ES : Electrical Shock / Electrocution & Emergencies

Electrical Shock / Electrocution & Emergencies 

 

Electricity can, and does kill. many people die each year from contact with electrical energy at home or work site, it is the leading cause of workplace deaths.

An electric shock is the tingling sensation or muscular contraction that a person experiences when an electrical current passes through the body.

An electric shock can severely burn or kill if the muscle contraction is severe enough to stop the heart. This muscle contraction will in many cases cause the victim to remain firmly gripped to the source of electrocution, particularly where power tools or leads are being used. 

 

Construction workers, including laborers, electricians, painters, and others account for almost half the total. 

The human body conducts electricity.Even low currents may cause severe health effects. Spasms, burns, muscle paralysis, or death can result depending on the amount of the current flowing through the body, the route it takes, and the duration of exposure.

Effects of Electrical Shock
Effect	DC Current (mA)
Death	120+
Ventricular Fibrillation	50-120
Paralysis of Diaphragm	20-50
Makes hands "clamp-on"	16-20
Involuntary Reflexes	4-9
Perception	1-4

 
In the event of a worker receiving an electric shock it is vital that fellow workers act swiftly to attempt to limit the damage caused to the victim. Call emergency services immediately so they are on the way prior to trying to release the victim.

 
Releasing a Victim From Live Electric Current 
When a person comes into contact with a live electrical circuit of sufficient voltage to cause an electric shock you first priority is to eliminate the flow of current. This typically is not just turning off the machine, equipment or tool . . . you must break the current at the source by switching off the circuit or by removing the plug from the socket in the case of a power tool.
On some occasions this may not be possible to do quickly enough. At this point your only option is to break the contact between the current and the person. This can be done by either moving the victim or moving the electrical source (wire) so they are no longer in contact. To do this safely without harm to yourself you must not be another conductor for the electric path to ground. Insulate yourself if you must move a victim away from a live contact - wear electrical or dry gloves or cover your hands with cloth and stand on dry insulating material like cardboard, wood or clothes. Ensure you have good footing and will not slip or fall when trying to move the victim. Utilize something non-conductive to release the victim or move the source from the victim. The following are some common items:

• Professional non-conductive release hook (best option and relatively inexpensive)
• Long piece of lumber (2x4, etc)
• Broom Handle
• Leather belt (cut off buckle)
• Dry Rope
• Blanket, clothes or other dry non-conductive materials

 
Once the victim is released from the live current check the victims breathing and heart beat. If breathing has stopped, but the victims pulse is present, commence mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If heartbeat has stopped, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If both breathing and heartbeat have stopped, alternate between mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and CPR. Use blankets to keep the victim warm and raise the victims legs slightly above the level of the head to lessen the effects of shock.

What can be injuries from electric shock ? 

Injuries that can result from electric shock are as follows:

• Cardiac arrest due to the electrical effect on the heart

• Muscle, nerve, and tissue destruction from a current passing through the body

• Thermal burns from contact with the electrical source

• Falling or injury after contact with electricity.

Take steps to help minimize risk of electrocution:

1. Stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
2. Keep all tools and equipment away from high voltage lines. You can get a serious shock if anything you're using or carrying accidentally contacts a line.
3. Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on all 120-volt, single-phase, 10, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles.
4. Ground all power supply systems, electrical circuits, and electrical equipment.
5. Use double insulated tools.
6. Follow safe work practices when working on/with electrical equipment. Use insulated gloves and tools when working with high voltage equipment.

If you find someone who has suffered an electric shock, don't touch the person until power has been disconnected.

Electrical Shock Emergency

The human body conducts electrical current upon contact. The current travel through both arms, through an arm or leg, or through any body part to the ground. There is a certain level (0.015 to 0.020 amperes) at which an individual cannot voluntarily free himself from the circuit. At higher current values (more than 0.10 amperes), ventricular fibrillation and / or heart failure can occur.
 
Electrical shock can indirectly cause other types of injuries. Broken bones may be the result of a fall if the victim is startled, rendered unconscious, or thrown by the strong muscle contractions caused by the electrical current. A fall could also injure the head, spine, and internal organs. Brain injuries from electrical shock can cause permanent personality changes, decreased mental capacity, seizure disorders, depression and anxiety.

Here are some guidelines on responding to an electrical shock emergency.

• Stay calm and assess the situation. Look for indications that this is an electrical shock accident. The victim is near or touching an electrical device, there are burns on the victim’s body where current entered and exited, or the victim suffered convulsions caused by the current.
• Do not touch the victim while he is in contact with the electricity or you too will be shocked. Make certain that no one else touches the power source.
• Disconnect the source of electrical power by unplugging the cord or switching off the main circuit breaker. If the power source cannot be isolated, use a dry, non-conductive object such as rubber or wood to move the victim away from the equipment or power source. Never, under any circumstances, use an item or object that is wet, metallic or conductive. Make sure that you are standing on a dry surface (your hands and feet should also be dry).
• Call for help: dial 102 or local emergency number.
•  After removing the power source or pulling the victim to safety, determine if he is breathing or has a pulse. If the victim is not breathing, start rescue breathing. If the victim has no pulse, begin Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately - If you are qualified to administer CPR. Electrical shock can interfere with the normal rhythm of the heart, causing it to beat unevenly or even to stop.
• Do not move the victim again until medical help arrives. Keep the victim warm and calm. If there are other injuries such as head injuries, fractures, lacerations, or burns, treat them with appropriate first aid while waiting for medical help.

Electrical safety is critical. Learn how to recognise electrical hazards, take safety precautions to protect yourself against them, and react appropriately to an electrical emergency to save yourself or a co-worker.