Types of Electrical Injuries

• Electrical shock can kill.An Electricity Warning Sign. image by daseaford from Fotolia.com
  
  Electrical shock is common in the world of electricity. Common shock-related injuries include electrical burns, flash burns, and thermal contact burns. Electrical burns are the end result of heat-generated electrical current that flows through a person's body. Flash burns are a by-product of explosions or electrical arcs. Highly overheated electrical equipment that catches fire can lead to thermal contact burns. Electrical shock can cause cardiac arrest in some individuals, as well as internal bleeding, tissue destruction, and nerve and muscle damage.
  
  

Causes

• Avoid contact with power lines to prevent electrical incidences.Power Lines image by Towards Ithaca from Fotolia.com
  
  In most cases, people's uninformed knowledge about the do's and don'ts regarding electrical safety can pose many safety issues. For example, staying away from live power lines (even if downed) is a good one. Remember the saying, don't monkey around power lines. Often times, electrical fires spread because individuals use water to put out the flames. Everyone isn't aware that you should never use water on an electrical fire or around electricity period. In the workplace, electrical equipment may be used in an area where hazardous explosions can arise. In this case, flammable gases and other substances in the air can cause explosions.
  
  

Effects

• The electrical energy of the current can determine the severity of the shock.electricity image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  The effects of electrical currents can be pretty extreme. As the currents rises, the effects become more and more severe. Ten milliamperes currents are capable of producing painful to severe shocks. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), unsafe currents between 100 to 200 milliamperes are fatal and individuals may exhibit extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe burns, severe muscle contractions, and possibly death.
  
  

Solutions

• Always tag broken equipment to reduce electrical injuries.monitor broken image by Nicemonkey from Fotolia.com
  
  In order to reduce electrical shocks, fires, and the loss of life and property, individual--whether working in the electrical arena or not--must understand safety guidelines and procedures for electrical safety. Remember to always inspect electrical equipment before use, eliminating all equipment with frayed cords, missing ground prongs and cracked tool casing. Keeping appliances and other equipment away from water, and placing a "broken" tag on any defective electrical equipment that's in need of repairing can also increase electrical safety.
  
  

Benefits

• Teaching others about electrical safety is very important.students image by Ivanna Buldakova from Fotolia.com
  
  Prevention is essential for reducing electric shock and other injuries. Electricians and others who work around electricity should try taking a CPR course to better assist the public in emergency situations. Skilled volunteers can also teach basic classes on electrical safety to local community and senior citizen centers to help others understand the importance of electrical safety.