What steps should you take if you experience an electrical shock while welding?

What steps should you take if you experience an electrical shock while welding?

• A. Immediately shut off power and call for help.
• B. Move the victim away with a metal tool.
• C. Touch the victim to assess responsiveness.
• D. Immediately shut off power, do not touch the person while energized, use a nonconductive object to move them if safe, seek medical help.

Answer: (D)

When a welding-related electrical shock occurs, the first priority is to remove the hazard at the source. Shut off the power immediately to stop the current from flowing. Do not touch the victim while the circuit is still energized, because you could become the next person shocked since metals and your body conduct electricity. If you need to move the person to get away from the live source and it’s safe to do so, use a nonconductive object (like a wooden stick or other dry, insulated tool) and only give a push or pull with that tool. After the power is off, seek medical help right away, even if the person seems okay, because electrical shocks can cause serious internal injuries or delayed complications. Once the area is safe, assess the person's responsiveness and breathing and provide first aid or CPR if trained until professional help arrives.

When a welding-related electrical shock occurs, the first priority is to remove the hazard at the source. Shut off the power immediately to stop the current from flowing. Do not touch the victim while the circuit is still energized, because you could become the next person shocked since metals and your body conduct electricity. If you need to move the person to get away from the live source and it’s safe to do so, use a nonconductive object (like a wooden stick or other dry, insulated tool) and only give a push or pull with that tool. After the power is off, seek medical help right away, even if the person seems okay, because electrical shocks can cause serious internal injuries or delayed complications. Once the area is safe, assess the person's responsiveness and breathing and provide first aid or CPR if trained until professional help arrives.