TYPES OF ELECTRICAL INJURIES

Electrical injuries are damage caused by the passage of an electrical current through the body. Humans conduct electricity better than the earth, which means it will flow through a person until a more optimal path is found.

As electricity tries to find ground, it blocks electrical signals between the body and muscles, resulting in what is known as an electric shock, which can have the following consequences:

Loss of consciousness

Burns.

Muscle spasms.

Acceleration of the heart rate.

Death.

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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health states that: “in dry circumstances, the resistance offered by the human body can be up to 600,000 ohms; however, humidity can drop it down to 100 ohms. High voltage energy breaks down the skin, reducing resistance to just 500 ohms.

The minimum current that a human can withstand depends on the type, as well as the frequency in the AC. The maximum amperage that can cause muscle contractions but still allow the energized object to be released is known as the "no-release threshold.

Here we explain the different types of electrical injuries to better understand their impact on the human body:

Electric shock

Its severity depends on several factors such as the amount of voltage received, the parts of the body involved, the presence of moisture, the time the current flowed through the body, and the use or not of personal protective equipment . Electrocution

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These electrical injuries are caused by the sudden and involuntary introduction of large and persistent amounts of electricity into the body.

The energy that comes into contact with the person is so strong that it stops the heart and causes death. Fortunately, in minor cases, there are no visible marks. However, in the most delicate you can find visual indications of skin burns.

Muscle contractions and falls

After receiving an electric shock, a person usually experiences muscle spasms that can become very painful. It is normal for the victim to be unable to release the electrical source for this reason.

This impact can also lead to falls from great heights into dangerous spaces with machinery, or roads with moving vehicles.

Burns

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These electrical injuries are caused by the heat generated by an arc flash. The ultraviolet and infrared light from this incident can also cause eye damage.

Electricians face this type of risk, especially if their workplace does not have the minimum safety measures.

Burns can range from first to third degree, as well as being internal or external. These occur when electricity burns the tissue of the body. These can be true electric, an electric arc, by flame, by electric flash, and by the effect of lightning.

Electrical surges, damaged equipment, and lack of maintenance can lead to overheating, resulting in heat that can inflict injury.

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This should urge employers and managers to implement more stringent safety measures to prevent these types of electrical injuries.

These are other effects that electrical injuries can have:

Fear of electricity.

Depression.

Anxiety.

Loss of memory.

Finally, other incidents that lead to electrical injuries: