Through everyday use, broken ground wires inside power cords and excessive leakage current can compromise the safety of your patients and staff. Approximately 10,000 patient/device injuries happen each year. Injuries range from simple shock, to burns or even cardiac or respiratory arrest.
Some critical points on Electrical Safety:
- Only use equipment tested and dated for proper electrical safety.
- Higher use and portable equipment should be considered for bi-annual inspection.
- Check for proper grounding after relocation of equipment.
- Report frayed or dry-rotted cords and plugs.
- Report loose electrical covers.
- Never use equipment tagged for repair, before technician releases it for use and applies a current inspection sticker.
- Discontinue use and tag equipment that shocks, sparks, or smokes.
Dangers of Electricity – Physiological Effects of Electric Shock
| Current | Effect |
|---|---|
| .001 Amere (1 Milliampere) | “Tingling,” threshold of perception |
| .020 Amps (20 Ma) | Muscle spasms, hard to release grip |
| .0505 Amps (50 Ma) | Pain, possible fainting, transient interruption of respiration |
| .100 Amps (100 Ma) | Ventricular fibrillation |
| > 5 Amps | Sustained myocardial contraction, possible burns, temporary respiratory paralysis |
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