Electric Shock

Many people might think that it is just a normal electric shock, and what is a big deal about it? But if the shock is high in intensity, it can cause a fire, damage expensive equipment, or even lead to death. Awareness, training, and a strong preventive action plan are essential. This section explains what an electric shock is, its different types, and how to respond quickly if one happens. This knowledge isn’t just for professionals. It’s useful for anyone who uses gadgets or works in places where electricity is present.

What is an electric shock?

It is a reaction that occurs when a person touches something connected to an active power source. The material can be anything, even if it’s faulty, like a damaged wire or a broken electrical board. It usually passes from hand to foot or from hand to hand. The intensity of an electric shock depends on many different factors. It can be the amount of voltage, the strength of the current, or the electric path taken to reach the body. Knowing these is important because the effects of a shock are not always visible. Some are internal, and these factors help identify whether the injury is internal or external.

Sometimes, a person might not even realise they’ve had an electric shock. There may be no marks or burns, just a slight strain or pull. Often, they notice too late. Awareness, proper use of electrical equipment, and following safety guidelines are crucial to prevent serious accidents.

Four key types of electric shocks 

All electric shocks are not the same in terms of their intensity and force, and neither are their causes. Some shocks happen through direct contact. Others occur from touching an object, equipment, or even the ground. Understanding these differences helps judge the shock's intensity, its impact on the person, and the right safety response.

This part highlights the four main types of electric shock that usually happen in any workplace. Having clear information about them can help workers and safety officers know about the danger zones and implement necessary action protocols.  

Direct contact shock

This type of shock happens when a person accidentally or knowingly touches an exposed material that is connected to the power supply. It makes the body part of the electrical circuit, which allows the current to flow straight to it. These kinds of shocks are often dangerous and life-threatening because they directly expose the person to high voltage. 

Indirect contact shock

This electric shock happens when someone touches an object connected to an electrical circuit. It usually results from a system fault. For example, a person might touch the metal casing of a water cooler. If the casing is part of the circuit, it can give a shock, even without touching bare wires.

Step voltage shock

This occurs when a person walks on the ground with different voltages. One foot touches an area with a different electric charge than the other. For example, it can happen while walking over an underground power line on wet ground. The surface around the wire may already carry current.

Touch voltage shock 

This electric shock happens when a person touches an object that contains current directly while standing on another surface or the ground. It completes the whole circuit and leads to the passing of the shock to the body through the hands. The best example to understand this is when someone touches a damaged power board or a control dashboard, which is already active due to poor grounding provisions. 

How do you treat an electric shock?

To treat an electric shock, cut the power source completely and focus on the person’s health until help arrives. The carer needs to first understand the severity of the shock, as it can range from a mild discomfort to a potential life-threatening injury. The list below will give you some useful steps to follow in helping someone who is affected by a high-intensity shock.

• Safety first measures: Don’t touch the person directly if they are still in touch with the main power supply. The best option here is to cut the power supply straight away, remove the plugged appliances, and trip the entire circuit flow. 
• Check the victim’s condition and give them first aid: Once the person is away from the main power supply, check their condition and provide first aid facilities. If they are unconscious, provide them CPR and, in case of consciousness, place them in a correct position on the bed. 
• See expert medical advice: In case of an electric shock, a person might often look as fully recovered, but there might be delayed effects shown, such as irregular heartbeats, or anxiety with any electrical appliance. Health professionals can perform necessary tests that highlight the damage and ensure proper recovery.