DFC Bathroom Electrical Safety

Electrical Safety and Bathroom Design

Presentation by Mark Thompson Occupational Therapist Domiciliary Care SA

Session Overview
Welcome and introductions Electrical risk background AS3000 electrical installations Drainage and water damage Slips and falls Client factors Assessment principles Risk analysis Managing risk Practical exercise Scenarios and general discussion Relevant documents References

Electrical risk background

Home modifications and electrical risk
When recommending the following modifications:
Installation of flexible shower hose. Removal of shower screen. Use of plug-in rubber hoses.

There is a need to consider:

The risk of injury to client/carer/staff. Damage to property.

Electrical risk background

The body and electricity
The body will conduct electricity (Bikson, 2004).

An electric current will flow through the body if it makes contact with both an electrically energised surface and another surface of different potential (ground).

Electrical risk background

Current through the body
The actual current flow through the body will depend on body resistance (age, weight), resistance at the contact point (wet, live wire) and voltage (ETCI, 2007).
The presence of moisture from environmental conditions increases the possibility of a low voltage electrocution.

Under dry conditions, the resistance offered by the human body may be as high as 100,000 Ohms. Wet or broken skin may drop the bodys resistance to 1,000 Ohms

(NIOSH, 1998)

Electrical risk background

Electric current and injury
Current around 7mA let go level muscles are able to release. Above this level, muscle will spasm.
Current around 50mA fibrillation level heart fibrillation is likely to occur.

Domestic RCD (Residual Current Device) are activated at 30mA.

(ETCI, 2007)

Electrical risk background

Electric shock
Electric shock or electrocution can occur through direct contact with current carrying parts or indirect contact with energised conductive parts. A wet bathroom power socket or switch is a potential source of indirect contact.

Electrical risk background

How electricity use is made safe
Isolation of live parts (modern sockets live parts are concealed within the socket and are fitted with shutters). Insulation of live parts (electric wires and cables are usually covered with plastic insulation). Earthing (large metal devices fridge, washing machine, stove are all connected to earth to prevent them from becoming live and dangerous to touch).
(ETCI, 2007)

Electrical risk background

Step voltage
Water entering a socket can interfere with the isolation of live parts. The wet wall can allow current to leak from the socket. The wet wall has become live (a source of indirect contact).

240V
190V 140V

Electrical risk background

Electrical safety
The primary principle of managing electrical risk in bathrooms is to prevent the entry of water into switches/sockets/devices. The Australian Standard 3000 Electrical Installations, provides rules for wiring in areas containing baths, showers and other fixed water containers. All new electrical work must comply with AS3000. The standards apply to electricians performing electrical work.

Electrical risk background

Electrical safety continued

Many homes were built before the current regulations were in place and have been built to other specifications.
Occupational Therapists do not have to ensure that bathrooms comply with the standards. Instead, AS3000 should be used as a guide in the management of risk.

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Wiring rules
Section 6 Damp situations Lists requirement for locations subject to the effects of water or high humidity: Classification of Zones Guidance on selection of electrical equipment

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zones to determine risk AS3000 requirements for baths and showers are based on 4 Zones. They take into account:
Walls Ceilings Floors Barriers (i.e. screens, doors, curtains and fixed partitions)

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zone 0
The interior area of the base of the bath or shower.

Zone 0

Zone 0

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zone 1
BATH extends from the internal rim of the bath above Zone 0 to 2.5m above rim or ceiling. SHOWER OVER BATH extends 1.2m radius from the shower fixed plumbing connection (X). Height to 2.5m (from floor) or ceiling.
1.2m

Zone 1

2.5m 1.2m

Zone 0

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zone 1 continued

SHOWER extends 1.2m radius from the shower fixed plumbing connection (X). Height to 2.5m or ceiling.

X
2.5m

Zone 0
1.2m

1.2m

Zone 1

AS3000 Electrical Instsallations

Barrier
A barrier of a height of 1.8m or the height at which the shower connection is made to the fixed plumbing, whichever is the greater, may be used to reduce the 1.2m dimension of Zone 1.

AS3000 Electrical Instsallations

Fixed Barrier vs. Barrier
A fixed barrier offers greater protection against water splash than a barrier and is treated differently in the regulations. Fixed barrier: a tiled wall, a fixed glass screen with waterproofed seal. Barrier: sliding glass door, curtain.

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Fixed barrier
Height of 1.8m or the height at which the shower connection is made to the fixed plumbing, whichever is the greater, may be used to reduce the 1.2m dimension of Zone 1. Zone 1 continues beyond the end point of fixed barrier (not along edge of barrier).

2.25m

Fixed Barrier
Zone 1
1.2m

0.6m

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Barrier
E.g. Shower curtain, hinged/sliding door. Barrier

Same height requirements as fixed barrier.

Zone 1 ends along the edge of barrier.

Zone 1

0.6m

Zone 2

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Barrier continued

Pulling the curtain across has reduced the extent of Zone 1.

Zone 1 ends at the edge of the curtain.

2.5m X

Barrier

Zone 1

1.2m

Zone 0

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zone 2
X

0.6m beyond end of Zone 1.

2.5m
2.25m 1.2m

2.25m above floor level.

0.6m

Zone 1

1.2m

Zone 2
0.6m

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zone 2 continued

3 Note the difference between a fixed partition and a barrier.

Zone 2 is the area limited by the parallel vertical plane external to Zone 1.
0.6m Fixed partition

Zone 1
Barrier 0.6m

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zone 3
2.4m beyond Zone 2 Barrier 2.5m above floor level. NOTE: The zones do not extend beyond the boundaries of the room.
In this example, Zone 1 is contained within the alcove and is the same size as Zone 0.

2.5m Zone 1 Zone 2

2.4m

Zone 3

AS3000 Electrical Installations

The modification of a bathroom may change the zones and increase exposure to risk of electrocution.

The removal of a shower screen = the removal of a barrier/partition.

The installation of a flexible shower hose can increase the direction and distance of water spray.

AS3000 Electrical Installation

Removal of screen (barrier)
Note that zones now extend further. Need to check location of switches, sockets and devices.
X 2.5m

2.25m 1.2m

Zone 1 0.6m Zone 2

Zone 3

2.4m

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Plug-in rubber hose
Showering client on mobile chair over floor drain. The whole nature of the bathroom has changed. Electrical outlets would need to be covered. Zone 1 is approximately a 1.2m radius around the position where the client is showered.

Zone 1

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Power points near basins
Why are power points allowed in bathrooms above hand basins? The requirements for fixed water containers (other than baths and showers) is based on two zones. For containers not exceeding 45L illustrated in figure 6.10 (following slide).

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Zones around basins
Zone 2 extends 0.4m above basin and 0.15m vertically from the rim. Attaching a hose to taps or a spout changes the nature of the water container. Switches that meet the electrical code now present risk of electrocution due to changed use.
0.4m 0.15m

Zone 0 Zone 2

AS3000 Electrical Installations

All switches, sockets or devices should be located 30cm above ground level in all zones.
Plug in devices such as heaters should not be situated on bathroom floor during showering.

30cm

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Splash factors curtain open
Leaving a door or curtain partly open can extend the zones through the opening. In the example given, if the curtain is left open while a client showers, Zone 1 extends out into the bathroom. The light switch falls into Zone 2. NOTE: a worker standing in the doorway will limit the amount of splash exiting the shower and, therefore, reduce the dimensions of Zone 1.
900 shower

1000

Zone 1 Zone 2 Light switch

Shower Curtain Open

fixed plumbing outlet

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Installation guidelines
The following slides provide information on installation rules for electricians:

Socket outlets Switches Luminaries (lights)

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Socket outlets
Not permitted in Zones 0 and 1. Not permitted in Zone 2 unless:
(a)Shave outlet (b)RCD protected in a cupboard

In Zone 3 RCD protected RCD = Residual Current Device (Safety Switch) Located at the switchboard

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Socket outlets Zone 3 and RCDs
In a house that does not have an RCD and has a socket outlet in Zone 3, is there a need for an RCD to be installed? RCDs have only been mandatory in new or rewired houses since 1991. There are tens of thousands of houses that were built prior to 1991 and hence, without RCDs. The main issue is a duty of care to ensure that water is not sprayed into the socket outlets.

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Switches Not permitted in Zone 0. Zone 1 and 2 IPX4 rated device. Zone 3 no rating.
IP = Ingress Protection Rating The first digit refers to solid foreign objects. The second digit refers to water protection. IPX4 = protection against splashing and spraying water from all practicable directions.

AS3000 Electrical Installations

IP rated switch
Example HPM Excel Range Weatherproof Switch
General purpose light switching, fan motors, power and lighting circuits.

IP56 dust protected. Strongjet hose proof.

AS3000 Electrical Installations

Luminaries (lights)
In Zone 1 IPX4 In Zone 2 IPX4 or Class II (enclosed) that require the removal of a cover to access lamps or extra low voltage or recessed into ceiling. Zone 3 no rating. NOTE: a batten holder is not a Class II luminary.

Drainage and Water Damage

General
Bathroom modifications may alter the control of water splash and drainage. Older homes may not be compliant with modern standards for drainage. Planning SA have technical specifications for Waterproofing of wet areas in buildings 2004. These guidelines are useful to consider when planning modifications that may increase splash.

Drainage and Water Damage

Unenclosed showers
When the spread of water from the shower supply outlet is not controlled where there is:
No shower screen (or) Partial enclosure by shower screen (or) A shower curtain (or) A frameless glass shower screen.

Then the shower area extends 1.5m from the shower supply outlet at the wall.

Drainage and Water Damage

Summary of factors
Floor damage. Floors to be water resistant. Walls to be water resistant.

Wall to floor junctions and other joins.

Drainage and Water Damage

Floor waste
Drainage of a wet area floor must be provided to a floor waste or un-trapped floor drain for:
Bathroom Area adjacent to baths and spas Room containing a shower Room containing a sanitary fixture

Drainage and Water Damage

Falls to floor
The floor must drain so that water does not pond on the floor.

Drainage and Water Damage

Floors and walls water resistant
Floors and walls must have a water resistant substrate and a water resistant surface.

Wall to floor junctions need to be sealed.

Junctions between bench tops need to be sealed. Not carpet or bare floor boards.

Slips and Falls

Slipping risk
Has the bathroom modification increased the amount of water splash onto the bathroom floor? Who will dry the floor after use? What anti-slip mats are available? Is the bathroom floor surface non-slip?

Client Factors

Cognitive and planning deficits may impact on safety.

Physical factors (strength/ coordination) may limit clients ability to maintain control.
Consider compliance with the following instructions for safe use.

Assessment Principles
1. Locate the position of all electrical switches, sockets and devices in the bathroom. Take measurements of distance from fixed plumbing outlet (FPO) to electrical devices/ outlets. Identify barriers currently in place/to be removed/to be replaced. Have zones changed as a result of removal of barriers or changed use of the bathroom?

2.

3.

4.

Assessment Principles
Assessment principles continued
5. Check measurements and proposed modifications against the standards.
Zones 1 and 2 are priority. Identify risk management strategies to prevent water entering electrical outlets. Communicating strategy to others.

6. 7.

8.

Risk Analysis
Electric shock
The likelihood of electric shock from water spray or condensation entering electrical outlets is rare. The consequences of this happening are major. This results in a moderate level of risk requiring effective controls.

Slips and falls

The likelihood of water splash on floors leading to slips and falls is possible and the consequences are major. This results in a high level of risk and is an issue that has been regularly addressed by Occupational Therapists.

Managing Risk
A procedure on Bathroom Electrical Safety has been developed based on advice provided by the Office of the Technical Regulator (OTR) (Department for Transport, Energy & Infrastructure, Government of SA) and risk analysis performed by Domiciliary Care SA clinical staff.

Managing Risk
Key principles
Key principles of Bathroom Electrical Safety procedure for managing risk: Use alcove or bath wherever possible Use barriers and seal sockets and switches Control water spray:
Direct spray away from sockets Assistant to maintain control

Use exhaust fans Client/carer/staff instruction Information Sheets Documentation

Managing Risk
Temporary vs. Permanent changes
Showering over a floor drain:
Change of use of the bathroom Usually only performed by a carer or care attendant Can manage risk through temporary measures taping plastic sheet

Removing a shower screen:

Permanent change to the room itself Possibility of visitors to house not being aware of additional safety procedures Best option disconnect outlets or modify switches to waterproof

Managing Risk
Use alcove or bath
Wherever possible, showering should occur in an alcove or over a bath. This practice makes best use of existing facilities (barriers, waterproofing, drainage) and minimises electrical risk.

Managing Risk
Use barriers
Barriers should be used to control water spray and splash close curtain or alcove doors as far as is practical during use, if carer/worker assisting. Avoid removing fixed barriers unless absolutely necessary.

Managing Risk
Effective seals
Use an effective seal to cover switches and sockets exposed to water splash. Situations requiring electrical outlets to be covered include:
Leaving a barrier open Using a plug-on hose Showering outside an alcove over a bathroom floor drain

An effective seal is a 600x600mm plastic sheet taped along its top edge covering the electrical outlet. NOTE: the smaller the sheet, the more watertight the taping needs to be.

Managing Risk
Effective seals continued

Switches/sockets covered with a plastic sheet.

The switch should be positioned under the centre of the sheet. Tape along the top edge.

Managing Risk
Control water spray
Maintain control of the hose during use. Worker to control hose if client unreliable. Do not use hose with water pressure on full. Do not leave the hose dangling. Direct water spray away from switches/sockets/ devices. Clamp plug-on rubber hoses and cover with a hand towel.

Managing Risk
Control condensation
Use exhaust fan when available. Otherwise, open a window or door. The risk is from steam condensing on walls and running down into electrical outlets. Heat the bathroom before showering on cold days.

Managing Risk
Client/carer instruction
Clients/carers and staff should be provided with written advice on use of flexible hoses and risk factors (electrocution, slipping, water damage). The shower hose should not be used outside the shower area (e.g. to wash bathroom walls) unless the bathroom has been assessed for showering over a floor drain.

Managing Risk
Staff information
Staff providing personal care services should be provided with written information on managing electrical safety. If any issues are identified, a Hazard Form should direct workers to read specific instructions written in the Service Plan.

Managing Risk
Documentation
Location and measurements of:
Switches/sockets/devices Barriers

Procedure for safe practice:

Hazard form Service plan

Managing Risk
Interim measures

In the circumstances where no safe alternative exists and electrical modifications are needed prior to the commencement of showering services: Sponge wash.
Client to undertake electrical modifications.

If client unable to pay, refer to local council (certain councils only), or access donation fund.

Practical Exercise
Use bathroom templates to build a typical bathroom. Layout the boundaries of Zones 1, 2 and 3 in the bathroom. Check the location of switches and sockets. Sketch bathroom layout and Zone boundaries. Remove the barrier around your alcove and measure the dimensions of each Zone. Measure the Zones if you were to use a plug-in hose from the basin. Make a note of any safety measures needed.

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 1
900 2300 600
Fixd Panel

Client independent on static shower chair. Door closed (sliding door with fixed panel adjacent wall). Hand-held shower hose is to be installed. What issues need to be considered and what recommendations need to be made?

900

shower

Power point

1800

wc

Light switch fixed plumbing outlet

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 1
Door Closed
900
2300 900 600 Power point

1800

Sliding door with fixed panel adjacent wall

shower

2
0.6m

Light switch

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 2
Client assisted on static shower chair. Door partly open. There is a hand-held shower hose in the alcove. What issues need to be considered and what recommendations need to be made? In particular, the care attendant assisting the client through a partly open door.
900
Fixed Panel

2300 600 Power point

900 1800

shower

wc

Light switch

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 2
Door Open
900 2300 900 600 Power point shower

1 2
0.6m

1800

Light switch

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 3
Glass sliding door & panel removed. Fixed panel was adjacent. Client on mobile shower chair and is assisted by care attendant. Explain what you would do in this situation to address safety issues.
450 450

1200 shower

Fixed Panel Power point Sliding Door Light switch

900

1200

fixed plumbing outlet

curtain

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 3
Curtain open from side opposite taps.
1200 450 450

shower

1
Door removed

Power point

Light switch

2
0.6m

900

1200

fixed plumbing outlet

curtain

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 3
Curtain open from side adjacent shower outlet.
450 450

shower 1200

1
Door removed

Power point

Light switch

2
0.6m

900

1200

fixed plumbing outlet

curtain

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 4
Client showering seated on a bathboard using a shower hose attached to the shower fixed plumbing outlet. There is a powerpoint and a light switch in the room. Explain what you would do in this situation to address safety issues. Consider the effect of a shower curtain in this situation.
2000 1600

1500

bathboard

Light switch

fixed plumbing outlet

1700

Power point

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 4
Client seated on bathboard. Without Curtain.
Power point 1500

2000
1600

1.2m

1
bathboard 1700

2 3

Light switch

fixed plumbing outlet

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 4
Client seated on bathboard. Curtain partly drawn.
1500 2000

1600

3
Power point

1.2m

0.6m

bathboard

Light switch

fixed plumbing outlet

1700

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 5
Client with limited mobility showers seated on a mobile shower chair. There is limited space in the bathroom (shower over bath). The only option is for client to be showered over floor drain. A plug on hand held shower hose is used from basin. There is a powerpoint and a light switch in the room. What are the safety measures you would need to take before starting this service?
2000 500

1700 Power point 1500 Light switch

fixed plumbing outlet

Scenarios and General Discussion

Scenario 5
The nature of the basin has been changed by attaching a plug-on hose. By showering over the floor drain, all switches and powerpoints in the room need to be considered as falling in Zone 1. Cover the powerpoint and light switch prior to showering.
500 200 0

Power point 1500 1700

Zone 1

Light switch

fixed plumbing outlet

Scenarios and General Discussion

Questions? Comments?

Relevant Documents
DFC Bathroom Electrical Safety Principles for Managing Electrical Safety in Bathrooms

Electrical Safety and Bathroom Design 7 scenarios

Client Information Sheet Care Worker Information Sheet

References
Bikson, M (2004) A review of Hazards associated with exposure to low voltages. City University of New York Electro-Technical Council of Ireland (ECTI) (2007). Effects of Electricity on the Human Body. Website. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). (1998). Worker Deaths by Electrocution. Australian Standard AS3000. (2003). Electrical Installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules). Acknowledgements: Office of the Technical Regulator. Department for Energy, Transport and Infrastructure (Government of South Australia)

DFC Electrical Bathroom Safety

Thank you for attending this session. If you have any further queries or feedback, please contact:
Mark Thompson, Occupational Therapist Domiciliary Care SA PH: 8304 6146 Email: Mark.Thompson4@state.sa.gov.au