What is electricity?

Electricity is a form of energy that comes in positive and negative forms, that occur naturally (as in
lightning), or is produced (as in a generator). It is a form of energy which we use to
power machines and electrical devices. When the charges are not moving, electricity is called static
electricity. When the charges are moving they are an electric current, sometimes called 'dynamic
electricity'.

Fundamentals of Electricity
Remind them that metals conduct electricity.
Explain that some metals, such as copper, are excellent conductors and are used as
wire.
An insulator resists the flow of electrons.
Explain that the human body will conduct electricity.

Hazards of Electricity
Shock Most common and can cause electrocution or muscle contraction leading to
secondary injury which includes falls

How Shocks Occur

Current travels in closed circuits through conductors (water, metal,

the human body).

Shock occurs when the body becomes a part of the circuit.

Defective Extension Cords

Cords Items to consider before use.

1. Inner wires exposed Dont use.
2. Cord tightly coiled may cause a problem Dont use.

Ask them: What should they do if they see a cord like this on their site?
Effects of Electricity on the Human Body
The four major types of electrical injuries are:
Direct
Electrocution or death due to electrical shock
Electrical Shock
Burns
Indirect
Falls
Fire
Severity of the shock depends on:
Path of current through the body.
Amount of current flowing through the body.
Length of time the body is in the circuit
The longer the exposure, the increased danger of shock to the victim.

 Low voltage can be extremely dangerous because the degree of injury

depends not only on the current, but on the length of time in contact with the
circuit.
The most common shock related, nonfatal injury is a burn.
Electrical burns need to be given immediate medical attention.
Electrical burns occur when a person touches electrical wiring or equipment
that is used or maintained improperly.
Typically such burns occur on the hands.
Electric shock can also cause indirect injuries. Workers in elevated locations
who experience a shock may fall, resulting in serious injury or death.
Electrical Hazard Protections
Insulation
Plastic or rubber coverings that does not conduct electricity.
Insulation prevents live wires from coming in contact with people thus
protecting them form electrical shock.
Grounding
Grounding is another method of protecting you from electric shock.
However, it is normally a secondary protective measure.
Guarding
A type of isolation that uses various structures to close off live
electrical parts.
These structures include:
Boxes
Screens
Covers
Partitions
Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Fuses and circuit breakers are intended primarily for the protection of
conductors and equipment.
They also open the circuit under certain hazardous ground-fault
conditions.

DON'T plug a bunch of stuff into one outlet or extension cord.

It could damage the electrical system in your house or even cause a fire.

Make sure all electric cords are tucked away, neat and tidy.
Pets might chew on electrical cords, and people might trip and fall.

DON'T yank an electrical cord from the wall.

Pulling on a cord can damage the appliance, the plug or the outlet.

To avoid weakening the prongs and the wiring inside a plug and
creating the risk of an electrical shock, always unplug appliances by
pulling on the plug, not the cord.

Make it a habit to turn off electric games and appliances when they're not in use. Before going to
bed, make it a routine to check that all electrical devices not in use are properly shut off.

Use only tools and equipment with non-conducting handles when working on
electrical devices.

Never put your fingers in an electrical outlet

How does water conduct

electricity?
The short answer is: pure water does not conduct electricity. Any impurities, like
salts, in the water enable it to conduct electricity. When salts are dissolved in water,
they separate into different electrically charged atoms called ions. Salt, or sodium
chloride (NaCl), breaks up into positive Na ions and negative Cl ions.
If you place a battery with a negative pole and a positive pole into water, the
negative ions will be attracted to the positive pole and the positive ions will be
attracted to the negative pole thus creating a closed circuit.