FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

BURNS

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ELECTRIC SHOCK

i.	If possible switch off current.
ii.	If not, remove casualty from contact with electric source using non-conductive articles like a dry broom handle or dry rope.
iii.	Do not touch patient directly, nor with object that will conduct electricity. (Examples of objects that are electricity conductors : iron, metal, wet clothing, etc.)
iv.	Give Rescue Breathing if breathing has stopped. (See "Artificial Respiration" Instructions ii, iii, iv, v and vi.)
v.	Arrange for emergency medical care. (Call 994 for ambulance.)

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ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION, RESCUE BREATHING TECHNIQUE

To be used for a person who has CEASED BREATHING due to drowning, choking, electric shock or other causes.
i.	Wipe out any fluid vomitus, mucus or other objects from the mouth with fingers. Be certain to reach into the throat with finger in case there is an object blocking the throat. Remove clothing to expose chest.
ii.	Place person on his back, place hand or soft object under neck, and keep the head tilted back as far as possible.
iii.	Grasp the angles of the jaw below the ears and lift the jaw so that it juts forward. This will keep the tongue away from the back of the throat, so that air can get in.
iv.	Pinch nose with your fingers and blow breath into mouth with smooth, steady action until the chest is felt of seen to rise.
v.	Remove your mouth. Allow lungs to empty. This action should be repeated at the normal breathing rate, i.e. 12-15 times a minute.
vi.	The purpose is to make the chest move as it would normally.
vii.	Have someone contact physician.

PREVENTION OF ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS

COLOUR CODE OF FLEXIBLE CORDS CONNECTED TO APPLIANCES

Flexible cords connected to appliances should be wired to conform to the international Colour Code.

Colour of the insulation on the wire:

• Brown represents Live wire
• Blue represents Neutral wire
• Green/Yellow Stripes represent Earth wire

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WHAT YOU SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING AN ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE

1. The appliance should be suitable for operation on local electrical supply of 240 volts AC and frequency of 50 Hz.
2. The appliance should preferably be tested and certified by a national or reputed standards testing authority (e.g. SIRIM).
3. Look for SIRIM certified plugs on the flexible cords connected to the appliances. If the appliance is double insulated and has a 2-pin plug, then it should be fitted with a suitable SIRIM certified plug.
4. An essential formality when buying any appliances is a duly completed guarantee card with the dealer's/retailer's official stamp and details of the appliance (serial number, etc.).

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

1. Avoid using handheld appliances when your hand and/or body is wet.
2. Do not use or leave appliances where liquid can splash onto them.
3. Flexible cords connecting the appliance and the plug should be in good condition, if the cord is frayed, chaffed, cut or melted, have the entire cord replaced by a competent person.
4. Check accessories such as plugs attached to appliances for cracks and burnt marks and have them replaced. If undue overheating occurs or burnt marks appear in any electrical appliance, have it checked and serviced.

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SOME COMMON CAUSES OF ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS IN THE HOUSE

Electrical accidents in the house may be caused by three main factors:

1. Faulty house wiring : This usually occurs when unauthorised extension or rewiring is done by unqualified persons. Some of the usual faults are the omission of earth wires and the reversing of the live and neutral wires. Without an earth wire, the exposed metal parts of appliances may deliver a lethal shock to the user when a fault develops.
2. Improper flexible cords : This can be caused by connecting the flexible cord wrongly to the plug. In the case of appliances which have exposed metallic parts, a 2-core instead of a 3-core flexible cord is used. When the appliance is faulty, the exposed metal parts may become live and a fatal accident could result.
3. Faulty appliance : Attempts to repair faults in electrical appliances by people not trained to do so can result in accidental shock.

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HOW CAN ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS BE PREVENTED?

To prevent such accidents, the following points should be kept in mind:

• All electrical wiring, rewiring or extension work must be carried out by licensed electrical contractors. On completion, the contractors will apply to SESCO to have their work tested before electricity supply is connected.
• Repair of appliances and replacement of flexible cords should be carried out only by competent persons.
• To ensure electrical safety in the house, a current-operated Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) or Residual Current Circuit Breaker (RCCB) set to operate at a very small leakage current is recommended. (This is usually marked 100mA or 0.1A on the label). In case of dangerous electrical leakage to earth, it should automatically cur off the supply of electricity.
• DO NOT repair your own electrical appliances. Engage the services of a competent technician.
• PREVENT children from meddling with socket outlets. It may cause a tragic accident.
• DO NOT use multi-way adaptors. Over loading can cause fire. One socket outlet is for one appliance only.
• DO NOT carry out wiring extension by yourself. Engage a licensed wiring contractor for the work.
• DO NOT use a two-way lighting adaptor for any extension.
• DO NOT connect any electrical appliance to lighting outlets. A lighting outlet does not have an earth wire to prevent danger.
• ENSURE the switch is in "OFF" position before changing bulbs.
• DO NOT make joints to lengthen the lead of the electrical appliances. If the lead wire is worn out or too short, replace it with a new wire.
• DO NOT drive nails carelessly on the wall. There may be concealed wiring inside.
• USE individual socket outlet for every electrical appliance.
• KEEP AWAY from danger areas such as a substation for whatsoever reasons.
• CHECK with Syarikat SESCO Berhad before carrying out excavation work to prevent damaging any underground cable. The operator may receive severe electric shock or even be electrocuted.
• TAKE PRECAUTION when working in the vicinity of overhead lines to avoid any unforeseen incident.
• DO NOT meddle with any broken overhead wire. Report the matter immediately to the nearest Syraikat SESCO Berhad Office.
• REPORT to the nearest Syarikat SESCO Berhad Office if tree branches touch the overhead lines. Supply may be disrupted.
• DO NOT climb any electric pole. You may receive an electric shock or get electrocuted.
• DO NOT throw anything onto the overhead lines.
• NEVER attempt to retrieve anything stuck to overhead lines by what ever means.
• DO NOT climb transmission line towers. No one is safe from its high voltage shock.
• DO NOT erect any structure close to transmission lines.
• DO NOT fly kites close to overhead lines.
• TAKE PRECAUTION when working in the vicinity of overhead lines to avoid any unforeseen incident.
• NEVER stand on a damp or wet surface when using electrical equipment.
• USE a portable electrical tool, which is properly earthed.
• DO NOT tap electrical power without a proper plug.
• DO NOT use any electrical tool which has a damaged casing, cap, switch , lead or plug.
• BEFORE using portable electrical appliances and tools, always check for:
  • Worn or defective insulation
  • Loose or broken connection
  • Earth wire connection