Electrical
safety around water
Electric shock drowning (ESD) happens when marina or onboard electrical systems leak electric current into the water. The current then passes through the body, causing paralysis, and results in drowning.
With summer in full swing, NFPA and Electrical Safety
Foundation International (ESFI) are joining forces to remind people about
the potential electrical hazards that exist in swimming pools, hot tubs and
spas, on board boats and in the waters surrounding boats, marinas and launch
ramps.
Marinas,
lakes and ponds
Tips for swimmers
·
Never swim near a marina, dock or boatyard, or
near a boat while it’s running.
·
Obey all “no swimming signs” on docks.
Tips for boat owners
·
Avoid entering the water when launching or
loading your boat. Docks or boats can leak electricity into the water
causing water electrification.
·
Each year,
and after a major storm that affects the boat, have the boat’s electrical
system inspected by a qualified marine electrician to be sure it meets the
required codes of your area, including the American Boat & Yacht
Council. Make the necessary repairs if recommended. Check with the
marina owner who can also tell you if the marina’s electrical system has
recently been inspected to meet the required codes of your area, including the National
Electrical Code (NEC).
·
Know where your main breaker(s) are located
on both the boat and the shore power source so you can respond
quickly in case of an emergency.
·
Have ground
fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) installed on the boat; use only portable
GFCIs or shore power cords (including “Y” adapters) that are Marine Listed when
using electricity near water. Test GFCIs monthly.
Swimming
pools, hot tubs and spas
Summer is the time of
year to have swimming pool equipment, hot tubs and spas inspected and then
properly maintained to make sure that life saving measures such as ground-fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection and all grounding and bonding systems are
functioning properly.
Tips for swimmers
·
Look out for underwater lights that are not
working properly, flicker or work intermittently.
·
If tingling occurs, immediately stop swimming in
your current direction. Try and swim in a direction where you had not felt the
tingling, Exit the water as quickly as possible and avoid using metal ladders
or rails. Touching metal may increase the risk of shock.
·
Do not swim before, during or after
thunderstorms.
Tips for swimming pool
owners
·
Have a qualified electrician periodically
inspect and—where necessary—replace or upgrade the electrical devices or
equipment that keep your pool, spa or hot tub electrically safe. Have him/her
show you how to turn off all power in case of an emergency.
·
Make sure that any overhead lines maintain the
proper distance over a pool and other structures, such as a diving board. If
you have any doubts, contact a qualified electrician or your local utility
company to make sure power lines are a safe distance away.
·
If you are putting in a new pool, hot tub or spa
be sure the wiring is performed by an electrician experienced in the special
safety requirements for these types of installations.
·
Electrical appliances, equipment and cords
should be kept at least 6 feet away from the water. When possible, use
battery-operated instead of cord-connected appliances and equipment, such as
televisions, radios, and stereos.