Can an Electrician Have a Pacemaker?
Pacemakers are small medical devices placed around the chest region that assist in controlling the rate of heartbeat.
They imitate the body’s electrical system and are used to regulate heartbeats that are too slow.
Modern pacemakers weigh about 28 grams and consist of a tiny generator that holds the information to control the heartbeat and houses the battery.
They also have a series of wires that are connected to the generator and transport electrical messages to the heart.
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Can You Work with Electricity with a Pacemaker?
Yes, modern-day electricians can use pacemakers as these devices now come with additional features that protect them from electromagnetic interference of electrical gadgets.
However, some types of magnetic and electrical gadgets can affect how your pacemaker functions.
What Jobs Can You Not Do with a Pacemaker?
While there are no specific jobs that you cannot do with a pacemaker, certain environments and equipment can interfere with the device.
For instance, large generators, power plants, industrial equipment, arc and resistance welders, strong magnetic fields, car engines, lawnmowers, radio transmitting towers, stun guns, jackhammers, magnetic chairs, and body fat measuring scales should be avoided if you have a pacemaker.
What are 4 Things to be Avoided if You Have a Pacemaker Device?
- Avoid strong magnetic fields: Strong magnetic fields can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker.
- Avoid certain electrical equipment: Large generators, power plants, industrial equipment, arc and resistance welders can interfere with a pacemaker.
- Avoid certain physical activities: Activities that involve heavy lifting or intense physical exertion can put strain on the area where the pacemaker was implanted.
- Avoid certain medical procedures: Certain medical procedures, such as MRI scans, can interfere with a pacemaker.
Does WIFI Affect Pacemakers?
Most electrical home gadgets will not tamper with the efficiency of your pacemaker.
You as an electrician must make sure the appliances are in good working condition.
Electronics like Televisions, hairdryers, blenders, heating pads, electric blankets, microwaves, radios, electric or gas stoves, video games, vacuum cleaners etc. will not tamper with the efficiency of your pacemaker.
However, you should take a bit of caution when using mobile phones with a pacemaker.
Make sure you maintain a distance of at least 15cm from your mobile phone to avoid electromagnetic interference with the pacemaker.
Insights from Online Discussions
Polytech Forum: Electrician with Pacemaker
The discussion on the Polytech Forum reveals that modern-day electricians can use pacemakers as these devices now come with additional features that protect them from electromagnetic interference of electrical gadgets.
However, some types of magnetic and electrical gadgets can affect how your pacemaker functions.
Answers.com: Can You Still Work as an Electrician with a Pacemaker?
According to a discussion on Answers.com, you can still work as an electrician with a pacemaker.
However, you should avoid working with appliances of a very high frequency.
Most electrical gadgets do not affect your pacemaker, while some need you to stay a particular distance for safe operation.
Wireville: Can an Electrician Have a Pacemaker?
Wireville’s article on the topic states that pacemakers come with built-in features that prevent electromagnetic interference from destroying the pacemaker.
However, you should take utmost care when working with electrical appliances with a pacemaker.
Pacemaker Club: Electrician Life with Pacemaker
The Pacemaker Club forum has several discussions from electricians with pacemakers.
Some electricians have been able to return to work without any issues, while others have had to take precautions or avoid certain environments.
The discussions highlight the importance of individual circumstances and the need to consult with healthcare providers about specific work environments and tasks.
In conclusion, if you are an electrician and you use a pacemaker, this doesn’t stop you from continuing your daily electrical works.
However, you should take utmost care when working with electrical appliances with a pacemaker.
You must not work with appliances of a very high frequency.
Most electrical gadgets do not affect your pacemaker, while some need you to stay a particular distance for safe operation.
