Conductor vs non conductor

A conductor is an object or type of material that allows the flow of charge (electrical current) in one or more directions. Materials made of metal are common electrical conductors. Water is also a conductor. The human body is made up of up to 60% water. If your body comes in contact with an energized circuit electricity will flow through your body

A non conductor hinders the flow of electricity. commonly known as insulators or insulated materials. In the metering world rated rubber and plastic are our commonly used insulating materials. You should never assume just because it is made of rubber or has a plastic handle it is insulated. Proper insulated tools and safety equipment will have been tested, have a rating and typically a test date.

Electricity while useful can also be very dangerous. According to ESFI.org there were 166 electrical related fatalities in the US in 2019. Electricity should not be feared but should always be respected. A current as little 0.007 amps (7 milliamps) across the heart for 3 seconds is enough to kill a human. Most phone chargers charge at 2.5-5 amps where the power outlet in your car is typically 10 amps. Not all electrical accidents result in death, some are just a simple shock, a burn, loss of a limb or digit, blindness or minor to severe burns.

The three main causes of any accident are carelessness, misuse and getting in a hurry. Whether it is you or someone before you, accidents are preventable if we take our time to access a situation, seek out help if needed, and know when to just walk away. No one ever won an award for installing a dangerous electrical meter.

Why is electricity so dangerous? Can you tell me how electricity smells? What does electricity sound like? You might think you’ve smelled the effects of electricity or heard the effects but that is not what we are talking about. Without special equipment there is no way for you to know if something is energized or not.

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If something does happen whether you are injured or not you are required to report it to your Field Manager.

This is not just company policy but OSHA policy. OSHA is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA sets the minimum standards for safety across all occupations. PMI or the utility can have stricter rules or additional rules not covered by OSHA, in that case the more strict rule is enforced. For example, if OSHA says you must wear shoes, but PMI stipulates you must wear work boots then the minimum rule is now you must wear work boots. There are accidents and there are near misses. An accident means something happened that shouldn’t, and injury occurred or damage was done. A near miss means there was a possibility of injury or damage, but nothing happened. By reporting a near miss you helped identify a safety issue that could help someone else. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action up to and including termination and depending on the damage and circumstances pay deduction.

If you don't know or are unsure, ask. If you can’t ask or are still unsure walk away! No one ever won an award for installing a dangerous meter. Your safety comes down to you! There are ways that we can make anything safe. If you don't know, DON’T DO IT! Do not fear electricity, RESPECT IT!