Electrical Safety
Responding to
Electrical Emergencies
Electrical Emergencies
OSHA 1926.50 · OSHA 1926.403 · CPR Required Within 4 Minutes for Best Outcome
Electrocution kills within seconds. A worker in contact with an energized conductor cannot release their grip — their muscles contract involuntarily. The first responder's instinct to grab the victim will put them in the same circuit. Knowing the correct response — not the instinctive one — is the difference between one victim and two.
If You Find Someone in Contact with Live Current
- Do NOT touch the victim — you will become part of the circuit. This is the most important rule
- Immediately shut off the power source — use the disconnect switch, trip the breaker, or unplug the equipment
- If you cannot de-energize: use a non-conductive object (dry wood, plastic) to push the victim away from the source — never use metal or wet material
- Once separated from the source and power is confirmed off, call 911 and begin CPR if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing
After the Rescue — Critical Time Window
- Start CPR immediately if the victim is pulseless — CPR within 4 minutes gives the best chance of survival. Electrical cardiac arrest responds well to CPR and AED
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator): know the location on your site. AEDs are becoming standard on NYC large construction projects
- Even if the victim appears unharmed and refuses EMS: transport to the hospital — internal burns from electrical current can be fatal hours later with no external signs
NYC Site Requirements
- All foremen and SSM should hold current first aid/CPR certification — check with your GC's safety program
- First aid kit location must be known to all workers — covered in safety orientation (PL-021)
- All electrical incidents must be reported to the SSM and documented in the daily log — hospitalizations reported to DOB within 24 hours
Discussion Questions
- A coworker is gripping an energized tool and is unconscious. What are your first two actions, in order?
- Where is the AED located on this site? Where is the first aid kit?
- After being shocked briefly, a worker says they feel fine and refuses medical attention. What should you tell them?
- How much time do you have to start CPR to give a cardiac arrest victim the best chance of survival?
Sign-Off
Project Address
Date
Time
Foreman / Supervisor
SSM / SSC Name & License No.
Worker Attendance
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