How to be safe around electricity

Electricity is very important - we use it all of the time. It powers most of our technologies, lights up our rooms, warms us when we're cold and cools us down when we're hot.

Electricity can be dangerous. If you touch an electric current then it will give you an electric shock which could injure or even kill you.

Plug sockets and wires often have a plastic cover or coating on them which helps to protect us from shocks.

To use electrical appliances, we need to follow rules to stay safe.

Rules to follow

1. Always ask an adult for help when using electrical appliances.

2. Watch those drinks. Make sure any liquids are away from any electrical appliances or plugs.

3. Water and electricity are not friends, so be careful in the bathroom.

4. Dry those hands. If you’ve had a bath, washed your hands or brushed your teeth, always make sure your hands are completely dry before using anything electrical.

5. Don't stick anything in plug sockets. This is very dangerous and could give you an electric shock.

6. Don't use any faulty appliances.

• The person who discovered that natural electricity creates energy which could be used as a source of power was an American scientist called Benjamin Franklin in 1752.

• When we have a storm, lightning is formed by natural static electricity.

• Electricity can travel close to the speed of light – almost 186,000 miles per second.

• The scientist Thomas Edison invented the light bulb in 1879.

• Diamonds need a small zap electricity to form.

• Lightning strikes around eight million times a day across the world.

• Scientists have discovered that when bees swarm they create a small electric field.

Remember

You don’t just need to stay safe with electricity indoors, you should also be careful with electricity when you are outdoors too.

Take care around electricity pylons and wires; never fly kites or drones near wires and you should never play around or climb electricity pylons.

Train tracks are also electrified so never play on or near railway lines or stations.

Dangerous – Something that is likely to cause injury, harm, or pain.

Electrical appliances – A device or piece of equipment designed to perform a specific task, such as light bulbs, a fridge or a toaster.

Electrical current – An electric current is a flow of charged particles (electrons and protons) in one direction.

Electricity – Electricity is the flow of tiny particles called electrons and protons.

Generators – The electricity in our homes is created by generators in power stations which can be driven by gas, coal, oil, wind or solar energy.

Hazards – Anything that is dangerous and could cause you injury or harm.

You will need a pencil and paper for this activity.

Look around the room where you are.

Write a set of safety instructions to keep people safe when using one of the electrical appliances that you can see.