Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on electrical
safety and what to look for when inspecting tools, cords, and other sources
that carry electrical current. We start our series by focusing on the basics: electrical
terminology.

ELECTRICITY 101

Voltage – electrical pressure
(water pressure)

Resistance – restriction to
electrical flow (pipe friction)

Amperes – electrical flow rate
(gallons/min)

Watts – amount of electricity
used.

THE
HAZARDOUS 4

There are four main hazards
associated with electricity:

1. Shock
2. Arcing/Sparking
3. Explosions
4. Fires

Shock: A shock can be defined as an electrical current travels in
closed circuits; occurs when a part of
your body becomes part of an electric circuit; or when an electric current enters the
body at one point and exits the body at another

Arcing or Sparking: Arcing or sparking occurs when
high-amperage currents jump from one conductor to another

Explosions: Occur when electricity
provides a source of ignition for an explosive mixture in the atmosphere

Fires: Electricity is one of the most
common causes of fire

Check back for more… Our next “Its Electrifying” posting will focus on rules to follow when using electrical equipment.