It results from the victim touching a part which is live or charged with electricity so that his body completes the electrical circuit. With high voltages actual contact is not necessary for a current to flow as the current can jump appreciable distances. Unless the current which flows to the victim's body is very low, the current will cause pain, spasm and in a comparatively short time, death.
l Dangerous electric shocks may be prevented by taking suitable precautions such as:

(a) Using low voltages;
(b) Insulating and/or enclosing live parts;
(c) Preventing conducting parts not normally live from becoming live,
   1.By earthing with automatic disconnection;
   2.By double insulation;
   3.By separating the supply from mains and earth;
   4.By limiting the electrical energy.
(d) Selecting equipment suitable for the environment in which it is to be used;
(e) Using equipment as directed in the manufacturer's instructions;
(f) Ensuring that electrical equipment is adequately maintained;
(g) Avoiding the use of electricity altogether in situation where its use would be unacceptably risky.

Direct contact electric shocks are prevented by insulation, enclosure, or placing the live parts in such a position that they cannot be touched. In a few situations such as electrical testing, such preventative measures are not possible and reliance must be placed on technical knowledge to avoid the danger of shock. This situation is described in more detail later in this handbook.