Electrical Injuries: Effects and Causes

In this article, we will know about what is an electrical injury, what are the causes of electrical accidents, and how we can go for first aid after an electrical accident.

Direct Injury

Electrical Shock

-We get an electrical shock when an electrical current passes through our body.
This condition arises when a part of our body completes an electrical circuit by coming in contact with a live wire and an electrical ground, or Touching a live wire and another wire at a different voltage

Burns

Slight shock felt is felt when the current amplitude is more than 5mA; not painful but disturbing. The average individual can let it go. However, strong involuntary reactions to shocks in this range may lead to injuries.

ØInternal Damages-Painful shock when the current amplitude range is between 5-30mA. muscular control is lost and this is called the freezing current or “let-go” range.

Ø Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contractions when the current passing through our body exceeds 50mA. Individuals cannot let go even if death is possible.

•Indirect – Falls

  (30 %  of Electrocutions are accompanied by falls)

Most common Causes of Electrical Injuries

•Unauthorized operation

•without or improper Earthing

•Improper Fuses

•Single insulated Cable (s)

•Improper Cable Joints 

•Hanging Cables

•DBs without protection against rain & curing water

Not following the safety rules

First Aid after an Injury

•Don’t become the next victim

•Isolate the victim from the Circuit

–Disconnect the power supply

–Use Insulators

•High Voltage line contacts are usually fatal, better seek help from experts

•Check for breathing

–Artificial Respirations

•Check for a pulse;

–Cardiac resuscitation

Need of PPE

 To reduce the effect of hazards few standard types of accessories are provided to workmen known as Personal Protective equipment such as helmets,shoes, Reflector Jacket, and Safety Goggles and arc protection suits.