Electrical shock kills and injures hundreds of workers each year. Most of these accidents happen because people don't look, don't think or just don't understand the shocking power of electricity.

Electrical shock can only occur when a part of the body completes a circuit between a conductor and another conductor or a grounding source.  

Death or injury is not caused by the voltage; the damage is done by the amount of current that flows through the body.  Of course, the higher the voltage, the greater amount of current.  Some people have survived shocks of several thousand volts, while others have been killed by voltages as low as 12.

Effects of electrical shock depend mainly on the total amount of current flow and the path of the current through the victim's body. To prevent electrical shock, which can cause several types of injuries, make sure that your body cannot become part of the electrical flow and the path of the current.  Water reduces resistance and allows electricity to flow into wet areas, hands, arms, your body.  Electricity and water are a bad mix.

WHAT TO DO IN ELECTRIC SHOCK SITUATION

It is important to know how to help an electrical shock victim.

1. 1. First, stop the current flow from the circuit through the victim's body, if it hasn't already been done. Often, particularly in cases of low-voltage shock, victims are unable to pull away from the source of current.
3. 2. If the victim is still in contact with the current, disconnect or de-energize the circuit, if possible. If this cannot be accomplished, obtain a nonconductive item, such as dry clothing, dry rope or a dry stick, and remove the victim from the source of the current.
5. 3. Then call or send for help.
7. 4. Next, check to see if the victim's heart or breathing has stopped. Give the required first aid until professional help arrives.

GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY