EMERGENCY RESPONSE WEB APP

 

Electrical Injuries

 

 
Click here to see how to remove person from power source

DO NOT TOUCH OR APPROACH THE PERSON IF THEY ARE STILL IN CONTACT WITH THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT

Call 911 if: 

  • The source of the power was high voltage or lightening
  • The person is unconscious
  • The person has severe burns
  • The person is confused
  • The person has difficulty breathing
  • The person has muscle pain and contractions
  • The person is experiencing seizures 

 If the person loses consciousness, call 911.


Stay at least 20 feet away from overhead and high-voltage power lines until the absence of power has been verified

Monitor breathing until medical help arrives

First aid treatment of Electrical Burns 

  • Burns may be much worse beneath the skin than what appears on the surface. A person with electrical burns should seek professional medical attention.
  • Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze dressing or a clean cloth and bandage. Do not use something with a lot of fibers, like a blanket or towel, to cover up the wound.
  • DO NOT apply ointment. Burn creams from a first aid kit are acceptable for minor burns 

Removing the Source of Power

1. Use E-Stop

The differences between an E-Stop and an Emergency Power Off (EPO) are in the wiring but their functions are similar - they will remove power to devices on the same circuit.

All of the test stands within Yaskawa have E-Stops. If you can safely get to the E-Stop, depress the button.

2. Disconnect Switch or Circuit Breaker

If you can't get to an E-Stop but you know where the disconnect switch or circuit breaker is, you can remove power at the switch. Make sure you are well clear of the person and any exposed live conductors.  

If you can't remove the power from the person, you have to remove the person from the power.
  1. Non-conductive shepherd's hooks are located in Yaskawa labs and test areas. Place the hook around the persons waist or under one arm and over the opposite shoulder and pull back.
  2. If the shepherd's hook is not available, use something non-conductive to pull or push the person away from the electrical source. Broom handles, PVC pipe, and insulated wire are examples of what you can use.

 DO NOT try a "Flying Tackle" to remove the person from power.


Using Shepherd's Hook


For information about this web guide, contact EHS@Yaskawa.com