Avoiding Electrical Shock Electrical shock hazards can be found in all industries. Avoiding electrical shocks both at home and at work requires awareness of the hazards and respect for this "Silent Killer." The human body has a low resistance to electricity, making it a good conductor, like most metals. Unlike metals, however, the human body does not respond well when electricity passes through it. Physical results include thermal burns, disruption of normal heart activity, severe muscle contractions, and even death. The most common and serious electrical injuries occur when electrical current flows between the hands and feet. This happens when a person...

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) are devices designed to prevent accidental electric shock and electrocution by preventing ground faults. They also protect against electrical fires, tool/appliance overheating, and destruction of wire insulation. GFCI’s are required by building code in “wet” locations like kitchens and bathrooms and by OSHA at construction sites. The most common electric shock hazard, ground faults can cause severe electrical shock or electrocution. In normal conditions, electricity runs in a closed circuit; electricity flows out on the "hot" wire and returns on the "neutral" wire, completing the circuit. A ground fault occurs when the electrical...