b. Always make sure that any accessory equipment used is grounded to the
same ground point as the fixed equipment. Dangerous voltage differences can exist
between different equipment unless each item uses a common ground. In the special
procedure room, this becomes extremely important since a number of electrical devices
may be connected directly to the patient. Without the skin resistance, electrocution can
result from very low voltages.
c. The darkroom is always a danger spot. Wet floors and water pipes provide
good connections to ground. Be careful not to connect yourself into the circuit by
touching ground with one hand and an electrical voltage with the other at the same time
(one-hand rule). Again, if the casings of all electrical items are properly grounded, the
potential differences between the equipment and ground are eliminated.
d. Portable radiographic units should never be used unless they are properly
grounded. If a three-prong plug is not available, the casing of the portable can be
grounded to a radiator or water pipe. Before using radiators or water pipes as a ground
connection, let the medical maintenance specialist check them out to make sure that
they constitute a ground. At times, a plastic pipe or connector may insulate them from
e. A radiologic specialist is not an equipment repairman. Except for minor
maintenance, qualified maintenance personnel should do repairs.
RESCUE OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK VICTIMS
Although necessary precautions have been taken, electrical shock can still occur.
When and if it occurs, the x-ray specialist must be familiar with the procedure for
rescuing the victim.
a. First, you should check to see that whatever shocked the victim does not
pose any danger to you, too. If the victim is still in contact with the source of electricity,
you must separate him from the source, or the next person to come along will have two
people to rescue.
b. If you can remove the danger by turning the power off, do it! If that seems to
be impossible or impractical, use a stick or any other object made of a nonconductive
material to separate the victim from the source of shock.
c. If you cannot remove the source of shock, then remove the victim. Touching
only his clothes or using some other type of nonconductor, drag the patient to safety.
Whatever you do, do it fast! The sooner resuscitation procedures are started, the better
the victim's chances of survival. Artificial respiration and closed-chest massage may be