High Voltage Safety Dangers of Electricity W. Maes Department of - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

The Risk of Electricity

High Voltage Safety

Dangers of Electricity

• W. Maes

Department of Marine Engineering Antwerp Maritime Academy

HV, 2016

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity

Outline

1

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Outline

1

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effects from electricity

Heating Electro-magnetical Chemical Ionisation All of these effects are normal but can become a problem if they turn to abnormal. At that moment we have to provide in a proper protection.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effects from electricity

Heating Electro-magnetical Chemical Ionisation All of these effects are normal but can become a problem if they turn to abnormal. At that moment we have to provide in a proper protection.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effects from electricity

Heating Electro-magnetical Chemical Ionisation All of these effects are normal but can become a problem if they turn to abnormal. At that moment we have to provide in a proper protection.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effects from electricity

Heating Electro-magnetical Chemical Ionisation All of these effects are normal but can become a problem if they turn to abnormal. At that moment we have to provide in a proper protection.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Heating

Figure : electricity for heating

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Heating

Figure : abnormal use of electricity for heating

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Chemical

Figure : impressed current protection

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Chemical

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Chemical

Figure : abnormal use

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Ionisation

Figure : ionisation of air correct use

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Ionisation

Figure : ionisation of air

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Ionisation

Figure : ionisation of air

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electro-Magnetic

Figure : an application of of electro-magnetic properties

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electro-Magnetic

Figure : danger of electro-magnetic properties

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electro-Static

Figure : electro-static discharge

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electro-Static

Figure : one of the problems of electro-static energy

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Outline

1

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity can kill

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity can kill

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers of Electricity

The dangers of electricity are often not realized as we can barely detect them. However what we can detect..

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers of Electricity

The dangers of electricity are often not realized as we can barely detect them. However what we can detect..

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity can kill

Figure : are the consequences on the environment...

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity can kill

Figure : and the consequences on people.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity can kill

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers of Electricity

risk for people (burns, electrocution) risk for their surroundings (fire and explosion)

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers of Electricity

risk for people (burns, electrocution) risk for their surroundings (fire and explosion)

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

The risk to people

The main risk is coming into contact with live materials. The effects, dependent upon the current strength and the voltage difference, vary from panic and burning, to death. The effect of panic should not be underestimated as it could lead to a fall or other injury.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

The risk to people

The main risk is coming into contact with live materials. The effects, dependent upon the current strength and the voltage difference, vary from panic and burning, to death. The effect of panic should not be underestimated as it could lead to a fall or other injury.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

The risk to people

The main risk is coming into contact with live materials. The effects, dependent upon the current strength and the voltage difference, vary from panic and burning, to death. The effect of panic should not be underestimated as it could lead to a fall or other injury.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Figure : The effect of panic

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

The risk to surroundings

The risk to surroundings due to an overload or short circuit, causing: an abnormal overheating of an apparatus or a circuit a fire or even an explosion all of this can result in a substantial loss off equipment end

• r functionality.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

The risk to surroundings

The risk to surroundings due to an overload or short circuit, causing: an abnormal overheating of an apparatus or a circuit a fire or even an explosion all of this can result in a substantial loss off equipment end

• r functionality.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

The risk to surroundings

The risk to surroundings due to an overload or short circuit, causing: an abnormal overheating of an apparatus or a circuit a fire or even an explosion all of this can result in a substantial loss off equipment end

• r functionality.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Outline

1

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Muscle Tetanisation

Figure : Involuntary contraction of muscles

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Muscle Tetanisation

Muscle Tetanisation is the involuntary contraction of the muscles with as a result: Muscle tetanisation may not allow a detachment of the victim from the live part. Breathing difficulty breathing stops: because of the contraction of the muscles involved in breathing.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Muscle Tetanisation

Muscle Tetanisation is the involuntary contraction of the muscles with as a result: Muscle tetanisation may not allow a detachment of the victim from the live part. Breathing difficulty breathing stops: because of the contraction of the muscles involved in breathing.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effect on the heart

Figure : normal heart rhythm

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effect on the Heart

A small current passing through the chest can result in ventricular fibrillation. If not treated immediately by defibrillation, it can be lethal as the heart muscle cells start moving independently.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effect on the Heart

A small current passing through the chest can result in ventricular fibrillation. If not treated immediately by defibrillation, it can be lethal as the heart muscle cells start moving independently.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effect on the Heart

A shock more than 200 mA is so strong that it can literally stop the heart muscles from moving.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Neurological Effects

Figure : neuropathy

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Neurological Effects

An electric shock can interfere with the nervous control: This can be dangerous on the heart and lungs. Repeated electric shock that does not lead to death, has been shown to be a cause for neuropathy. When the current moves near the head then loss of consciousness occur fast.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Neurological Effects

An electric shock can interfere with the nervous control: This can be dangerous on the heart and lungs. Repeated electric shock that does not lead to death, has been shown to be a cause for neuropathy. When the current moves near the head then loss of consciousness occur fast.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Neurological Effects

An electric shock can interfere with the nervous control: This can be dangerous on the heart and lungs. Repeated electric shock that does not lead to death, has been shown to be a cause for neuropathy. When the current moves near the head then loss of consciousness occur fast.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Burns

Burns are produced by the heat developed by the current flowing through the human body. Burns can be catagorized as: Superficial burns on the surface of the skin.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Burns

2nd and 3th degree burns on the skin.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Burns

Internal burns can lead to organ burns.

Figure : The burns from an electric shock can result in organ failure and can lead to death.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

A person can be blinded even permantly by the UV light emitted by an arc or arc flash.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Noise

The violent noise of an arc flash can cause a rupture of the tympanic membranes and temporary sensorineural hearing loss.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Outline

1

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electric Shock

If one touches a source of electricity, a current will pass through the body, taking the easiest route to the ground. This is called an electric shock. A human body consist for 2/3 out of fluid therefore people are good electric conductors. The electric current can cause the body to go into shock. This can lead to a falling blood pressure, tackicardia, and loss of consiousness.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electric Shock

If one touches a source of electricity, a current will pass through the body, taking the easiest route to the ground. This is called an electric shock. A human body consist for 2/3 out of fluid therefore people are good electric conductors. The electric current can cause the body to go into shock. This can lead to a falling blood pressure, tackicardia, and loss of consiousness.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electric Shock

If one touches a source of electricity, a current will pass through the body, taking the easiest route to the ground. This is called an electric shock. A human body consist for 2/3 out of fluid therefore people are good electric conductors. The electric current can cause the body to go into shock. This can lead to a falling blood pressure, tackicardia, and loss of consiousness.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Electric injury is a relative infrequent but potentialy devasting form of multi system injury with high morbidity and mortality. The severity of the injury depends on the intensity of the electric current, the pathway it follows trough the body, and the duration of the contact with the power source. Immediate death may occur either from current induced ventricular fibrillation or from respiratory arrest secondary to paralysis of the central respiratory control system or to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Electric injury is a relative infrequent but potentialy devasting form of multi system injury with high morbidity and mortality. The severity of the injury depends on the intensity of the electric current, the pathway it follows trough the body, and the duration of the contact with the power source. Immediate death may occur either from current induced ventricular fibrillation or from respiratory arrest secondary to paralysis of the central respiratory control system or to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Electric injury is a relative infrequent but potentialy devasting form of multi system injury with high morbidity and mortality. The severity of the injury depends on the intensity of the electric current, the pathway it follows trough the body, and the duration of the contact with the power source. Immediate death may occur either from current induced ventricular fibrillation or from respiratory arrest secondary to paralysis of the central respiratory control system or to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

According to Ω’s law, the electric current is proportional to the voltage and inversely proportional to the resistance of the conductor.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Figure : The path the current follows determines the effect off the electric current

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Figure : an easy visualization

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Thus exposure of different parts of the body to the same voltage will generate a different current (and therefore a different degree of damage) because resistance varies significantly between various tissues.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The least resistance is found in nerves, blood, mucous membranes, and muscles. The highest resistance is found in bones, fat and tendons. Skin has intermediate resistance.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The least resistance is found in nerves, blood, mucous membranes, and muscles. The highest resistance is found in bones, fat and tendons. Skin has intermediate resistance.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The skin is the primary resistor against the electrical current, with a resistance ranging in adults between 40 to 100KΩ, depending on its thickness (the thicker the skin the higher the resistance. The intensity of the electrical shock varies between victims

• f different sex and age.

Even more important than the thickness of the skin is the moisture of the skin. Presence of sweat may decrease the resistance of the skin to less than 1 KΩ. Wet skin offers almost no resistance at all, thus generating the maximal intensity of current.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The skin is the primary resistor against the electrical current, with a resistance ranging in adults between 40 to 100KΩ, depending on its thickness (the thicker the skin the higher the resistance. The intensity of the electrical shock varies between victims

• f different sex and age.

Even more important than the thickness of the skin is the moisture of the skin. Presence of sweat may decrease the resistance of the skin to less than 1 KΩ. Wet skin offers almost no resistance at all, thus generating the maximal intensity of current.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The skin is the primary resistor against the electrical current, with a resistance ranging in adults between 40 to 100KΩ, depending on its thickness (the thicker the skin the higher the resistance. The intensity of the electrical shock varies between victims

• f different sex and age.

Even more important than the thickness of the skin is the moisture of the skin. Presence of sweat may decrease the resistance of the skin to less than 1 KΩ. Wet skin offers almost no resistance at all, thus generating the maximal intensity of current.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The skin is the primary resistor against the electrical current, with a resistance ranging in adults between 40 to 100KΩ, depending on its thickness (the thicker the skin the higher the resistance. The intensity of the electrical shock varies between victims

• f different sex and age.

Even more important than the thickness of the skin is the moisture of the skin. Presence of sweat may decrease the resistance of the skin to less than 1 KΩ. Wet skin offers almost no resistance at all, thus generating the maximal intensity of current.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Altough bones, tendons, and fat offer the most resistance to electric current, they are not likely to be the contact points. Nerves and blood vessels, on the other hand, are the best conductors.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Altough bones, tendons, and fat offer the most resistance to electric current, they are not likely to be the contact points. Nerves and blood vessels, on the other hand, are the best conductors.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The duration of the contact with electrical current is an important determinant of injury.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The pathway of the current through the body. Determines the number of organs that are effected A vertical pathway is the most dangerous because it involves all the vital organs (central nervous system, heart, respiratory muscles, and in pregnant woman, the uterus and fetus). A horizontal pathway from hand to hand will spare the brain but can still be fatal due to involvement of the heart, respiratory muscles, or spinal cord. A pathway trough the lower part of the body may cause severe local damage but will probably be less lethal.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The pathway of the current through the body. Determines the number of organs that are effected A vertical pathway is the most dangerous because it involves all the vital organs (central nervous system, heart, respiratory muscles, and in pregnant woman, the uterus and fetus). A horizontal pathway from hand to hand will spare the brain but can still be fatal due to involvement of the heart, respiratory muscles, or spinal cord. A pathway trough the lower part of the body may cause severe local damage but will probably be less lethal.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The pathway of the current through the body. Determines the number of organs that are effected A vertical pathway is the most dangerous because it involves all the vital organs (central nervous system, heart, respiratory muscles, and in pregnant woman, the uterus and fetus). A horizontal pathway from hand to hand will spare the brain but can still be fatal due to involvement of the heart, respiratory muscles, or spinal cord. A pathway trough the lower part of the body may cause severe local damage but will probably be less lethal.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

The pathway of the current through the body. Determines the number of organs that are effected A vertical pathway is the most dangerous because it involves all the vital organs (central nervous system, heart, respiratory muscles, and in pregnant woman, the uterus and fetus). A horizontal pathway from hand to hand will spare the brain but can still be fatal due to involvement of the heart, respiratory muscles, or spinal cord. A pathway trough the lower part of the body may cause severe local damage but will probably be less lethal.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Frequency.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Voltage. Whereas electric shock from a low voltage voltage line is delivered on contact of the victim with the source, in high voltage injury, the current is carried from the source to the person trough an arc before any physical contact is made. The arc may form into or over the body of a person. Arcs can generate extremely high temperatures (up to 5000 deg C) that are usually responsible for the severe thermal injuries from high voltage.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Voltage. Whereas electric shock from a low voltage voltage line is delivered on contact of the victim with the source, in high voltage injury, the current is carried from the source to the person trough an arc before any physical contact is made. The arc may form into or over the body of a person. Arcs can generate extremely high temperatures (up to 5000 deg C) that are usually responsible for the severe thermal injuries from high voltage.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Three primary factors affect the severity of the shock a person receives when he or she is a part of an electrical circuit: Amount of current flowing through the body (measured in amperes). Pathway of the current through the body. Length of time the body is in the circuit. Frequency.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Three primary factors affect the severity of the shock a person receives when he or she is a part of an electrical circuit: Amount of current flowing through the body (measured in amperes). Pathway of the current through the body. Length of time the body is in the circuit. Frequency.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Three primary factors affect the severity of the shock a person receives when he or she is a part of an electrical circuit: Amount of current flowing through the body (measured in amperes). Pathway of the current through the body. Length of time the body is in the circuit. Frequency.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Three primary factors affect the severity of the shock a person receives when he or she is a part of an electrical circuit: Amount of current flowing through the body (measured in amperes). Pathway of the current through the body. Length of time the body is in the circuit. Frequency.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Other factors that may affect the severity of the shock are: The presence of moisture in the environment. The phase of the heart cycle when the shock occurs. The general health of the person prior to the shock.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Other factors that may affect the severity of the shock are: The presence of moisture in the environment. The phase of the heart cycle when the shock occurs. The general health of the person prior to the shock.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Electricity’s effect on the human body

Other factors that may affect the severity of the shock are: The presence of moisture in the environment. The phase of the heart cycle when the shock occurs. The general health of the person prior to the shock.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Effects of Electrical Current on the Human Body

Effects can range from a barely perceptible tingle to severe burns and immediate cardiac arrest. Although the exact injuries that result from any given amperage are not known, the following slides demonstrates a general relationship for a 60-cycle, hand-to-foot shock of one second’s duration:

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 1mA Perception level. Slight tingling sensation. Still dangerous under certain conditions.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 1mA Perception level. Slight tingling sensation. Still dangerous under certain conditions.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 1mA Perception level. Slight tingling sensation. Still dangerous under certain conditions.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 5 mA Slight shock felt, not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go. Strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries. If the extensor muscles are excited by the shock, the person may be thrown away from the circuit. Often, this can result in a fall from elevation that kills a victim even when electrocution does not.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 5 mA Slight shock felt, not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go. Strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries. If the extensor muscles are excited by the shock, the person may be thrown away from the circuit. Often, this can result in a fall from elevation that kills a victim even when electrocution does not.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 5 mA Slight shock felt, not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go. Strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries. If the extensor muscles are excited by the shock, the person may be thrown away from the circuit. Often, this can result in a fall from elevation that kills a victim even when electrocution does not.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 5 mA Slight shock felt, not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go. Strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries. If the extensor muscles are excited by the shock, the person may be thrown away from the circuit. Often, this can result in a fall from elevation that kills a victim even when electrocution does not.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 5 mA Slight shock felt, not painful but disturbing. Average individual can let go. Strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries. If the extensor muscles are excited by the shock, the person may be thrown away from the circuit. Often, this can result in a fall from elevation that kills a victim even when electrocution does not.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 6 mA - 16mA Painful shock, begin to lose muscular control. Commonly referred to as the freezing current or "let-go" range.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 6 mA - 16mA Painful shock, begin to lose muscular control. Commonly referred to as the freezing current or "let-go" range.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 17 mA- 99 mA Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions. Individual cannot let go. Death is possible. Even relatively low voltages can be extremely dangerous, because the degree of injury increases with the length of time the body is in the circuit. LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT IMPLY LOW HAZARD!

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 17 mA- 99 mA Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions. Individual cannot let go. Death is possible. Even relatively low voltages can be extremely dangerous, because the degree of injury increases with the length of time the body is in the circuit. LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT IMPLY LOW HAZARD!

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 17 mA- 99 mA Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions. Individual cannot let go. Death is possible. Even relatively low voltages can be extremely dangerous, because the degree of injury increases with the length of time the body is in the circuit. LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT IMPLY LOW HAZARD!

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 17 mA- 99 mA Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions. Individual cannot let go. Death is possible. Even relatively low voltages can be extremely dangerous, because the degree of injury increases with the length of time the body is in the circuit. LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT IMPLY LOW HAZARD!

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 100 mA - 2000 mA Ventricular fibrillation (uneven, uncoordinated pumping of the heart.) Muscular contraction and nerve damage begins to occur. Death is likely. Note that a difference of less than 100 milliamperes exists between a current that is barely perceptible and one that can kill. High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces the body’s resistance by quickly breaking down human skin. Once the skin is punctured, the lowered resistance results in massive current flow.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 100 mA - 2000 mA Ventricular fibrillation (uneven, uncoordinated pumping of the heart.) Muscular contraction and nerve damage begins to occur. Death is likely. Note that a difference of less than 100 milliamperes exists between a current that is barely perceptible and one that can kill. High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces the body’s resistance by quickly breaking down human skin. Once the skin is punctured, the lowered resistance results in massive current flow.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 100 mA - 2000 mA Ventricular fibrillation (uneven, uncoordinated pumping of the heart.) Muscular contraction and nerve damage begins to occur. Death is likely. Note that a difference of less than 100 milliamperes exists between a current that is barely perceptible and one that can kill. High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces the body’s resistance by quickly breaking down human skin. Once the skin is punctured, the lowered resistance results in massive current flow.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current 100 mA - 2000 mA Ventricular fibrillation (uneven, uncoordinated pumping of the heart.) Muscular contraction and nerve damage begins to occur. Death is likely. Note that a difference of less than 100 milliamperes exists between a current that is barely perceptible and one that can kill. High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces the body’s resistance by quickly breaking down human skin. Once the skin is punctured, the lowered resistance results in massive current flow.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current of more than 2000 mA Cardiac arrest, internal organ damage, and severe burns. Death is probable.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

hand-to-foot shock of one second

Current of more than 2000 mA Cardiac arrest, internal organ damage, and severe burns. Death is probable.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Outline

1

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

HV work on board can be dangerous due to limited space. The work may be carried out in close proximity to a person(s) not familiar with HV hazards. Therefore the area must be properly cordoned off from surrounding work that may be going on and danger notices well posted.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers when working on HV equipment

There will be large areas of earthed metal that can be easily touched, increasing the possibility of electrical shock from an HV conductor.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers when working on HV equipment

Some equipment could be using water in its operation which can lead to an increased risk of injury. In general, water conducts electricity and reduces the resistance of the skin.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers when working on HV equipment

High voltage equipment will store energy after

• disconnection. For example, on a 6.6KV switchboard a

fatal charge may still be present on the equipment hours or even days later. If during maintenance an HV circuit main earth (CME) is removed from the system, it must not be worked on, as the HV cabling can recharge itself to a high voltage from induced voltages from nearby live HV cabling.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Dangers when working on HV equipment

High voltage equipment will store energy after

• disconnection. For example, on a 6.6KV switchboard a

fatal charge may still be present on the equipment hours or even days later. If during maintenance an HV circuit main earth (CME) is removed from the system, it must not be worked on, as the HV cabling can recharge itself to a high voltage from induced voltages from nearby live HV cabling.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Arc, Arc Fault and Arc Blast

An arc is a discharge of electrical current across a gap.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Arc, Arc Fault and Arc Blast

An arc fault is a high power discharge of electricity between two

• r more conductors.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Arc, Arc Fault and Arc Blast

The radiation of heat in an arc is very high and it can very easily set a persons clothes on fire.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Arc, Arc Fault and Arc Blast

An arc blast is an explosion of boiling metal plasma and ionized vapor

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Arc blast pressure derives from two things. First, the expansion of metal in a boiling, vaporizing state, and second the heating of ambient air by passage of the arc. The mixture of vaporized water and metal in air near the arc generates a rapidly expanding plasma of ionized vapor, which can lead to extensive injuries.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety

The Risk of Electricity Effects from electricity Electricity can kill The risk of electricity for people The physical effect of an electric current on the human body Dangers when working on HV equipment

Arc blast pressure derives from two things. First, the expansion of metal in a boiling, vaporizing state, and second the heating of ambient air by passage of the arc. The mixture of vaporized water and metal in air near the arc generates a rapidly expanding plasma of ionized vapor, which can lead to extensive injuries.

Willem Maes High Voltage Safety