Smith-Root ELECTROFISHING BOATS, User Manual, Page: 44 / 53

42
2007
ELECTROfISHING
BOATS
PREVENTING ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Electricity needs to have a complete electrical circuit
in order for current to flow. The only way that you can
get shocked is if you become the electrical conductor
to complete the circuit. The current flows from the
cathode to the anode through the water. The water is the
electrical conductor. If you touched both the anode and
the cathode you would become an electrical conductor
and complete the circuit path and get a severe electrical
shock. If you were to touch only one of the electrodes,
you would not complete the electrical circuit and not get
shocked.
WARNING: Touching any electrode is not
recommended. Unless all conductive objects you come
into contact with are connected to the same electrode,
you will be shocked to find a current path that is not
obvious, e.g., the water, or the boat.
Preventing electrical shock means preventing electrical
current from entering and flowing through parts of the
body. The skin is a partial but variable barrier, because
it offers resistance to the passage of electrical current.
Tough skin has more resistance than tender skin, and dry
skin more than wet skin. But tough dry skin alone does
not offer enough protection for electrofishing. Rubber
lineman’s gloves, rated 5,000V minimum should always
be worn.
Even while wearing rubber gloves and waders, never
touch an electrode while the circuit is energized.
Do not work on the electrical system while the generator
is running. Do not enter the water while the current is on
during boom shocking operations.
A severe electrical shock from electrofishing gear may
result in the need for artificial respiration; therefore, it is
imperative that no one ever works alone.
To prevent electrical shock, all electrical equipment
should be carefully inspected before each field
operation. With all electrical equipment in good
operating condition, and all insulation, junction boxes,
bonding, and connections intact, there is much less
danger of receiving an electrical shock.
PLANNING fOR SAfETY
1. Never electrofish alone! A minimum of two properly
trained people is required for every electrofishing
crew.
2. A crew leader shall be appointed for all electrofishing.
The crew leader is responsible for the safety of the
crew, and the enforcement of all safety regulations.
3. The crew leader, and at least one additional crew
member, shall receive training in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR), and First Aid.
4. All electrofishing personnel shall receive training in
fundamentals of electricity and safety.
5. Check your electrofisher before each operation, to
ensure that it is in good working order.
6. Turn off your electrofisher before making any
connections or part replacements.
7. When not in use, and when transporting the unit,
disconnect the power supply.
8. Check that the electrofisher gives an audible signal
when there is voltage present at the anode.
9. Do not make any field modifications to your
electrofisher without written approval from the
manufacturer or a qualified electrical engineer.
10. Use only dip nets with insulated handles.
11. Wear personal flotation devices.
12. Wear lineman’s gloves, rated 5,000V minimum.
13. Never reach into the water in vicinity of an electrode,
even if rubber gloves are being worn.
14. Take frequent breaks. Stress and fatigue endanger
the crew.
15. Practice the quick release system as shown on page
C-6.