Electric Shock
Lumbermens Mutual Casualty Company
I am going to tell you a short story about Corporal Brown that has a
shocking ending. He was 20 years old and on leave after service in
Vietnam. He borrowed his brother's car and decided to wash it after
using the car. After washing the car, he decided to vacuum the
interior. He plugged the vacuum in and ran the cord across the wet
driveway. When he turned on the vacuum, he was standing on the
wet driveway. Corporal Brown, who had survived combat, was
electrocuted.
What caused the tragedy? Two rules for the safe use of electric tools
and appliances were violated. This was done unintentionally, but
most tragic accidents are never intentional. First of all, never stand
on wet or damp surfaces when using electric tools. Secondly, the
vacuum cleaner was not intended for wet use and the cord may have
been faulty. It should never have been used under these conditions.
Some basic safety rules:

Do not attempt to repair or adjust portable electric tools while
they are plugged in.
 Never use portable electric tools
in the presence of flammable
vapors or gases unless they are
specifically designed for this use.
There are several precautions against accidental shock that we all should
consider when using portable electric tools. Check your tools for these
conditions:





Defective or broken insulation.
Improper or poorly made connections to terminals.
Broken or otherwise defective plugs.
Loose or broken switches.
Sparking brushes.
If any of these conditions exist, have the tool repaired before using it. Report it
to your supervisor. Don't use any defective tool.
Electricity can be misunderstood. It must be
respected and used wisely, the same as a hunting
rifle or an automobile. Low voltage jolts can be
fatal. Shock severity is affected by three major
factors: the current, the path of the current
through the body, and duration of the current.
Insperity Safety Services
Tools should receive proper care so they
will not become faulty or cause an
accident. They should be properly stored,
handled with care, and regularly
inspected. They should be third-wire
grounded or double-insulated and used
only with three-pronged extensions.
Accidental grounding mishaps should be
recognized. They are caused by people
who lack the knowledge of, and neglect
proper safety precautions, and ignore
hazards. Check your tools before using
them.
Five Minute Safety Talk