Safety First

Do's

Electricity is one of the greatest inventions, which has dramatically changed our life style. It is our best friend and always at our command. But at the same time it has to be handled carefully. It can also be dangerous to life and can cause injuries or property damage or both. Hence it is essential to take all precautions in proper use of electrical equipment.

You are requested to follow the following simple guidelines:

• Treat all circuits as LIVE until they are confirmed to be DEAD, after testing.
• Use fuse wire of the correct size and capacity without a joint.
• A main switch should be located at a place easily accessible to turn off the supply in case of an emergency.
• Ensure that fuses are installed only on the phase wires.
• Use E.L.C.B. (Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker) with the main switch for added personal safety.
• Only qualified persons / licensed electricians should be allowed to carry out electrical repairs.
• Preferably use ISI marked / certified electrical appliances / equipment / materials.
• Use electrical cables and equipment of adequate capacity and proper insulation.
• Ensure that all appliances / equipment are provided with a 3-pin plug and socket.
• Ensure outer metal parts of the appliances / equipment are effectively earthed.
• Always use only an insulated wire for Neutral.
• Always use a separate wire for Earthing.
• When removing a fuse pull out the supply end first. While inserting the fuse the supply end should be put in last.
• Before replacing a lamp ensure that the supply is turned off.
• Ensure that earthing to electrical installations be done with a copper wire / plate / rod and make sure there are no paint or insulating materials on the earthing terminal.
• Use an adequate capacity extension box for plugging in more than one equipment.
• Use only one plug in a socket.
• Turn off the supply immediately in case of a short circuit / fire in or near electrical appliances.
• Use only CO2 or Dry Chemical Powder extinguishers for dousing electrical fire.
• Always wear dry rubber footwear / gloves while handling electrical appliances. Also stand on a rubber mat / dry wooden plank.
• In case of an electrical accident turn off the supply immediately. Insulate yourself on a dry board / insulating material before removing the person in contact with the live part. Immediately call for a doctor and continue to give artificial respiration till medical assistance arrives.
• Educate children on the dangers of mishandling electrical connections, equipment and appliances. Cover the holes of sockets which are not in use, easily reachable by children.