Electricity notifiable accidents
[ Last Updated 20 January 2010 ]
This is the list of the 5 Electricity notifiable accidents for which the investigation was completed between July to September 2009.
1 - Event summary: A person received an electric shock from a toaster while moving the toaster.
| Event ID |
090527 02 |
| Event date |
27/05/2009 |
| Site |
Domestic |
| Environment |
Building |
| Voltage |
230 |
| Equipment |
Gills; Toasters; Roaster (Portable cooking) |
| Event |
Electrical Shock |
| Casualty |
Injury |
| Injury |
Shock |
| Property damage level |
No property damage |
| Outcome of investigation |
The toaster was plugged in and switched on at the power socket. The plunger switch on the toaster was not depressed. On investigation it was found one of the double pole switch contacts was closed even when the switch was not depressed. As this pair of switches was connected to the phase the elements of the toaster were live. While moving the toaster the person made contact with the toaster elements with the fingers and received an electric shock. The toaster supplier was contacted and this model of toasters were recalled. |
2 - Event summary: The low voltage overhead mains came down onto a metal fence. Several cows were killed as a result of earth potential rise.
| Event ID |
090617 02 |
| Event date |
28/05/2009 |
| Site |
Commercial |
| Environment |
Outside (Above Ground) |
| Voltage |
400 |
| Equipment |
Mains |
| Event |
Electrical Shock |
| casualty |
No casualty |
| Injury |
No injury |
| Property damage level |
Restricted to the direct vicinity of the equipment |
| Outcome of investigation |
The farm owner was not aware that he owned the overhead mains and hence did not carry out any maintenance.The farm owner was made aware of his responsibility and he attended to the defect and upgraded the mains. |
3 - Event summary: A member of the public was switching off stadium lights when there was a flash over.
| Event ID |
090708 01 |
| Event date |
07/07/2009 |
| Site |
Commercial |
| Environment |
Outside (Above Ground) |
| Voltage |
400 |
| Equipment |
Switch |
| Event |
Burns |
| Casualty |
Injury |
| Injury |
Shock, burn |
| Property damage level |
Restricted to the direct vicinity of the equipment |
| Outcome of investigation |
On investigation it was found that the switch was not suitable for the load. All switches (3 Phase) were replaced, the circuit modified to include a contactor. |
4 - Event summary: Home owner recieved an electric shock from metal meter box.
| Event ID |
090805 02 |
| Event date |
04/08/2009 |
| Site |
Domestic |
| Environment |
Building |
| Voltage |
230 |
| Equipment |
Switch/distribution board |
| Event |
Electrical Shock |
| Casualty |
Injury |
| Injury |
Shock |
| Property damage level |
No property damage |
| Outcome of investigation |
The sub board neutral and earth connections were connected under the neutral stud but there was no link between the neutral and earth bar. A soil heater developed a fault to earth causing the metal box of the sub board to become live causing the electric shock. The sub board mains cable had been recently re connected to a new switchboard as the old house had been re built. The electrical contractors had not checked the sub board prior to livening. Referred to the Electrical Workers Licensing Group. |
5 - Event summary: While working in a telephone compartment of a lift the worker received an electric shock from a live wire.
| Event ID |
090827 03 |
| Event date |
27/08/2009 |
| Site |
Commercial |
| Environment |
Building |
| Voltage |
230 |
| Equipment |
Flexible Cable |
| Event |
Electrical Shock |
| Casualty |
Injury |
| Injury |
Electrical shock |
| Property damage level |
No property damage |
| Outcome of investigation |
Vandals had removed the telephone and the live wires to a light switch were left exposed. The installation was made safe. |
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