18
GPP ELECTROFISHER
USER’S MANUAL
2016
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.
ELECTROFISHING SAFETY
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.
