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Grossman Burn Center
Electrical Burn Safety
Electricity is recognized as a potentially serious workplace hazard. Electricity has the potential to cause shock, electrocution, burns, fires, and explosions. Fatalities and injuries have occurred from electrical hazards in the workplace. What makes this more tragic is that most of these fatalities could have been avoided.
To protect yourself from electrical hazards:
- Use insulation to help stop or reduce flow of electrical current.
- Locate or enclose electric equipment.
- Ground yourself and equipment to intentionally create a low-resistance path connected to the earth.
- Use electrical protective devices. These limit or stop the flow of current automatically in the event of a ground fault, overload, or short circuit in the wiring system.
- Follow safe work practices:
- De-energize electric equipment before inspection or repair.
- Keep electric tools properly maintained.
- Exercise caution when working near energized lines.
- Use appropriate protective equipment.
In the event of an electrical burn, make sure it is safe before you help:
- If possible, turn off the electrical current or use something that does not conduct electricity – such as a pole or board – to push the person off.
- Lay the victim down and call for help. Do not move the victim.
- Obtain medical attention as soon as possible.
