How to Deal with an Electrical Emergency at the Workplace

Electricity-related accidents aren’t uncommon. Some of them can be extremely dangerous. In 2019, there were 166 electricity-related fatalities in the US alone.

The risk of an electrical emergency can be minimized by taking proper precautions; however, there’s always the risk of electrical emergencies.  Here we’ll discuss everything you need to keep in mind if you find yourself in an electrical emergency at a workplace.

How to Deal with Electrical Emergencies

1. Stay Away from Electric Shock Victims

The human body is made of elements that conduct electricity. If the voltage is high enough, the muscles in a human body contract, making it unable to let go of the object transmitting the voltages.

You’d want to help the victim by pulling them away, but you’ll end up getting electrocuted yourself as the current can easily pass from one human body to another.

Additionally, watch out for spilled water on the accident site as water is also an excellent conductor. You’ll end up getting the shock if you come in contact with it.

2. Turn the Power Off

To prevent further damage, find the power source immediately and turn it off — only if it’s safe to do so.

If you’re unable to turn off the power, try to detach the victim from the power source using a dry, poor conductor made of cardboard, plastic, or wood, like a wooden broomstick or a rescue crook.

3. Immediately Call an Ambulance

If you don’t have a professional who can deal with the situation, you need to call emergency services immediately. A victim of electricity-related injuries needs immediate medical attention.

Be sure to share enough details of the incident, so the paramedics come well prepared.

4. Give First Aid Yourself

Before the ambulance arrives, knowing how to treat the victim can, in many cases, save their life. However, only when the victim is away from the electric source can you start giving them first aid. Electricity injuries can range from burns to cardiac arrest.

In case of burns, apply cold water to the injury and cover it with dressings. Never apply oil to the burnt site. Use kitchen glad wrap instead, if you don’t have a first aid kit.

On the other hand, if the victim is unresponsive, apply CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives.

Handling electrical installations and repairs is a risky affair that’s best left to the experts. At BG Electric Service LLC, we have a team of highly skilled technicians that provides quality electrical services in Philadelphia.

We offer a wide range of services like generator installations, panel upgrades, meter box replacement, and rewiring services in Philadelphia. For quick, reliable, and precise emergency services to your electrical needs, reach out to us.