Electrical Emergency Response

When an electrical accident occurs, due to effect of muscle clamping, a victim is often incapable of moving or releasing the electrical conductor. Attempts to rescue an accident victim may pose as a great hazard for the rescuer as it does for the victim. Caution should be a primary consideration during any electrical accident or emergency. There should be an emergency response plan for scheduled electrical maintenance or work.

A worker with an electrical injury may have any of these signs and symptoms.

ELECTRICAL RESCUE TECHNIQUES

Approaching the Accident

•  Never rush into an accident situation
• Call qualified personnel as soon as possible
• Get the aid of trained electrical personnel if possible
• Approach the accident scene cautiously

Examining the Scene

• Visually examine victim to determine if they are in contact with energized conductors
• Metal surface, object near the victim or the earth itself may be energized
• You may become a victim if you touch an energized victim or conductive surface
• Do not touch the victim or conductive surface while they are energized
• De-energized electrical circuit

Hazards and Solutions

• Be alert for hazard such as stored energy, heated surfaces and fire
• If you can’t de-energized the power source use EXTREME care
• Ensure that your hands and feet are dry
• Wear protective equipment such as low voltage gloves and overshoes if available
• Stand on a clean dry surface
• Use non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conduct

High Voltage Rescue

• Special training is required for rescues if high voltage is present
• Protective equipment such as high voltage gloves and overshoes must be worn
• Special insulated tools should be used
• Insulated tools, with high voltage rating, are a lifesaver
• Use devices such as hot sticks or shotgun sticks to remove a victim from energized conductors
• In some cases, non-conductive rope or cord may be used to remove a victim from a conductor

Rescuing the Victim

• Stand on the dry rubber blanket or other insulating material if possible
• Do not touch the victim or conductive material near the victim until the power is off
• Once power is off, examine the victim to determine if they should be moved
• Give “First Aid”

First Aid

• A victim may require Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• If the victim is breathing and has a heartbeat, give first aid for injuries and teat for shock
• Ensure the victim gets medical care as soon as possible
• Provide medical personnel with information on voltage level, shock duration & entry/exit points
• The treating / attending physical must determine whether the victim should be sent to a “Trauma or Burn Center”

OSHA Regulation

Two very important basic point set by OSHA:

1. LIVE PARTS shall be de-energized before working on or near them.
2. Even if the exposed parts have been de-energized, they shall be treated as energized until they are locked out and / or tagged out.

All electrical circuit conductors, bare or insulated, are assumed to be energized until proven otherwise. They shall be de-energized locked out and tested for the absence of voltage before working on them or working near them. Work on the electrical circuit conductors amy only be performed by qualified personnel who have been authorized to do the work.

Posted in: Electrical Safety