Hard facts about electrical injuries – Do not be a victim

Connecting to electricity illegally, cable theft, undertaking electrical work without fully understanding what to do, being negligent and not ensuring that exposed live wires are properly covered are life-threatening mistakes.

These are only some of the ways in which people are putting their lives in danger.

ER24 is urging people to be careful as well as to refrain from activities such as connecting to electricity illegally or stealing cables.

Be it at home, work or outdoors, everyone should exercise safety when dealing with electricity.

Below are some safety tips for people:

• Always be alert when using electrical appliances.
• Never undertake any electrical work unless you understand what to do. If you do know what to do, you should still be careful as mistakes can happen.

• Never work on anything that still has current. The current should be shut off prior to work beginning. Remember to turn off the switch or main power supply when working on something like a light bulb.

• Treat all electrical cables and outlets as live, even during load shedding or general power failures.
• Never work in wet areas or with anything electrical and wet. Mowing the lawn or using power tools in wet weather is dangerous.

• Do not overload sockets as they may become hot and burn away insulation. You may be electrocuted if you touch it, it can also start a fire.
• Ensure extension cords are in good working order. Inspect extension cords for damages before using it.
• Ensure cables and cords are kept out of reach of children. Secure all plug points or electrical outlets with covers.
• If someone decides to help a person who has been electrocuted, they should ensure their own safety first. They will be of no use to the victim if they become a victim as well.

Not many people are aware of the dangers of lighting.

A person who is electrocuted could be affected in a number of ways.

The greater the voltage and longer the exposure, the greater the injury.

Injuries commonly caused by lightning include burns and damage to the nervous system, heart, muscles or soft tissue.

Tips for when lightning strikes:

• If you are outside, seek shelter indoors immediately if you sense a storm approaching.

• You should avoid high ground, standing under a tree for shelter, open structures and spaces as well as tall isolated objects such as street light poles.

• Get to safety as soon as possible. Get into a building or a hard-topped vehicle. However, remember not to touch anything metal as a precaution, and remember to keep windows closed.

• If you are at home or in a building, you may still be at risk. Avoid water, electronic equipment and windows.

• If you see someone who has been struck by lighting and they are unresponsive, immediately call for help. Move them to a safer area if possible.

• If they are unresponsive and you are trained in CPR, immediately start chest compressions.

In case of a medical emergency, contact ER24 on 084 124.