How many mA can a 155 lb worker tolerate for 3 seconds before fibrillation occurs?

How many mA can a 155 lb worker tolerate for 3 seconds before fibrillation occurs?

• A. 75 mA
• B. 85 mA
• C. 91 mA
• D. 100 mA

Answer: (C)

The threshold for electrical fibrillation is influenced by several factors, including the weight of the individual, the duration of exposure, and the pathway through the body that the current takes. For a 155 lb worker, research has shown that exposure to approximately 91 mA of alternating current (AC) for a duration of 3 seconds can potentially lead to cardiac fibrillation. This value is not arbitrary; it is derived from studies that establish current tolerance levels and their effects on the human body, particularly the heart. As the current increases, the risk of inducing fibrillation also rises, and the threshold for this lethal effect can be significantly affected by the time that the current is applied. Values that are less than 91 mA may still be dangerous but typically do not reach the established threshold for inducing fibrillation in a person of that weight within the specified time frame. Therefore, while the options above may present varying degrees of current, the maximum tolerable level before fibrillation becomes a significant risk is determined to be 91 mA for the conditions described.

The threshold for electrical fibrillation is influenced by several factors, including the weight of the individual, the duration of exposure, and the pathway through the body that the current takes. For a 155 lb worker, research has shown that exposure to approximately 91 mA of alternating current (AC) for a duration of 3 seconds can potentially lead to cardiac fibrillation.

This value is not arbitrary; it is derived from studies that establish current tolerance levels and their effects on the human body, particularly the heart. As the current increases, the risk of inducing fibrillation also rises, and the threshold for this lethal effect can be significantly affected by the time that the current is applied.

Values that are less than 91 mA may still be dangerous but typically do not reach the established threshold for inducing fibrillation in a person of that weight within the specified time frame. Therefore, while the options above may present varying degrees of current, the maximum tolerable level before fibrillation becomes a significant risk is determined to be 91 mA for the conditions described.