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.p
When should you seek medical care?
You shall see medical care if:
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- There was a flow of current through any part of the body.
- There was an arc.
- If the person is unconscious.
- If there is numbness and tingling.
- If there was a lightning strike.
A quick CPR and first aid can save lives. Make sure you have the vital information on CPR, respiratory blocking and where to find the nearest heart defibrillator.
During the medical examination
A medical examination after an electrical accident should at least consist of:
- Examination of the level of consciousness.
- Injuries from falling
- Blood circulation and skin, Allen’s test.
- Burns.
- Neurological functions.
- Muscles and skeleton examined by an orthopedist.
- Measurements of arms and legs. Measuring points shall be noted.
- ECG and troponin blood test. A copy of the testing and controls shall be given to the patient.
- Other blood tests: Creatine kinase, Övriga blodprover: CK, creatinine, carbamide, liver samples and myoglobin.
- Urine sample.
- Acute psychological reactions.
After the medical examinations
After the medical examinations you shall:
- Make sure that the accident is reported to the company with correct information.
- Make sure that the accident is reported to the Swedish Nation Electrical Safety Board and Swedish Work Environment Authority.
- Revisit the medical health care a week after, and a few months after, the accident. Revisiting the doctor is important in order to discover any delayed symptoms.
- 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.