Paper Example on Hazards Protection Systems

Introduction

There is no doubt that electricity is significant to human lives. It enables people to use machines such as air conditioners, washing machines, ovens, and Television sets, which make life easier and more comfortable. However despite the benefits, there are many there are many hazards of electricity such as physical burns, Electric Shock, which include a many of hazards such as neurological damage psychological Damage, and ventricular fibrillation resulting in death. When conducting an inspection I identified several hazards which include electrocution, electric burns, electric shocks, and falls. When energy is not properly installed it can lead to severe danger to those using it. The hazards inherent in electricity can generally be categorized into direct and indirect. The direct hazard is the injury that the electric power can do to the human body, such as stoppage of regular heartbeats, breathing or burns. The indirect hazards of power comprise the injury that can result to the human body as a result of something caused by electric shocks, such as a fire, explosion, or fall. The paper will discuss several electric hazards identified when conducting an inspection and strategies that can be adapted to rectify the situation. The paper will also describe the importance of smoke management within the structure as is it related to the model codes.

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Hazards of Electricity

When inspecting a house I noted that when electrical systems breakdown, individuals are exposed to the several hazards such as electrocution, electrical burns, falls, electric shock.

The individuals living in the house could be electrocuted due to poor cable installation. It can lead to death because the current that passes through the body can stop or slow heartbeat or destroy inner body tissues.

Electric shock is caused when electricity travels in a human body.

Sometimes shocks do not cause injury but this depends on the category of the current flowing in the body (Direct or Indirect), the path through the body, voltage, frequency and the intensity of the current.

Burns are the most common shocks linked injury. Direct contact burn occurs when one touches the flow of electrical current. Currents enter the body and exit where a person is grounded. Falls are one of the most common accidents at home or workplace. Although the hazard is not fatal if an individual falls when standing at a height or cranes.

Prevention of Electrical Hazards

Proper electric installation by having licensed electricians install, repair and dismantle house wiring. Professional electricians ensure that electric installation is done in accordance with electrical safety codes. This protects individuals who use power to power equipment and other machines. Hiring a professional electrician also reduces the damages that result when less-qualified people try electrical work that they are not properly trained to perform. Prevention is by plugging a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) which is required at every plug-in point related with the house temporary electrical supply - right down to extension cords. Install only GFCI receptacles and keep others available in case additional grounding needed.

Every extension must be checked before use. Sometimes extensions may be default such as tears, abrasion or cracks. To prevent electric hazards always ensure that insulation is completely intact. In case of a knot can result in dangerous results for instance fire which result from conductor damage.

Perform a thorough check for electrical wiring before cutting through any ceiling, floor or wall. This check reduces hazards such as shocks and electrocution which occurs when a tool unintentionally makes contact with an unseen electrical line. The individual holding that tool may be electrocuted or shocked. It is recommended to analyze the situation before any work to minimize risks of injury.

Power tools should be inspected often to detect any default. Check tools' plugs are cords power tools on a regular basis. Inspect over them for any sign of damage to the grounding pin, blades, and insulation. If one note signs of excessive wear and tear, take tools out of work until they have been correctly fixed. Educate the users that they start to shock on contact, smoke, overheat should be discontinued to use immediately. Analyze tools insulation to prevent damage before use. Sometimes insulated layer may be cut, cracked, or nicked which indicate that it is no longer effectively insulated. In such a situation the tool becomes a conductor hence increases the risk of injury. The electrician should destroy and replace a properly insulated one right away to prevent damages.

Importance of Smoke Management Systems

Fire is not the only cause of individual death and property destruction in most houses, sometimes these damages are caused by smoke. Most people die as a result of breathing carbon monoxide and other toxic production that comes out of smoke. It is therefore important that proper drainage systems and ventilation networks are properly analyzed to prevent damages. The main objective of the smoke management system is to get rid of smoke and other toxic gases when a building is on fire. Currently, smoke management systems are incorporated when designing most buildings. Most buildings carrying large capacities such as prison buildings, high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hospital complexities, tunnels and, underground structures are equipped with these schemes.

The importance of these systems is to protect individuals coming out of the building or who are in areas that cannot catch fire. These smoke systems are significant because they deliver several protection methods such as the use of design solutions and space-planning to reduce with smoke in houses on fire. They are also designed to pressurize air in the secured area through the ventilation supply. The systems utilize devices of natural and mechanical ventilation to get rid of thermal decomposition. Room ventilation plays a significant role in case of a fire outbreak. When the level fresh air is equal to the level of combustion, the rate of heat would increase due to high burn rate. There is also minimum heat coming out of the rooms which expose individuals to injuries. Similarly, if the volume of air entering the building is low, the amount of heat will also be lower due to increased combustion.

Smoke management codes hold that no ventilation is a guarantee against fire because there will be no available oxidizing agents in the air. Smoke management schemes must avert the spread of smoke to escape routes and other premises, to allow the safe environment to firefighters and other emergency personnel. The systems provide fire retardant and smoke-covering zoning in each floor. People who are in escape areas are able to come out of the building without suffocating. In nutshell, the importance of smoke management schemes is not only to maintain fresh air but also provide extreme protection of selected areas in a situation of the fire evacuation.