How to act in case of electric shock?

Protect your life and that of others from electrical risk!

Article written by sofamel.com

Every day, thousands of workers face electrical hazards, a threat that can lead to serious injury or even death; therefore, it is essential to know how to act in the event of an electric shock.

Here we share some vital guidelines

Prioritize safety

Before helping someone who has been electrocuted, make sure the source of electricity is turned off or the victim is out of danger. Safety comes first!

Call emergency services

Dial the emergency number or ask someone else to do so. The sooner medical help arrives, the better.

Do not touch the person

Avoid touching the victim unless necessary to move them away from the source of electricity. Don’t put your safety at risk.

Give CPR if needed

If the person is not breathing and has no pulse, you can perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you know how.

Do not administer salts or fluids

You never supply salts or any other treatment. Only a healthcare professional should determine the appropriate treatment.

What preventive measures should be taken to avoid electrical contact?

General preventive measures

Awareness and training

Make sure people who work or live in the area are aware of electrical hazards and know how to act safely. Provides electrical safety training.

Disconnection

Before carrying out any work on electrical equipment or making repairs, make sure that the electrical supply is disconnected. Use roadblocks and signage if necessary.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Use appropriate PPE, such as insulating gloves, safety glasses, hard hats and dielectric footwear, to protect yourself from electrical contact.

Regular maintenance

Performs periodic maintenance of electrical installations and equipment to identify and correct potential problems before they become hazards.

Preventive measures against direct electrical contact

Disconnection of power sources

Before working on electrical equipment or circuits, disconnect and secure the power source.

Locking and tagging

Use locking devices and tags to prevent accidental reconnection of power sources during work.

Voltage check

Before touching any electrical component, make sure that there is no voltage in the circuit. Use a voltage detector or multimeter to verify.

Grounding and short circuit

Use proper grounding and shorting devices to reduce the risk of electric shock.

Preventive measures against indirect electrical contacts

Grounding of the masses

Ground machine and tool housings to prevent them from becoming electrically charged.

Security currents

Use low voltage circuits (eg 24V) instead of hazardous voltages whenever possible.

Separation of circuits

Keep electrical power circuits separate from control and communication circuits to reduce the risk of indirect contact.

Double insulation

Use double-insulated equipment and tools to provide an extra layer of safety.

It is important to note that specific preventive measures may vary depending on the environment and the type of electrical work being done. Always follow the electrical safety rules and regulations in force in your area and seek the advice of a qualified professional if you do not know how to proceed safely. Electrical safety is essential to prevent accidents and serious injuries.