The severity of electric shock is related to four elements. If the combination of these four elements is just right, the shock can be severe or lead to electrocution.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Amount of current<\/li>\n
- Length of time current is present<\/li>\n
- Path of current through the body<\/li>\n
- Frequency of the current (Hz)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The amount of the current depends on the potential difference and the resistance. The effects of current on the human body range from a temporary mild tingling sensation to death. Voltage is important only in that it determines how much current will flow through a given body resistance. The current necessary to operate a 10 watt light bulb is eight to ten times more current than the amount that would kill a person. A pressure of 120 volts is enough to cause a current to flow which is many times greater than that necessary to kill.<\/p>\n
Electrical Burns<\/h2>\n
The most common shock-related injury is an electrical burn. Burns suffered in electrical accidents can be of three types:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Electrical Burns<\/strong> \u2014 the result of the electric current flowing in the tissues. These burns may be skin deep or may affect deeper layers such as muscle and bones.<\/li>\n
- Arc Burns<\/strong> \u2014 the result of high temperatures produced by electric arcs or by explosions close to the body (see electrical arc blasts).<\/li>\n
- Thermal Contact Burns <\/strong>\u2014 burns normally experienced from the skin-contacting hot surfaces of overheated electrical conductors, conduits, or other energized equipment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tissue damage is caused by heat generated by the current through the body and is often immediately classified as a third-degree burn. If the energy delivered by the electric shock is high, the body cannot dissipate the heat, and the tissue is burned. Typically, such electrical burns heal slowly.<\/p>\n
Electric Arc Blasts<\/h2>\n
If the current is strong enough, the blast effect that can result from arcing can cause injuries and start files. The power arc is a discharge of electricity through a combination of ionized air and vaporized conductor material. The conductive material is vaporized by temperatures in an arc which can be as high as 35,000\u00b0F.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Low-energy arcs can cause violent explosions or blasts in atmospheres containing explosive gases, vapors, or combustible dusts.<\/li>\n
- High-energy arcs can also damage equipment causing metal to fly in all directions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
While there is no equipment that can completely protect electrical workers, there are several safe practices that can help.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Limit Exposure. <\/strong>Reduce the amount of time spent around high energy equipment.<\/li>\n
- Maintain Distance.<\/strong> Always stay as far away as possible from high-energy equipment unless there is a specific need.<\/li>\n
- Increase Mass. <\/strong>Try to keep some type of sturdy material between you and a potential blast.<\/li>\n
- Wear Protective Clothing. <\/strong>PPE such as flash suits may offer some protection to minimize burns resulting from blasts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Maintain Distance.<\/strong> Always stay as far away as possible from high-energy equipment unless there is a specific need.<\/li>\n
- Limit Exposure. <\/strong>Reduce the amount of time spent around high energy equipment.<\/li>\n
- Arc Burns<\/strong> \u2014 the result of high temperatures produced by electric arcs or by explosions close to the body (see electrical arc blasts).<\/li>\n
- Electrical Burns<\/strong> \u2014 the result of the electric current flowing in the tissues. These burns may be skin deep or may affect deeper layers such as muscle and bones.<\/li>\n
![\"Effect](\"https:\/\/iaeimagazine.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/2020_05_Cheatsheet_3_Types_of_Electrical_Hazards-Ch1.jpg\")
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