RACA journal January 2021 | Page 60

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As we can see , current ( amps ) is the fatal factor when dealing with electrical shock . Voltage is important only in that it determines how much current will flow through a given body resistance .

230 volts is more than enough to cause a current to flow which is many times greater than what is necessary to kill .

Proper first aid can mean the difference between life and death . Sufficient circulation can sometimes be maintained by heart compression , which should always be supported with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation , commonly known as CPR .

SAFE WORK PRACTICES It is good practice when developing a safe work environment to have policies and procedures in place which provide the necessary guidelines and rules for employees to work safely . The procedures should help eliminate injuries for people working on or near energised electrical circuit conductors . The policies should address protective equipment , tools , qualifications , as well as other additional cautions and information .

Electrical accidents cause countless injuries and cost the lives of hundreds of people each year . Injuries could be minimised and many lives saved if proper rescue techniques are used .

AN ELECTRICALLY RELATED INCIDENT OCCURS , WHAT DOES ONE DO ? We all know that in this type of situation time is critical . The quicker that medical treatment can occur , the better the outcome will be and the greater the chance for survival .

Questions one can ask . Do you know the proper actions to take ? Do you know what dangers could be encountered ?

When an electrical incident occurs , due to the effect of muscle clinching , the victim may often be incapable of moving or releasing the electrical conductor . Attempts to rescue an accident victim will pose as great a hazard for the rescuer as it does for the victim .

This is why there should always be an emergency response plan for scheduled electrical maintenance or in fact any electrical work .

Lives can be saved if proper rescue techniques are used .

Ask yourself :

• What are your primary safety considerations ?

• What action will you take when you find an electrical accident victim ?

• Who will you call first ?

• What tools or protective equipment will you need ?

You have come across an electrical incident , now what ? Never rush into an accident situation , approach with caution , analyse the situation .

• Do not place yourself at risk .

• Call for help as soon as possible .

• Visually examine victim to determine if in contact with energised conductors , bearing in mind that metal surfaces , objects near the victim or the earth itself may be energised .

• Do not touch the victim or conductive surfaces while they are energised .

• Turn off electrical circuits if at all possible .

• If you cannot turn off the power source use extreme care .

• Ensure that your hands and feet are dry .

• Stand on a dry rubber mat or other insulating material if possible .

• Wear protective equipment such as low voltage gloves and overshoes if available . Stand on a clean dry surface .

• Use a non-conductive material to remove a victim from the conductor . Hot sticks or wood / plastic poles to remove a victim from energised conductors . In some cases , nonconductive rope or cord may be used to remove a victim from a conductor .

• Do not touch the victim or conductive material near the victim until the power is off or until the victim has been removed away from the hazard .

• Once power is off , examine the victim .

• Give First Aid .

RACA Journal I January 2021 www . hvacronline . co . za