EMG/General/TBT-EMG-012

Electrocution Emergency Response

Emergency Preparedness › General › Electrocution Emergency Response

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Electrocution incidents on construction sites can involve mains voltage, high voltage, or overhead power lines.
The first priority is to disconnect the power source — do not touch the casualty if they are still in contact.
For low voltage (230V/110V), switch off the supply at the distribution board or disconnect the plug.
For high voltage (above 1,000V), do not approach — call the electricity network operator to isolate.
If the supply cannot be disconnected, use a dry non-conductive object to push the casualty clear.
Once the casualty is clear of the electrical source, check for breathing and begin CPR if needed.
Electrical burns may appear minor on the surface but cause severe internal tissue and organ damage.
Cardiac arrest is the primary cause of death from electrocution — an AED should be used immediately.
All workers on site should know the location of the nearest AED and how to operate it.
Emergency services must be called immediately for any electrocution incident, even if the casualty appears well.

Save lives	Rapid disconnection of the power source and immediate CPR give the best chance of survival after electrocution.
Prevent secondary casualties	Touching a live casualty or approaching high voltage equipment turns rescuers into additional victims.
Hidden injuries	Electrical burns damage internal tissues invisibly — casualties need hospital assessment even if they seem fine.

Don't

Disconnect the electrical supply before approaching or touching the casualty
Call 999 immediately for all electrocution incidents regardless of apparent severity
Use a dry non-conductive object to separate the casualty from the source if needed
Begin CPR immediately if the casualty is not breathing after being made safe
Apply an AED as soon as one is available and follow the voice prompts
Treat visible burns with cool running water and cover with a sterile dressing
Keep the casualty lying down and monitor breathing until paramedics arrive
For HV incidents, call the network operator to isolate before anyone approaches
Preserve the scene for investigation once the casualty has been made safe
Brief all site workers on AED locations and basic electrocution first response

DON'T touch a casualty who is still in contact with a live electrical source
DON'T approach a high voltage incident — maintain at least 5 metres distance
DON'T use wet or metallic objects to separate a casualty from an electrical source
DON'T assume the casualty is fine because they are conscious — internal injuries are hidden
DON'T delay calling emergency services to attempt first aid on your own
DON'T move the casualty unless they are in immediate danger from another hazard
DON'T apply ice or creams to electrical burns — use cool running water only
DON'T allow the power supply to be restored until the incident area is declared safe
DON'T give up CPR until the emergency services arrive and take over
DON'T disturb the incident scene after the casualty is safe — evidence is needed

See also: Electrical Safety Awareness | Electrical Emergency Procedures

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