The physiological effects of electric shock in the pulsed power laboratory

Electrical safety in the pulsed power research laboratory is one of the most important issues in today´s emphasis on the environment, safety, health. Despite excellent electrical safety practices accidents still occur. It is necessary to set standards of voltage, current, and energy levels for the purposes hazard definition and injury treatment. Recently, existing values (such as 50 V, or 10 J) have come under question since their origin is somewhat vague. To better define hazard levels and differentiate between dc, ac, and impulse shock it is necessary to review the current state of medical knowledge on the on the physiological effects of variuos classes of shocks. A review and evaluation of the physiological effects of electrical shock has been performed. The physiological differences between injuries caused by ac, dc, and impulse shocks are compared. Based upon updated knowledge current, voltge, and energy thresholds are discussed.