4 ONLINE RESOURCES Dumb ways to die DEALING WITH EMERGENCY: ELECTRICITY AND MACHINERY Electric shock In case of electric shock, to avoid the risk of being electrocuted, it is important not to touch the victim, especially if still in contact with electricity, but: try to separate the victim from the power source using an object made of insulating material (wood, plastic or a dry cloth); turn off electricity from the main switch as soon as possible, or unplug the faulty appliance; call an ambulance, especially if the victim is unconscious or breathing has stopped. Things to do in case of accidents involving machines blanket: coperta conveyor belt: nastro trasportatore crane: gru to crush: schiacciare faulty: difettoso forklift: carrello elevatore grinder: smerigliatrice lathe: tornio limb: arto to unplug: disinserire High voltage shock In case of high voltage electric shock: never go near the victim: rescuers must keep at a distance of ten metres to avoid contact with the current; immediately call for help; as only the local power company can switch the power off, call them as soon as possible. In addition to electrocution, electrical machinery can cause other accidents, some of which may be very serious. Here are the procedures to follow in case of accidents involving workers operating or near machines: in case of amputation of a limb or finger, do not try to push back into place any part of the body, but apply some pressure on the bleeding part to reduce the victim s risk of shock; in case of workers being struck by some moving equipment, such as a forklift, do not move the victim, as the impact may have caused breaking of bones or spinal cord injury, but call for an ambulance immediately; in case of people operating machines with moving parts getting caught in them by their clothes, turn off the machine immediately; if the victim has had a crushed limb or finger, do not move them, but call for medical assistance. 18 COMMON GROUND