Analysis of electrical accidents in UK domestic properties

Abstract

Electricity is one of the most convenient forms of energy that is used in every building today. However, it causes a number of fatalities every year and has the potential to cause harm to anyone exposed to it. This article, investigates the cause and effects of electrical accidents in domestic properties over a 3-year period (2000—2002) in the UK based on the 24th Report of the Home and Leisure Accident Surveillance System (HASS/LASS). The electrical accident data from this database was analysed to establish electrical injury trends for various categories and groups. This highlighted the high-risk activities, which led to receiving an electric shock in a domestic property and identified at-risk groups that could most benefit from electrical safety interventions. In order to enhance electrical safety and to aid in the formulation of the relevant national wiring regulations, it is imperative that the narrative reports and statistics presented in the HASS/LASS document and this article are considered by regulators, manufacturers, educators, safety officers and engineers so that the whole of society can benefit. Based on the evidence and analysis presented in this article, it was concluded that there are a number of recommended protective measures designers, installers and regulators could consider implementing to advance electrical safety in the home. Practical application: Engineers, educators, manufacturers and regulators can use the information highlighted in this article to improve electrical safety in the built environment.

Electrical safety and touch voltage design

“…However, opportunities still exist for improvements, a prime example being the number of electrical incidents resulting from direct contact with a lamp or light fitting. 5 User awareness is also required as misuse of equipment and lack of maintenance leads to electrical injury, fire or death. (ii) Guidance on the provision of socket outlets 23 and the required lighting levels are well documented and can improve functionality and comfort levels within a home.…”

“…To utilise the simulator correctly the user must first input the desired design parameters and subsequently review the calculated outcomes (1)(2)(3)(4)(5).…”

“…There is only limited research extant in the area of electrical incidents in homes; however, a recent UK study 5 based on hospital data investigated electrical injury in domestic properties. The outcome of this analysis further strengthens the idea that there is scope for improvement in domestic electrical safety, even within a country with a relatively strong electrical safety status.…”

“…It has been shown statistically, that residential property is one of the leading locations for death due to electric current. 5,6 Every year it is estimated that 16 000 people are injured and 540 die across Europe from electrical accidents 7 the impact of which, leaves a trail of socio-economic consequences in its wake and is felt by all of society. The need to improve domestic safety through enhanced regulation and engineering design is evident and will benefit the comfort and safety of all end users.…”