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LR-24
BACKPACK ELECTROFISHER
SECTION 7: ELECTROFISHING SAFETY (CONT.)
WHAT IS 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 can 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 they 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.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
• First aid kit.
• Non-breathable chest waders or non-
breathable hip boots with non-slip soles.
• Lineman electrical gloves rated and tested at a
minimum of 1,000 volts.
• Check personal protective equipment for leaks
and holes.
OPTIONAL:
• Brimmed hat
• Polarized sunglasses
• Life jacket and or wading belt
• Raincoat
CREW PREPARATION:
• Designate a crew leader.
• For safety reasons, there should be a minimum
of three person crews. Never electrofish alone.
CREW LEADER RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Designate 1 person to order power of the
electrofisher to be turned on.
• Clarify with the entire crew the location of the
nearest hospital and evacuation route in case of
an accident.
• Make it clear that any member of the crew can
order power off.
CREW RESPONSIBILITIES:
• All crew members should be trained in
fundamentals of electricity and safety.
• As electrofishing is inherently dangerous. All
crew should be alert and attentive; take breaks
as necessary.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
In case of an accident:
• Turn off power to the electrofisher
• Evaluate situation and take appropriate action