Contact Release: What is the Best Way?

Training and planning are critical for the safe release of electrical shock victims.

By Derek Vigstol, Contributor

NFPA 70E®: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace® requires that employees exposed to electric shock hazards and those deemed responsible for the safe release of victims from contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts be trained in methods of safe release.

Yet, it never fails that when I ask a class of qualified electrical workers what their employer’s preferred method is, I either get the deer in the headlights look or someone blurts out, “the running drop kick method.” Of course, drop kicking a victim is not recommended under any circumstances to release a shock victim. And it seems as though I’m not alone on this as the idea to cover this topic came from a friend that has similar experiences. Let’s dive into what this important section in NFPA 70E is telling us.

SAFE RELEASE METHODS

When a worker experiences what is commonly called being “hung up” it is because enough electrical current is flowing through their body to interrupt the brain’s ability to operate muscles in the body. This can happen at low levels of current, it is even possible as low as 10-25 milliamps. Releasing someone from being hung up boils down to two options: interrupt the current flowing through their body or take measures to dislodge them from the circuit.

Either of these methods can be effective but both have potential downsides. First, to de-energize the circuit requires knowing where the circuit disconnect is located and this might take time to determine the source. Time is typically something the victim can’t afford. Second, dislodging a victim requires contacting the victim and if not done properly can turn the rescuer into the second victim.

DE-ENERGIZING THE CIRCUIT

De-energizing the circuit will always be the best option though. So, let’s look at how we can use this method in the most effective way. The key here is pre-planning. Sure, there will be times where this method can be spur of the moment, such as if the victim is being shocked by cord and plug connected equipment and you can simply unplug the equipment. However, if the work involves equipment that is not cord-and-plug, and company policy is that the circuit is to be de-energized to release the victim, we must discuss a few things before we begin. One thing that we need to know is where is the upstream disconnect. Is it nearby or is it remote? If the disconnect is some distance away, can another person be stationed at the disconnect with a radio and ready to operate the disconnect? If the disconnect is remote and there is nobody to stand by at the ready, then an alternative method might be more effective. This is why we need to plan for this and account for how to accomplish this in the emergency response plan required to be a part of the job safety planning process.

If the de-energization process is determined to be too time consuming or an employee is going to be working by themselves, the emergency response plan should account for having a non-conductive means to dislodge the victim. As the employee performing energized work and the potential victim, it is in our best interest to stage this means in the work area and not rely on the rescuer to have to go find something. There are too many variables to leave this up to chance. Does the rescuer know where to find the closest rescue hook? If the rescuer uses a wooden object, is it dry or has it soaked up moisture and could be conductive? Or is there even anything that can be used effectively in the area? Determining what will be used and placing it in the work area can shave valuable time off the response.

DISLODGING THE SHOCK VICTIM

So, what type of options are there to dislodge a person that is being shocked? There are specific items made just for this purpose. Rescue hooks are one of the most common items that employers provide for safe contact release. Consisting of a coated hook on the end of what is essentially a live-line tool, they are certainly going to be non-conductive when in proper working condition. However, a previous audit of an aluminum machining facility revealed that their rescue hooks were covered in a fine aluminum dust as they hadn’t been taken off the wall in years. This illustrates the need to do a thorough inspection and cleaning of rescue hooks prior to performing work if these are to be relied upon. Another potential issue is what happens if the victim is positioned in such a way that they can’t be hooked. How do we pull them to safety if we can’t get the rescue hook around them?

Another option is a retrieval strap that is integral to arc flash PPE. This is a non-conductive Kevlar rope that has been integrated into an arc flash suit or that is attached to an arc-rated vest that the worker can wear either over the top of their normal arc-rated clothing or normal work attire if no arc flash PPE is required. The strap is not just a rope that has been tied around the worker, but rather it has a continuous loop that forms a shoulder holster on the worker and Kevlar rope has been tested to meet ASTM F1701 for being non-conductive. This retrieval system also allows for fast and easy recovery of someone who might be injured after an arc flash.

Whichever method an employer specifies, the key to using it effectively is knowing how to use it and understanding the limitations.

TRAINING IS REQUIRED

The last part of the requirement in NFPA 70E is that the employee must have training in how to properly release a shock victim safely, and refresher training must occur annually. The training requirement applies to employees exposed to shock hazards and anyone else deemed responsible for responding. This can be as simple as walking through the process prior to commencing the task that needs it, or incorporating methods of safe contact release into formal electrical safety training. The choice is up to the employer, but training must occur.

In addition to training those that will perform this practice, it must be emphasized just how important the method of safe contact release will be during the job safety planning process. Just like determining AED locations and who will contact emergency response personnel, discussing how to release a shock victim is a key component to the 2024 requirement for an emergency response plan as a part of the Job Safety Plan (JSP). The key to safety is planning the work and working the plan. Until next time, stay safe and always remember to test before you touch! ESW

Derek Vigstol is an electrical safety and maintenance consultant for e-Hazard Management, LLC. He is also the co-host of e-Hazard’s electrical safety and maintenance focused podcast, Plugged into Safety, which can be found wherever you enjoy your podcast listening. He can be reached at derek.vigstol@e-hazard.com.