Preventing yourself from receiving an electric shock can be summed up in three words: isolate, insulate, and ground.

1. Isolate: Isolate yourself from the source of electric shock. Secure the power to equipment before you attempt to work on it. Be sure to keep all electrical equipment covers, doors, and enclosures in place when you are not actually working on the equipment. If you must leave circuitry exposed, rope off the area, post appropriate signs, and warn your fellow workers of the danger.

2. Insulate: Make sure that the electrical tools and equipment you use are properly insulated. Use only approved insulated hand and portable electric power tools. Check power and extension cords frequently for deterioration, cracks, or breaks. Breaks in the insulation cause many electrical mishaps.

3. Ground: Electric current always follows the path of least resistance. To prevent yourself from being the unintentional path to ground, make sure that your equipment is well grounded. Well-grounded equipment will direct any stray electric current to ground, thereby protecting you from electric shock. A good ground can also help protect your equipment from excessive voltage spikes or lightning. For further information on equipment grounding, see Shipboard Bonding, Grounding, and Other Techniques for Electromagnetic Compatibility and Safety, MIL-STD 1310 (NAVY).

HOW TO TREAT VICTIMS OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

The rescue of electric shock victims depends on prompt action. However, to avoid becoming a victim yourself, you must observe the following safety precautions:

1. Shut off the voltage at once.

2. If you cannot shut off the voltage immediately, try to free the victim from the live conductor by using a dry board, belt, or clothing, or other nonconducting material. Do not make direct contact with any part of the victim's body with any part of your body! If you do, you will become part of the same circuit and may become an electric shock victim yourself!

3. After you remove the victim from the power source, determine if he or she is breathing. If the victim is not breathing, apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without delay. Loosen the clothing about the victim's neck, chest, and abdomen so that breathing is easier. Once the victim is breathing, protect him or her from exposure to cold, with a warm cover, if possible.

4. Keep the victim from moving. After a strong shock, the heart is very weak. Any sudden effort or activity may result in heart failure.

5. Send for a doctor or a corpsman, and stay with the victim until medical help has arrived. Do not give the victim stimulants.

To be able to successfully rescue a shock victim, it is extremely important that you and your shipmates be qualified in CPR. The effects of electric shock can range from mild surprise to death. It depends on the amount of current, the voltage, and the duration of the electric shock. Since people have varying resistance levels, it is hard to know exactly how a shock victim will be affected. More than likely, the victim will be very pale or bluish in color and may be unconscious. Therefore, immediate action is of the utmost importance.

Q1.      What three key factors will determine the severity of electric shock on your body?

Q2. What three one-word commands should you follow to prevent shocking yourself?