AVOID ELECTROCUTION IN THE HOME

TO AVOID ELECTROCUTION IN THE HOME-LEARNING POINTS

THE STORY:

 During a heavy rain fall, the P H C N power supply went off as usual, hence a switch over to an alternative power supply - a generating set.

When the P H C N power supply returned, the Gate Keeper of the compound went to the location of the power change over on bare feet, and standing on wet floor, he held the power changeover handle and was instantaneously electrocuted. He died on the spot.

What Went Wrong

·         Power was leaking from the P H C N source on the panel to the faulty handle (and of course, he did not switch off the generating set before the changeover!!!!!!). 

·         He touched the panel with bare feet on a wet floor

·         The man has been doing this successfully in the past unaware of the risk/hazard  and no one had called his attention to the possible risk of electrocution.

LEARNING POINTS:

 Almost every house hold in Nigeria has an alternative power generating set and so has a change- over panel.

·         Please put-off the generating set before changeover

·         Avoid operating any electrical system when you are wet and not insulated from the ground 

·         Power change over should be done by someone that understands what is being done (hazard and risk), and should not be done in a hurry.

ACTION POINTS:

1.       While going home today, buy an insulating tape, pull the change- over handle to its neutral position and mask the handle with this tape, up to 4mm.

2.       Always discuss with your household potential hazard and give them safety tips.

3.       Always insulate yourself with possibly a dry wooden chair or table if you must operate your change over switch at all time if it is at a reasonable height 

4.       Get an electrical hand glove (rating of 600 to 1000V) to be used by any member of your household at all time who may have any need to operate your change over switch. 

5.        Ensure that rubber slippers are worn when ironing, plugging the boilers or even operating your electric cookers and during power change over. Insulation can fail anytime and lead to a short circuit. The same applies to refrigerators without an insulated handle.  

6.        It is always best to use the marine sockets for change overs as they are fully insulated and protected, they also reduce to 98% the incidence of partial contacts which are the bane of Norman change overs switches. 

7.        Always ensure your generator is shielded from rain and take extreme care when going to put it on / off, especially under rain or in a flooded environment. 

8.        When it is raining heavily, you could do without power rather than risk an electric shock.