roy@phri.UUCP (Roy Smith) (01/25/86)
[Brian Diehm describes safe practices for deal with high-voltage] > 4) Holding the screwdriver by the handle ONLY, and keeping your other hand > behind your back (I'm cautious) ... And smart. When I'm working with live high voltage (including 110) I keep one hand not just behind my back but in my pocket. You look foolish, but it's better than looking dead. If you zap yourself and get knocked over, you instinctively reach out to steady yourself with your other hand. Keep in mind that current flowing from hand to hand goes through your heart (I know about skin effects, but wouldn't count on it). If you happen to find that grounded water pipe... With your other hand in your pocket, the extra time to pull it out may be all you need to let go of the hot wire. I'll gladly take the bump on the head from hitting the floor rather than being fried. -- Roy Smith <allegra!phri!roy> System Administrator, Public Health Research Institute 455 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016