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Tips for Electric Safety in Pools, Spas, and Marinas

electric-safety-in-water

Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) – each year people are injured or lose their lives because they are not aware of electric safety in the water and the dangers that exist.

A great number of people are unaware of electrical dangers that exist in their water surroundings.

ESD can occur when onboard or marina electrical systems release electric current into the water. The current travels through the body and causes paralysis. When this transpires, the person can no longer swim and this leads to drowning.

NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy, Lorraine Carlie, recommends, “Before participating in water activities, have swimming pool equipment, hot tubs and spas, or your boat inspected by a qualified electrician; have them regularly maintained to ensure life-saving measures and protection systems are functioning properly during the summer and throughout the year.”

NFPA has several resources for swimmers, boat and pool owners; which include checklists, tip sheets, and more that can be downloaded. Find them here.

Tips for Boat Owners

Educate yourself and others about electric safety when near water
  • Avoid entering the water when launching or loading a boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water causing water electrification, so do your best to avoid entering the water when loading a boat or launching.
  • Have ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) installed on the boat. Test GFCIs monthly.
  • Have your boat’s electrical system inspected by a qualified marine electrician to ensure it meets the required codes for your area and that of the American Boat & Yacht Council.

Tips for Swimmers

Electric safety for swimmers and pool owners
  • Do you best to avoid swimming near a dock or marina or near a boat while it is running.
  • Be aware of flickering or intermittent flashing of underwater lights in your pool, spa, or hot tub.
  • Immediately stop swimming in your current directions if you feel a tingling sensation in the pool. Exit the water as quickly as possible, but avoid using metal ladders or rails – touching any metal increases your risk of shock.

Tips for Pool, Sauna, and Hot Tub Owners

  • Have a qualified electrician inspect and replace/upgrade the electrical devices or equipment that keep your pool, spa or hot tub electrically safe. Be sure you know how to turn off all power in case of an emergency.
  • Hire an experienced electrician in the special safety requirements for these types of installations to perform all wiring and inspections.
  • Make sure overhead lines are a significant distance over a pool and other structures, such as a diving board. If you have any doubts, contact a qualified electrician or your local utility company to inspect.

O’Grady Companies cares about our customers and their safety. Remembering these electrical tips when it comes to summertime fun can prevent injury and even save a life. Knowledge and awareness are key and sharing these tips with your family members and others will benefit them as well.

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Electrical Safety and Childproofing Measures for Your Home

child-proofing-electrical-safety

Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Dangers of Electricity in the Home

Awareness is Key!

The natural curiosity of children can lead to harm if you do not childproof your home for electrical safety and teach them the basics about the power of electricity and the potential dangers it holds.

As many as 2.5 million children are injured or hurt by hazards within their own home each year.

Child Safety in the Home
Child Safety in the Home

The O’Grady Companies, your Frederick County, MD electrical contractor company, cares about you and your family; sharing helpful electrical safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Keep in Mind

  • Electricity flows through water easily. Since our bodies are 70 percent water, electricity can travel through your bodies.
  • Power cords and appliances can be as dangerous as electrical power lines if proper safety precautions are not followed.
  • Electricity has the power to cause shocks, burns, and be deadly.

Outlets

  • Be sure to block unused outlets by using childproof caps and changing to solid cover plates.
  • Do not place any object other than the appropriate size plug into an outlet.
  • Never overload outlets with multiple adaptors or power strips. Simply relocate cords instead.
  • Never pull an electric plug out of the wall outlet by yanking on the electric cord.
    Never stick fingers or any other objects into an electrical outlet or light bulb socket.
    Worn, frayed or damaged electrical cord should be unplugged, discarded, and removed from reach.

Appliances

Electric Appliance
  • Unplug kitchen and other appliances and stow cords safely away from reach of pets and young children.
  • Never place any electrical appliance near water such as sinks, bathtubs, pools, or jacuzzis.
  • Electrical appliances should never be operated with hands that are wet or while standing in water.
  • Unplug an electrical appliance prior to cleaning it.
  • Be sure to keep any flammable or potentially combustible materials  (clothes, curtains, toys, etc.) at bay from radiators, space heaters, heating vents, and other heat sources.

Safety Outdoors

  • Do not try and get an item that is stuck or tangled in a power line – call the power company.
  • Never climb utility poles.
  • If there is a fallen electrical wire, stay away from it. Call the power company to report the downed wire or call 911.
  • Call 911 immediately when an object or person is in contact or touching a wire that is down.
  • Take extra care when carrying a ladder or pool skimmer to avoid touching overhead electrical wires.
  • Never climb trees that are near power lines or have power lines running through them.
  • Steer clear of any power lines when flying a kite or carrying Mylar or helium-filled balloons on strings.
  • Never throw objects at or onto electric power lines.
  • If a friend, family member or pet is in contact with a downed electrical line or any type of electrical equipment, call 911 immediately.
  • Never go swimming during an electrical storm.
  • Do not fly model airplanes or any remote-controlled toys near overhead power lines. Play with these in open fields or park areas.
  • If you are operating an electrical tool, using an electrical appliance or playing with an electrical toy outside, stay at least 10 feet away from any wet surface or pool area.

If you have any additional questions or concerns about the electrical safety of your home, give the best electricians near you a call. We’ll be happy to answer or come out for a home inspection to ensure all your electric and wiring is up to code and there are no hidden dangers.

You can never be too cautious when it comes to electrical safety and awareness. Just reviewing these points can potentially stop an accident or save a life.