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Emergency Response

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If you see a person being electrocuted, DO NOT TOUCH THEM! The electricity can go through you, too

01

Don’t touch them!

02

Unplug the appliance or turn off the power at the control panel. In some laboratories, there is an Emergency Power Off (EPO) outside the laboratories to shut down the electricity in the lab. The EPO is usually located in the service corridor or on the office area side of the laboratory.

03

If you can’t turn off the power, use a piece of wood, like a broom handle, dry rope or dry clothing, to separate the victim from the power source.

04

Do not try to move a victim touching a high voltage wire. Call 911 or 012 808 0911 for help.

05

Keep the victim lying down. Unconscious victims should be placed on their side to allow drainage of fluids. Do not move the victim if there is a suspicion of neck or spine injuries unless absolutely necessary.

06

If the victim is not breathing, apply mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If the victim has no pulse, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Then cover the victim with a blanket to maintain body heat, keep the victim’s head low and get medical attention.

First Aid for Electrical Burn Victims

Electrical burns vary in severity depending upon:

How long the body is in contact with the electric current.

The strength of the current.

The type of current

The direction the current takes through the body. Often these burns are deep. There may be more than one area burned. One area may be where the current entered the body and another may be where it left. Electrical burn wounds may look minor on the outside, but could be severe on the inside.

If a person has received an electrical burn, check for shock and follow the steps outlined above. If the person is conscious and there are no signs of shock (such as being cold, clammy, pale and having a rapid pulse), begin treating the burned area.

Do not apply grease or oil to the burn. Cover the burn with a dry, sterile dressing, but do not cool the burn. Keep the victim from getting chilled. Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

References

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NFPA Electrical Safety Authority Health and Safety Executive OSHA