Studio Brief 02 - Content of publication

This is the proposed order of information in the publication after research on the dangers of electricity and pylons.

Structure

Electricity is dangerous 

Electricity is extremely dangerous. Fact.
You could be seriously hurt or killed if you mess about with electrical appliances, electric sockets or electricity flexes in your home. You could also be seriously hurt or killed if you play in substations, near overhead lines on wooden poles or around electricity pylons.

What happens when you get electrocuted

• Muscles tighten up, making it almost impossible to pull away from the circuit.
• Lungs constrict, making it hard to breathe.
• Heartbeat is interrupted and blood vessels tighten.
• Burns occur where the electricity enters and leaves the body.  

Why it is dangerous

The human body is good conductor of electricity. Since our bodies are made of 70% water, electricity flows quickly through it. Electricity always finds the easiest route to ground. The effects of electricity are felt immediately once in contact with the human body, that means once struck, you have no chance of pulling away. And anyone who touches someone who is being electrocuted can become part of the circuit as well. That's why you should never grab on to anyone who's been shocked.

 

Potential ways of harm

If a machine, scaffold tube, ladder, or even a jet of water touches or gets too close to an overhead wire, then electricity will be conducted to earth. This can cause a fire or explosion and electric shock and burn injuries to anyone touching the machine or equipment. An overhead wire does not need to be touched to cause serious injury or death as electricity can jump, or arc, across small gaps.

Beware! One of the biggest problems is that people simply do not notice overhead lines when they are tired, rushing or cutting corners. They can be difficult to spot, eg in foggy or dull conditions, when they blend into the surroundings at the edge of woodland, or when they are running parallel to, or under, other lines.

How to avoid it

DON'T ever climb the fence around an electrical substation.
If a ball or pet gets inside the fence, ask a grown-up to call the electric company - they'll come and get it out for you.

Fly your kite far away from power lines or substations.
The kite and the string may conduct electricity - sending it right through you to the ground.

DO look up and look out for power lines before you climb a tree.
The electricity can go right through the tree branch - and right through you!

Remind your mom or dad to watch out for power lines when they're using a ladder, chainsaw or other outdoor equipment.

Keep electrical stuff far away from water.
Most electrical accidents around the house happen when people use electricity near water.

Stay away from utility boxes, there high voltage electricity inside.