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Preventing Electrical Burns

To help reduce your chances of an electric burn, take the following steps:

Use child safety plugs in all outlets.
Keep electrical cords out of children's reach.
Avoid electrical hazards by following manufacturer's safety instructions when using electrical appliances. Always turn off circuit breakers before making repairs to wiring.
Avoid using electrical appliances while showering or wet.
Never touch electrical appliances while touching faucets or cold water pipes.

RESOURCES:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Ag Safety Database
http://www.cdc.gov/NASD/menu/topic/electrical_safety.html

City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services
http://www.vbgov.com

University of Virginia Health System
http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Just the Berries, for Family Physicians
http://www.theberries.ns.ca

University of Northern British Columbia
http://www.unbc.ca

References:

Browne, BJ, Gaasch, WR. Electrical injuries and lightning. Emerg Med Clin North Am 1992; 10:211.

Cawley, JC, Homce, GT. Occupational electrical injuries in the United States, 1992-1998, and recommendations for safety research. J Safety Res 2003; 34:241.

Cooper, MA. Electrical and lightning injuries. Emerg Med Clin North Am 1984; 2:489

The American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=familydoctor&lic=44&article_set=21666 . Accessed October 11, 2006.

The US Library of Medicine website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000053.htm . Accessed February 12, 2008.

Last reviewed November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Electrical Burns Support Group

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