Burns caused by electricity may be of three types: electrical burns, arc burns, and thermal contact burns . Electrical burns can result when a person touches electrical wiring or equipment that is used or maintained improperly. Typically, such burns occur on the hands.
What are the types of burns caused by electricity?
- Low-voltage burn. ...
- High voltage burn. ...
- Arc burn. ...
- Flash burn. ...
- Flame burn. ...
- Oral burns.
What are the 4 main types of electrical burns?
There are four main types of electrical injuries: flash, flame, lightning, and true .
What are the 5 types of electrical incidents?
That being said, there are six main types of electrical burns: arc burns, low voltage burns, high voltage burns, oral burns, flash burns, and flame burns .
What degree burn is an electrical burn?
Like other burns, electrical burns have 3 degrees of severity , each with distinctive symptoms: First-degree burns —Injury is only to the outer layer of skin. They are red and painful, and may cause some swelling.
How do you treat a electrical burn?
Treatments for a mild skin burn can include: Cooling the burn – You can put a cool cloth on your burn or soak it in cool water. Do not put ice on a burn. Covering the burn with a clean bandage – Your doctor might also recommend or prescribe a cream or ointment to soothe the skin or prevent an infection.
What is the most common type of electrical injury?
Electrical burns are the most common shock-related, nonfatal injury. They occur when a worker contacts energized electrical wiring or equipment. Although electrical burns can occur anywhere on the body, they most often occur on the hands and feet.
How long do electrical burns take to heal?
As the skin heals, it may peel. Additionally, it may take three to 20 days for a first-degree burn to heal properly. Healing time may depend on the area affected. Always consult your doctor if the burn shows signs of infection or becomes worse.
What is the first aid for an electric burn?
Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of circulation, such as breathing, coughing or movement. Try to prevent the injured person from becoming chilled. Apply a bandage . Cover any burned areas with a sterile gauze bandage, if available, or a clean cloth.
What is the most common cause of all burns?
Many things can cause a burn. Thermal sources, including fire, hot liquids, steam and contact with hot surfaces , are the most common causes of burns. Other causes include exposure to: Chemicals, such as cement, acids or drain cleaners.
What are the 2 kinds of electrical shock?
Section Summary. The two types of electric hazards are thermal (excessive power) and shock (current through a person) . Shock severity is determined by current, path, duration, and AC frequency. Table 1 lists shock hazards as a function of current.
What are the common electrical accident?
Electrical Accident Causes
Old wiring . Electric cords that run under carpeting. Flammable materials left near exposed electrical wiring in the workplace. ... Poor wiring: substandard wiring can lead to electrical fires and electric shock.
What is an electrical fire?
What is an electrical fire? A failure or malfunction within the electrical components of equipment or machinery can cause electrical fires. Electrical fires originate in electric wires, cables, circuit breakers, and within electrical components.
What does an electrical burn feel like?
You may feel tingling in your hand or arm . Usually, this tingling goes away in a few minutes. If you do not have damage to the skin or other symptoms, there is no reason to worry. If your skin is burned by electricity, there is cause for concern.
How do you know a burn is serious?
In general, if the burn covers more skin than the size of the palm of your hand it needs medical attention. Signs of infection. If the pain increases, there is redness or swelling , or liquid or a foul odor is coming from the wound then the burn is likely infected. Worsening over time.
What are the signs of a second degree burn?
Signs and symptoms of second-degree burns include severe pain, swelling, redness, and blisters that sometimes break open . The area can be wet looking with a bright pink to cherry red color. Deep burns can result in scarring. Burns can be caused by contact with fire, heated objects, steam, hot liquids, or chemicals.
