3. When the human body comes into contact
with electricity, electrocution can occur.
The body then acts as a conductor for the
electricity.
An electrical accident can occur during work
on the power supply, when manipulating a
broken electrical device, or when touching
electrical connections. It can involve low-
voltage or high-voltage electricity.
4. …/…
Low-voltage accident: when the voltage is less than 1000
volts. These accidents often occur at home, e.g. when
manipulating a broken electrical socket.
High-voltage accident: at a voltage of more than 1000
volts, such as a high voltage pylon or the overhead wires of
electric trains. When such a cable breaks, a very
dangerous situation can arise.
5. Cont's
Note : A high-voltage accident is always
serious.
The person can even be thrown by the force.
Usually you can tell from the scene whether it
is a low- or high-voltage accident.
6. TO ENSURE SAFETY
▪ Low-voltage electrocution :
▪ ■ Turn off the power as soon as possible
and make sure it cannot be turned back on
accidentally.
▪ Do not touch a person connected to a
power source before you have turned off
the power.
▪ ■ Remove the person from the electrical
source.
7. Cont’s
▪ ■ When you cannot turn off the power:
▪ ■ Isolate yourself from the ground by wearing rubber
shoes or standing on isolating material (e.g. wooden
surfaces, boxes or books).
▪ ■ Then use an object that does not conduct electricity
(e.g. a wooden stick) to remove the person from the
power source
Note :When the person is no longer connected to the power source,
make the first contact with them by touching them with the back of your
hand.
8. WHAT DO YOU SEE
▪ The person:
▪ ■ may be unconscious ;
▪ ■ may have difficulty breathing or have chest discomfort ;
▪ ■ may have burns.
Look especially at the place where they had contact with the
power source (e.g. the hands) and the place where the
power left their body (e.g. the feet);
▪ ■ may have muscle cramps.
9. Note:First aid can only be safely provided when the power source
is removed or turned off.
■ Provide first aid according to the person’s injuries.
■ Arrange medical attention for the person, even if they recover
quickly.
■ Stay with the person until they receive medical care, when
urgent transport to medical
care is needed .
■ Check their consciousness and breathing every minute.
■ Act according to your observations.
■ Wash your hands after providing first aid.
10. To Ensure safety :
▪■ Do not come near the power source. Stay at least
10 meters from any high-voltage installation.
▪ A high-voltage cable lying on the ground may still be
live. The soil, within a radius of a few meters of the
area will also be energised.
11. WHAT SHOULD YOU SEE
▪ The person:
▪ ■ may have symptoms similar to a low-voltage
accident;
▪ ■ may have been thrown from the power source, have
torn clothing, and their gloves or safety-helmet may
have been thrown by the air displacement.
12. Note : Do not remove the power
source from the person as
described in low-voltage
electrocution.
The voltage is too high.
13. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO
▪Call for help!
▪■ Alert emergency services, if possible.
▪■ Leave the rescue of the person to the
emergency services.
14. PREVENTION OF ELECTROCUTION
▪ ■ Have the installation of the electrical wiring in your home installed
by an expert. Make sure you have a good grounding.
▪ ■ Avoid using faulty electrical devices.
▪ ■ Do not use an electrical device in the vicinity of water. Avoid using
devices with wet hands.
▪ ■ Roll a cable reel all the way down, even if you do not need the full
length of the cable.
▪ ■ Never work on electrical devices when they are under power.
Leave repairs to electrical devices to an expert.
▪ ■ When unplugging an electrical cable, do not pull the wire.
