What is the first thing you should do if you see a fellow employee being electrocuted by a live circuit?

What is the first thing you should do if you see a fellow employee being electrocuted by a live circuit?

• A. Shut off the circuit
• B. Call emergency services
• C. Move the person away from the circuit
• D. Rinse the area with water

Answer: (A)

Power must be removed before you approach an electrical incident. De-energizing the circuit immediately stops the current, protecting you from receiving a shock and reducing further harm to the person who is being shocked. Once the circuit is off, you can safely reach the victim, check for responsiveness, and call emergency services if needed. After the danger from live electricity is eliminated, you can begin first aid as appropriate and wait for professionals. Why the other actions aren’t the first step: touching or moving the person while the circuit is live can transfer current to you and cause serious injury to you as well. Rinsing with water isn’t appropriate while power is on because water conducts electricity and can spread the current. Calling for help is important, but it should come after you’ve removed the danger by turning off the power. If you can’t shut off the power safely, don’t touch the person—use a non-conductive object to separate them from the source and summon help.

Power must be removed before you approach an electrical incident. De-energizing the circuit immediately stops the current, protecting you from receiving a shock and reducing further harm to the person who is being shocked.

Once the circuit is off, you can safely reach the victim, check for responsiveness, and call emergency services if needed. After the danger from live electricity is eliminated, you can begin first aid as appropriate and wait for professionals.

Why the other actions aren’t the first step: touching or moving the person while the circuit is live can transfer current to you and cause serious injury to you as well. Rinsing with water isn’t appropriate while power is on because water conducts electricity and can spread the current. Calling for help is important, but it should come after you’ve removed the danger by turning off the power. If you can’t shut off the power safely, don’t touch the person—use a non-conductive object to separate them from the source and summon help.