Question

A pool worker of a swimming club was instructed to add a certain chemical to the pool. He went down to the pump room, barefoot. The room was below ground level and was covered with water. He filled up the chemical in a drum of water and switched on a motor to mix them. He contacted the mixing motor with his left hand while switching it on and he was electrocuted. A co-worker heard the scream and tried to move the victim but he also received an electric shock. On investigation, it was found that the earth pin was missing from the power cord. Enumerate the various safety measures to prevent this.

Answer 1

SAFETY MEASURE TO AVIOID ELECTROCUTION WHEN HANDLING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS:

1. Provide insulation mat below the electrical point and the person who connect the plug into the socket should stand in the mat.
2. Check the earth pin is provided and whether the it was properly earthed.
3. Wear electrically insulated safety shoe.
4. Provide RCCB / ELCB in the input which will trip suddenly when the person get electrocuted. It also trips when the leakage current is present in the poewr system.
5. Train the person about the electrical safety.
6. Check the power cord for any damages before inserting.
7. Check whether the size of the cable, breaker / switches are rated correcctly as per the load.
8. Before connecting or disconnecting the load ensure the breaker / switch is switched OFF.
9. If area is cramped with material or any water is present in that area clean it before connecting the power cord
10. Periodically check the lines are good without any damaged or loosened contacts,