Touch Potential, Step Potential & Touch/Step Potential

There are three basic pathways electric current travels through the body

1) Touch Potential (hand/hand path)

2) Step Potential (foot/foot path)

3) Touch/Step Potential (hand/foot path)

Figure illustrates these groups and the path of current through the body.

1) Touch Potential (hand/hand path)

• In a touch potential contact, current travels from one hand through the heart and out through the other hand. Because the heart and lungs are in the path of current, ventricular fibrillation, difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness, or death may occur.

2) Step Potential (foot/foot path)

• In a step potential contact, current travels from one foot through the legs, and out of the other foot. The heart is not in the direct path of current but the leg muscles may contract, causing the victim to collapse or be momentarily paralyzed.

3) Touch/Step Potential (hand/foot path)

• In a touch/step potential contact, current travels from one hand, through the heart, down the leg, and out of the foot. The heart and lungs are in the direct path of current so ventricular fibrillation, difficulty in breathing, collapse, unconsciousness, or death may occur.
  

Even though there may be no external signs from the electrical shock, internal tissue or organ damage may have occurred. Signs of internal damage may not surface immediately; and when it does, it may be too late. Any person experiencing any kind of electrical shock should seek immediate medical attention. Using the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and following safe work practices will minimize risk of electrical shock hazards.