Salt Lake Telegram | 1934-07-27 | Page 15 | Electrical Accidents Prevented

Electrical Accidents Si Prevented Most of Them Occur in Bathroom om and Can Be Forc Forestalled Several years ago aco the American Society Society Society So So- of Safety Engineers organized a committee e to study the e every ery day dangers of elc electrical trl al fixtures in in the home Careful investigation revealed that many of the accidents reported throughout the country could have been prevented They would not be beso beso beso so common comon if It more persons were familiar fa ia- millar with the dangers of improper handling of electrical appliances Of all the accidents reported electrical elec shock in m the bathroom was found to be the most common This is a serious accident and often proves fatal As a rule it is caused by reaching reaching reach reach- ing for an electric light or switch while standing in the bathtub A wet body and moist fingers coming corning com corn ing in contact with a 3 a defective switch or fixture allows the current to pass through the body Since the current is usually of at at least volts it may be sufficient to cause ause severe damage to the heart The current current cur cur- rent sends the heart int into rapid vibrations vibrations interfering with its normal ac ac- ac- ac tion If It this occurs to an elderly individual or the sufferer from chronic heart disease the shock shock may may be sufficient to cause instantaneous death When Hands Are Wet Never reach for or touch an electrical alec elec outlet while the body or hands are moist If the body is dry contact contact con con- tact with an electric current is not as dangerous It is true a severe burn may result but death rarely results Even outside the bathroom the ame same sort of a accident may occur When washing clothes or dishes never tr try to adjust a bulb or lamp Always dry your hands and to be on m the safe side turn of off the current Even if it not using water remember that on a hot day your hands may be perspiring and sufficiently moist to permit an electrical shock All AU electrical appliances such as heaters electric fans curling irons lamps and heating pads should be periodically inspected Loose connections connections con con- or worn wires should be replaced replaced re re- re placed with new ones Unless you are familiar with electric wiring donot do donot donot not to repair electrical ap ape ap- ap When in doubt turn off the main current and have hav the appliance examined by an electrician Loose fixtures inadequate wiring and poorly insulted electric outlets ar are a menace to the household They may lead to fire But the greatest dan danger dancer er is that of accidental tion Safeguard your home and family by rigid inspection of all aU In Inthe Inthe Inthe the house Warn all members of ot the household of the danger of permitting a moist body to come in irl contact with I an electrical current