Electrical Burns
The most common shock-related, nonfatal injury is a burn.
Burns caused by electricity may be of three types:
- electrical burns,
- arc burns, and
- thermal contact burns.
Electrical burns can result when a person touches electrical wiring or equipment that is used or maintained improperly. They are one of the most serious injuries you can receive and usually require immediate attention.
Arc burns Arcing is the luminous electrical discharge that occurs when high voltage exists across a gap between conductors and current travels through the air. Temperatures as high as 35,000ºF have been reached in arc-blasts. Arc-blasts occur when powerful, high-amperage currents (1) arc in a distribution box or a motor control center (Confined Flash), or (2) arc in an open space with the energy escaping 360° in all directions (Open Flash).
Thermal burns occur when electricity starts a fire or explosion. Clothing may catch fire and thermal burns may result from the heat of the fire. Extremely high-energy arcs can also damage equipment, causing fragmented metal to fly in all directions.Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-6. What are the most common injuries due to electrical hazards?
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