Understanding And Preventing Electrical Injuries

The risk of electrical injury is present in many homes

, schools and workplaces. Damaged power cords, exposed wiring and misuse of electrical tools can lead to electrical injury ranging from minor to severe. Avoiding injury is simply a matter of understanding the importance of electrical safety and the types of injury that can occur, as well as general safety and prevention tips. While some workplaces require full training on electrical safety for employees due to high exposure of risk, most individuals should understand at least the basics. Below, find a brief overview of electrical injuries.

Types of Injury:

Different types of electrical injury include electric shock, electrical burns, muscle control loss and thermal burns. The severity of these injuries often depends on the type and intensity of the electrical current, as well as the duration of exposure and the current's pathway through the body.

During Shock:

During an electric shock, electrical signals between the brain and muscles are blocked by a current that occurs due to contact with a low voltage (as low as 50 volts). Electric shock can affect the normal heart beat and breathing, and may cause muscle spasms.

Electrical burns:

Electrical burns are caused by the heat of an electrical current flowing through the body. The severity of the burn depends on the voltage and total time of current flow. As voltage and length of exposure increases, the burns tend to be deeper the burns. Thermal burns can occur during close proximity to overheated electrical equipment. Working near hot surfaces or exposure to electrical fires or explosions can lead to thermal burns.

Muscle Spasms:

The common idea that the victim is unable to escape the current's source during an electric shock is caused by a loss of muscle control. Muscle spasms caused by electric shock can be strong enough to break bones and lead to the inability to "let go."

Complications:

The long-term complications of electrical injury can go far beyond external skin burns. Severe muscle damage can cause limbs to swell and lead to compressed arteries, which can cut off blood flow to the limbs. Children who bite or suck on exposed extension cords can suffer mouth and lip burns, which may lead to facial deformities and future problems with the teeth and jaw. Minor and severe shocks can cause dangerous falls, causing people to break bones or have a potentially fatal accident. Other complications include brain hemorrhages, seizures, paralysis and erectile dysfunction.

Prevention:

Understanding how and why electrical injuries occur can help you and others remain safe around electrical devices. Make sure that electrical devices are properly installed, inspected and maintained on a regular basis. Any complicated electrical wiring or repair should be done by an experienced professional. Protect children safe by using outlet guards and keeping them away from extension cords and wires. Always take caution when using electrical devices near water. Workers with a high exposure to electrical injury should be properly trained and wear the appropriate protective equipment at all times. The first step to preventing and treating electrical injuries is proper education of the dangers and safety precautions that need to be followed.

by: Mike Pempek

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