● Electric shock occurs when a person becomes part of the electrical circuit as shown in Fig. 1.9 .
● The level or intensity of the shock will depend upon many factors, such as age, fi tness and the circum-
stances in which the shock is received.
● The lethal level is approximately 50 mA, above which muscles contract, the heart fl utters and breathing
stops.
● Below 50 mA only an unpleasant tingling sensation may be experienced or you may feel like you have
been hit in the chest.
To prevent people receiving an electric shock accidentally, all circuits must contain protective devices and all
exposed metal must be earthed.
All circuits must be isolated before any work is carried out.
Actions to be taken upon fi nding a workmate receiving an electric shock are as follows:
● Switch off the supply if possible.
● Alternatively, remove person from the supply without touching him .
● If breathing or heart has stopped, immediately call professional help by dialling 999 or 112 and asking
for the ambulance service. Give precise directions to the scene of the accident. The casualty stands the
best chance of survival if the emergency services can get a rapid response paramedic team quickly to
the scene. They have extensive training and will have specialist equipment with them.
● Only then should you apply resuscitation or cardiac massage until the patient recovers or help arrives.
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