Electricity is a pervasive hazard found extensively in our workplace, which can cause serious injuries and fires. Electrical incidents are generally due to damaged insulation; broken/faulty switches; defective appliances; or handling electrical items with wet hands.
Injuries arising from an electric shock include burns and/or cardiac arrest (heart attack). However, even minor electric shocks can cause a heart arrhythmia which may not be immediately obvious. Treatment for electric burns should only be performed by STFC’s general First Aiders or specialist Electrical first Aiders (trained electrical staff). Staff and others who witness these types of event should, as usual, report the incident immediately to Site Security teams to initiate the immediate dispatch of general first aiders with defibrillators.
Treatment by STFC authorised First Aiders or Electrical First Aiders:
- Assess the situation. Call 999 if incident appears to be life threatening (liaise with Security).
- Do not touch the casualty if they are still in contact with the electrical source as you are at risk of electrocution yourself. Turn off the source of electricity to break the contact between the electrical supply and the casualty.
- Alternatively, move the casualty away from the source. You may be able to stand on some dry insulating material (such as a plastic mat or wooden box) and use an insulating broom handle or wooden pole to push the casualty so they are no longer in contact with the source.
- If it’s not possible to break contact using a wooden object, loop some rope around the underneath of the casualty’s arms or ankles and pull them away from the electrical source.
- Do not touch the casualty.
- Once you are certain the contact has been broken between the casualty and the electrical source, perform a primary survey and treat any injuries/apply defibrillator.
- For minor electric shocks, the casualty may appear to be fine but even minor shocks can cause arrhythmia. Therefore, they should attend A&E, accompanied by a First Aider.
