Final answer:
Electricity can cause harm when a complete circuit is established between the source and the ground, with the human body as a path. Insulated shoes are an essential safety measure that provides resistance to prevent current from passing through the body, especially important when working with high-voltage tools or in hazardous environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order for electricity to flow through the body and cause damage, a complete circuit must exist between the electrical source and the ground. Our bodies can act as conductors because of the water content, which allows electricity to flow more readily. A direct path to ground, such as touching a live wire while standing on the earth, can provide a pathway for this current. Insulated shoes offer protection by interrupting this circuit and providing a high resistance, preventing the flow of electricity through the body. Awareness of these factors, including insulation, body resistance, and safe currents, is crucial in electrical safety to minimize the risk of electrocution.
To work safely with electricity, it is vital to avoid providing a path for current to flow, especially across the heart, by wearing insulated shoes and taking other safety precautions. Understanding the relationship between voltage exposure, body resistance, and safe versus hazardous currents can inform the calculation of necessary insulation resistance for safety equipment.