Electrical Burns

Electrical Burns

Electrical burns occur when current jumps from an electrical outlet, cord, or appliance and passes through your body. Electrical burns cause tissue damage, and are one of the most serious injuries you can receive and need to be treated immediately.

• Burns suffered in electrical incidents can be divided into three types: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns. All three types of burns may be produced simultaneously.

• High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only very small injuries on the outside of the skin where it enters and much larger wounds where it exits. Burns suffered in electrical accidents may affect the skin, muscles, and bone.

• High temperatures near the body produced by an electric arc or explosion cause arc or flash burns. They should also be attended to promptly.

• Thermal contact burns occur when skin comes in contact with overheated electric equipment, or when clothing is ignited in an electrical incident.

• If someone receives an electrical burn, seek medical attention immediately. If the victim is still in contact with the energized circuit, shut it off. Do not touch the victim. You do not want to be a victim too.

• To prevent electrical burns, use safe work practices, lock out and tag all machines/equipment/circuits during service, wear proper personal protective equipment, and stay at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.