Understanding Electric Shocks: Why You Should Call an Emergency Electrician in Guildford
Electric shocks to workers in the workplace can occur in various circumstances: during work on low-voltage equipment—such as electrical outlets—when people use portable devices, or when working near high-voltage lines. However, the main cause of electric shocks is the electrostatic charges that build up during processing and you should always call a emergency electrician in Guildford.
Introduction: Electric Shocks in the Workplace
This is a common problem when using automatic machines that process insulating materials at high speed, typical of certain industries: converting, packaging, pharmaceuticals, textile processing, plastics processing, and printing.Let’s take a detailed look at what electrostatic charges are, why they cause electric shocks, the consequences, and what to do to avoid them.
Electrostatic charging, or static electricity, is a phenomenon that occurs when a charge is added to a neutral body—that is, an electrically uncharged body. It’s a common occurrence in manufacturing plants: companies process insulating materials like plastic, plastic film, and paper.
Electrical Faults: The Main Cause of Workplace and Home Electric Shocks
If the energy isn’t discharged to the ground, but remains in the material, on the machine, or in the surrounding area, a discharge occurs: anyone nearby or touching the product receives a shock. It’s not an isolated event. Electrostatic discharges to workers are very common, can occur multiple times during a work shift, and aren’t a mild shock, like the sensation you sometimes get when getting out of a car: while harmless, the shock is much stronger and more unpleasant.Some consider it normal, almost part of the job. But it’s not.Getting an electric shock while working isn’t normal and can be avoided!With the advice of an electrician in Guildford.
Consequences of Electrical Shocks
The buildup of electrostatic charges can cause other problems in the workplace, including shocks. For example, it can:
✅Slow down production processes: material may stick to machine parts, forcing operators to turn off the machine to fix them.
✅Damage the processed material and the final product: material may jump out of containers, move, or stick to the machine.
✅Trigger dangerous fires and explosions: In companies that process powdered products like flour, the air is full of particles that can cause explosions at the first spark of static electricity.
This type of electrostatic shock is harmless, but annoying, and can occur many times during a work shift. Until a few years ago, receiving minor shocks wasn’t a major problem, and even today, in production, automatic machine operators seem accustomed to receiving a mild shock.Call Electrician in Guildford for immediate help!
How to Avoid Electrical Emergencies
However, receiving shocks shouldn’t be considered “normal,” and workplace safety regulations in recent years have forced us to reflect on this issue, which is still largely overlooked by companies. In fact, electric shocks can cause potentially very dangerous consequences for several reasons, not just the discharge itself:
- The employee who receives the shock may have an involuntary reaction, hitting an object and hitting their head, or falling on top of another person and injuring them.
- The charges can cause sparks, and if the company handles flammable or explosive materials, there is a risk of a fire or explosion.
- Their presence indicates that something is wrong with the machine, because the charges do not form if the machine is operating within the parameters intended
- How to avoid electrostatic discharges
- Electrostatic discharges can be avoided by implementing the right precautionary measures, regarding health and safety in the workplace.
- Anyone who comes into contact with an electrically charged atmosphere—and perhaps even a highly flammable one—must wear antistatic shoes with leather soles.
The Definitive Solution: Hiring a Professional Electrician
The definitive solution to eliminating electrostatic charges is to install electrostatic control products on the machine, such as electrostatic bars. These, mounted where the charges are formed, eliminate the electrical charge and return the materials to neutral conditions.Are you also experiencing electrostatic discharge problems in your company? You need expert help.
Call 01483928944 now for a quick and professional service in Guildford!
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