Smith-Root ELECTROFISHING BOATS, User Manual, Page: 43 / 53

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USER'S MANUAL
ELECTROfISHING SAfETY
ELECTROfISHING SAfETY
SAfE fISHING
Electrofishing equipment uses voltages and currents that
can be lethal to humans. The operators must always keep
in mind that the chance of receiving an electrical shock
is multiplied in or near water. Using an electrofisher
is like using a firearm: if used properly and with good
judgment it is perfectly safe; lose respect for it and you
can lose your life!
Electrical equipment used in a moist field environment
is always subject to deterioration that could lead to
dangerous electrical shock. Field equipment is also
subjected to vibration and impact during transporting
and while in operation. Often equipment shared by
different crews does not receive proper maintenance or
a complete checkout.
Follow the safety guidelines, and use good common
sense to handle unforeseen circumstances.
All personnel involved in electrofishing should be
taught the fundamentals of electricity, and have an
understanding of the safety requirements.
The most important factor in electrofishing efficiency
and safety is the training and experience of the crew. At
least two members of the crew should be qualified to
administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation. As oppor tu-
nities arise, all crew members should attend a course in
basic life-support training.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK
It is the current that passes through the human body that
does the damage. The voltage is relevant, because it is
the force that “pushes” the current through the body.
Experiments show that 20 to 500 Hz AC current is more
dangerous than DC, or higher frequencies of AC.
The voltages used by electrofishing gear cause death by
one of three means:
Ventricular Fibrillation
Ventricular fibrillation is uncoordinated contraction of
the muscles of the heart. The heart quivers rather than
beats. Electrical current through the chest can cause
this condition. Once a person goes into ventricular
fibrillation, the only way to stop the quivering is to use
a defibrillator that applies a pulse shock to the chest to
restore heart rhythm. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation may
help to keep a victim alive until he can be defibrillated.
Respiratory Arrest
The respiratory center is at the base of the skull. Thus,
shocks to the head can cause the breathing to stop.
Artificial respiration by the mouth-to-mouth method
should be used in this case.
Asphyxia
Asphyxia is caused by contraction of the chest muscles.
When a current is above a certain level, a person cannot
let go of an electrically hot wire. Currents above this
level may not cause ventricular fibrillation, but may
be enough to cause contraction of the chest muscles. If
the current is not stopped, or the victim is not removed
from the point of electrical contact, asphyxia will result.
Artificial respiration or cardiopulmonary resuscitation
may be necessary.