths
associated with power drills, saws, sanders, hedge trimmers, and
other electric power tools. Most of these deaths could be prevented
by the use of a GFCI.
A GFCI constantly
monitors current flowing in a circuit to sense any loss of current.
If the current flowing through two circuit conductors differs by a
very small amount, the GFCI instantly interrupts the current flow to
prevent a lethal amount of electricity from reaching the consumer.
The consumer may feel a painful shock but will not be electrocuted.
Grounding may provide some protection for power equipment, and
double insulation of newer power tools presents lower risks of
electrocution. However, GFCIs are the most effective means for
protecting consumers against electrical shock hazards.
Since 1973, homes
built according to the National Electrical Code have varying degrees
of GFCI protection. GFCIs were first required in outdoor circuits in
1973, bathrooms in 1975, garage wall outlets in 1978, some kitchen
receptacles since 1987, and all receptacle outlets in unfinished
basements and crawl spaces since 1990.
Three common
types of GFCIs are available for home use: circuit breaker,
receptacle and portable types. The circuit breaker type needs to be
installed by an electrician. The receptacle type may be installed by
knowledgeable consumers familiar with electrical wiring practices or
have a licensed electrician install one.
The portable GFCI needs no special
knowledge to install. Just plug the portable GFCI into a wall
receptacle and then plug the electric power tool into the GFCI. It
is generally priced below $30 and is available at hardware stores,
building supply centers and electrical supply houses.
Back to top
USE POWER
TOOLS SAFELY
Power tools make life easier and are safe if you follow common
sense rules:
Check tools for
wear and corrosion. Clean them regularly and inspect grounding
connections.
Use heavy-duty
wiring with grounded three-pronged plugs for safety. Keep your
workshop and storage space clean and dry. Sparks can ignite scraps,
and solvents.
Back
to top
For more safety
related information, click on the following links below:
|
