Final answer:
When disconnecting the power in a crowded area, warn those around you and proceed with caution while taking safety measures such as working one-handed to prevent electric shock. The correct answer is b) Warn people nearby and quickly disconnect the power.
Step-by-step explanation:
When working in an area with a large number of people and you must disconnect the power from an appliance you are working on, the correct precautions include warning people nearby before you proceed with disconnecting the power. This ensures safety for yourself and those around you. When working with high-power electric circuits, it's recommended to work 'one-handed' or 'keep one hand in your pocket' to minimize the risk of electrical current passing through your chest cavity, potentially causing severe harm or death if it encounters the heart.
This precautious approach is tied to the concept that electricity always seeks to complete a circuit to ground. If you are in contact with the ground and touch a live wire with one hand, you may become the shortest path to ground, causing the electric current to pass through your body. By keeping one hand in your pocket, you significantly reduce this risk. Other important safety measures include ensuring that appliances have a proper earth/ground connection to allow circuit breakers to operate correctly in the event of a fault, thereby preventing severe shocks and thermal hazards, such as fires. It is essential to understand that mishandling electrical equipment or failing to take the necessary precautions can lead to serious accidents. So, the correct answer is b) Warn people nearby and quickly disconnect the power.