Electric shock accident to a child in a parents amenities room

Energy type:

Electricity

Event summary:

Energy Safety was notified of an electric shock accident to a child in a parents amenities room of a shopping mall in Christchurch, the day after the accident occurred by the attending electrical contractors firm. The child was taken to hospital by ambulance and treated for a minor arc burn to the left hand thumb nail. The child received medical attention at hospital and was released without further treatment.

Accident ID:

160219-09

Accident date:

18 February 2016

Site:

Public

Environment:

Building

Voltage:

230

Equipment:

LCD Panel

Accident type:

Electrical shock

Casualty:

Non-fatality

Injury:

Shock, Burn

Property damage level:

No property damage

Outcome of investigation:

The entertainment unit involved was in the process of being repaired and had been left in an unsafe condition whilst sourcing spare parts. This original installation by parties unknown took place at least five years prior to the accident and was non-compliant. The supply cord had been routed through a vent at the base of the unit, rather than from directly behind. This left the unsecured live cable accessible to the child who was able to pull the cable out and come into contact with live parts of the cable. Although the danger may not have been obvious to the repairing electrician, as the unit was mounted at a very low level for children to use, the unit was left in a live condition unnecessarily. The accident scene was interfered with prior to notification of the accident to Worksafe.