If an electrical accident happens you shall:
There are special instructions and routines in case you or any of your colleagues are injured in an electrical accident. In order to avoid permanent damage from an electrical accident it is important to follow these routines:
- ASSESS THE RISK – Assess the situation. Switch off the current! If the current can’t be switched off – do not touch bare skin, pull the person holding the clothes or use a non-conducting object between yourself and the injured person.
- SAVE – Save yourself and those in immediate danger. Check the status of the injured.
- WARN – Warn anyone who could get injured.
- ALERT – Call 112. Ask for help from the people close by and contact the medical care – inform them that there has been an accident caused by electricity.
- START – Examine the injured person and perform first aid and CPR if needed.
- INFORM – Limit the property damages if you can do it without any risk. Inform your employer and boss.
First aid
• Check the heart and breathing – start CPR if needed.
• Cool burns.
• Examine the entire body.
Other types of accidents
Arc flash
- Put out fire in hair and clothes using a fire blanket or water.
- Let clothes covering the injury stay on.
- Cool the injury using cold water.
- Ease the pain of stinging eyes using a compress dipped in cold water.
- Make sure that the injured person gets fresh air.
Fallen overhead line
- Remember your own safety first – avoid being close to the line!
- Make sure that the current is disconnected before touching the injured person.
- If you can’t make sure that line is not energized – call 112 and wait for help.
When should you seek medical care?
Always seek medical attention if:
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- There was a flow of current through any part of the body.
- There was an electric arc.
- If the person was unconscious.
- If there is numbness or cramps.
- If struck by lightning.
During the medical examination
A medical examination after an electrical accident should at least consist of:
- The degree of consciousness.
- Injuries from a fall
- Muscles and skeleton examination by an orthopaedic surgeon.
- Measure upper and lower arm circumference, and thigh and calf circumference. Specify the measurement points.
- Urine sample.
- Burns.
- Burns.
- Troponin blood test and ECG.
- Examination of circulation and skin including the Allen’s test.
- Neurological examination.
- Acute psychological reactions.
- Other blood tests: CK, creatinine, potassium, urea and liversamples, myoglobin.
A copy of samples and tests performed must be sent with the patient!
After the medical examinations
- Make sure that the accident is reported with correct details within the company.
- Make sure that an occupational injury report is submitted to your insurance company/national authority.
- Follow-up and visit the company health centre in one week.
It is important to be examined by a doctor for any subsequent injuries. Tests may include: hearing, vision, physological, neurological, ECG, upper/lower arm circumference together with thigh and calf circumference. - Start the psychological process soon after the accident.
- Visit the workplace soon after the accident, since it reduces the risk of anxiety of electricity.
- Contact the health care if new symptoms arise.