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 attended to.
These are some of the ways in which people are putting their lives in danger, and ER24 is urging people to be careful as well as to refrain from activities such as connecting to electricity illegally or stealing cables.
Tips:
· Always be alert when using electrical appliances.
· Never undertake any electrical work unless you understand what to do. You should 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 such as 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, for example, 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.
· Beware of exposed live or damaged wires at home or when anywhere else. Ensure you get these fixed if at home or report those found in public areas for example, to the relevant authorities.
· 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.
Lightning
Tips:
· 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, but remember not to touch anything metal, as a precaution. 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 lightning 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. Do not delay the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
William Stassen, ER24 paramedic, said, “CPR and defibrillation has consistently been linked to outcome. The sooner CPR is started and the sooner the patient is defibrillated (if indicated) the better the chance of survival.”
In case of a medical emergency, contact ER24 on 084 124.
You may also be interested in:
*albertonrecord.co.za/99323/safety-tips-from-alberton-cpf/;
*albertonrecord.co.za/?p=77324;
*albertonrecord.co.za/…/bracken-saps-safety-tips-for-the-prevention-of-rape/
