What specialised first aid supplies do electricians require?
Short Answer: Non-adhesive burn dressings, hydrogel, saline, sterile eye pads, trauma dressings, crepe bandages, low-voltage rescue equipment, CPR face shields, and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are some specialised first aid supplies that electricians require to ensure their health and safety while working. You can find many of these supplies in specialised electricians' first aid kits.
To find the best first aid kits for electricians, you also need to consider the following:
● Are burn treatments mandatory for electrical work?
● Should shock response equipment be included?
● How does mobile work affect kit selection?
● What compliance standards apply to electrical contractors?
Are burn treatments mandatory for electrical work?
According to the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice, electrical work is considered high-risk work. Through ‘2.1 - The nature of work and workplace hazards’, the SWA Model Code of Practice points out that certain work environments have a greater risk of injury and illness due to the nature of the work being carried out and the nature of the hazards at the workplace.
When it comes to electricity and electrical work, the code mentions that it is a “potential ignition source – could cause injuries from fire…” As such, the connection between electrical work and burn injuries is well understood. Electrical accidents can often lead to serious burn injuries. While no law specifies a list of items, it is clear that burn treatment supplies such as hydrogel and non-adhesive burn dressings are integral to an electrician's first aid kit.
Should shock response equipment be included?
Absolutely. As we’ve mentioned above, electrical work is considered high-risk. By the job description itself, electricians are in danger of suffering from shocks, burns, and cardiac arrest.
When a person suffers an electric shock, the body’s nervous system gets thrown into disarray. The sudden jolt can impact the body’s rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest (i.e., the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness). As such, having the right shock response equipment is a must to, quite literally, bring the person back to life.
As such, automated external defibrillators, low-voltage rescue (LVR) kits, CPR masks, non-adhesive dressings, saline solution, and utensils made from non-conductive materials are must-haves in first aid kits for electricians.
How does the mobile work affect kit selection?
As electricians are well aware, the work environment changes constantly. Electricians frequently receive calls to work in remote locations, far from medical facilities. In the event of a serious accident, this distance can be deadly. As such, electricians must be able to carry their first aid supplies with them.
Mobile work will have a noticeable impact on your kit selection. First, you need to make sure that your kit is portable, allowing you to transport it wherever you need to go. At the same time, the kits need to be durable and protect the medical supplies from the elements. Look for kits that feature crush-proof containers and heavy-duty soft packs for protection. The containers can be securely mounted in your work vehicle, while the packs can be carried with you.
The comprehensiveness of the supplies also matters. For electricians, a standard first aid kit is not enough. Since electricians are at high risk of burns and electric shock, the kit needs to include specialised burn treatments, CPR face shields, and Low Voltage Rescue (LVR) devices. A selected kit must include enough supplies to handle an emergency for extended periods of time if necessary.
What compliance standards apply to electrical contractors?
In Australia, electrical contractors must comply with the relevant state and federal Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations. For example, under the Work Health and Safety Act, business owners are legally required to provide adequate equipment and trained personnel. The same sentiment is echoed by Safe Work Australia.
In terms of first aid kits for electricians, there is no special Australian standard. However, as a general rule of thumb, the first aid kits selected must be able to account for a wide range of injuries that an electrician may suffer while working. This means that the kits must include basic first aid supplies, but also include specialised shock and burn treatment supplies.
Furthermore, a special duty is placed on the PCBU to ensure that all first aid kits are routinely inspected and maintained by a designated person. Any items used, missing, contaminated, damaged, or out of date must be replaced as soon as possible.
Related Question
Q: Are eye wash supplies useful for electricians?
Yes – during work, electricians are routinely exposed to debris, sparks, and chemicals. Therefore, having proper eyewash supplies is a must, even if you have the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Conclusion
Being an electrician is a high-risk job, and injuries can happen quickly and without warning. As such, it’s crucial to make a fully stocked and comprehensive first aid kit an essential part of everyday safety. The kits you choose must be able to deal with burns, cuts, eye injuries, electric shocks, and all manner of other injuries associated with electric work.
If you’re looking to equip yourself with the best first aid kits for electricians, then SURVIVAL is the place for you. Designed for Australian trades, worksites, and mobile professionals, our kits make safety simple, powerful, and accessible to all. Explore the first aid kits and accessories collection at SURVIVAL and get your safety in order.