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Electrical Safety & Bathroom Design

Electrical Safety & Bathroom Design. Author: Mark Thompson OT Domiciliary Care. Kaurna Welcome

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Electrical Safety & Bathroom Design

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  1. Electrical Safety & Bathroom Design Author: Mark Thompson OT Domiciliary Care Kaurna Welcome We would like to acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the greater Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

  2. Session Overview • Electrical Risk Background • AS3000 - Electrical Installations • Drainage & Water Damage • Slips & Falls • Client Factors • Risk Analysis • Assessment Principles • Managing Risk • Practical Exercise • Scenarios & general discussion

  3. Home Modifications & 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.

  4. The body & electricity • The human body will conduct electricity. (Bikson, 2004) • An electric current will flow through the body if it makes contact with both an electrically “energized” surface and another surface of different potential (“ground”)

  5. 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 body's resistance to 1,000 Ohms (NIOSH, 1998)

  6. Electric Current & 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 RCDs (Residual current Device) are activated at 30mA (ETCI, 2007)

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

  8. 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 connected to earth to prevent them from becoming live and dangerous to touch). (ETCI 2007)

  9. 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 80V

  10. 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.

  11. Electrical Safety • 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.

  12. AS3000 (2007) – Electrical Installations (Wiring Rules) Section 6 – Damp Situations • Lists requirements for locations subject to the effects of water or high humidity. • Classification of Zones • Guidance on selection of electrical equipment.

  13. Zones – to determine risk • AS3000 requirements for baths and showers are based on Four Zones. They take into account: • Walls • Ceilings • Floors • Barriers (screens, doors, curtains, and fixed partitions.

  14. Electrical Safety Zone 0 • The interior area of the base of a bath or shower. Zone 0 Zone 0

  15. Electrical Safety 1.2m Zone 1 Zone 1 • A) bath. Extends from the internal rim of the bath above Zone 0 to 2.5m above rim or ceiling. • B) shower over bathExtends 1.2m radius from the shower fixed plumbing connection (X). Height to 2.5m (from floor) or ceiling. 2.5m 1.2m X Zone 0

  16. Electrical Safety X Zone 1 • C) shower Extends 1.2m radius from the shower fixed plumbing connection (X). Height to 2.5m or ceiling 2.5m Zone 0 1.2m 1.2m Zone 1

  17. Electrical Safety Zone 2 • 0.6m beyond end of Zone 1 • 2.25m above floor level X 2.5m 2.25m 1.2m 0.6m Zone 1 1.2m Zone 2 0.6m

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

  19. Electrical Safety 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.

  20. Electrical Safety Fixed Barrier • Height of 1.8 m or the height at which the shower connection is made to the fixed plumbing, whichever is the greater, may be used to reduce the 1.2 m dimension of Zone 1. • Zone 1 extends beyond the end point of the fixed barrier. (not along edge of barrier) Fixed Barrier 2.25m 2 Zone 1 1.2m 0.6m

  21. Electrical Safety Barrier • eg. Shower curtain, hinged/sliding door • Same height requirements as fixed barrier. • Zone 1 ends along the edge of barrier. Barrier Zone 1 0.6m Zone 2

  22. Electrical Safety • Pulling the curtain across has reduced the extentof Zone 1 • Zone 1 ends at the edge of the curtain. 2.5m Barrier X Zone 1 1.2m Zone 0

  23. Fixed vs Moveable Barrier Shower curtain Fixed glass panel FPO FPO   0.6m 1.2m 0.6m 1.2m 3 2 2 1 3 1 2 3 3 Moveable Barrier Zone 1 ends along the edge of the moveable barrier. Fixed Barrier Zone 1 is contained behind the fixed barrier

  24. Fixed vs Moveable Barrier 3 • Zone 2 • Note the difference between a fixed barrier and a moveable barrier. • Zone 2 is the area limited by the parallel vertical plane external to Zone 1 0.6m Fixed barrier 2 Zone 1 0.6m Barrier

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

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

  27. Electrical Safety Removal of Screen (Barrier) • Note that zones now extend further. • Need to check location of switches, sockets & devices. X 2.5m 2.25m 1.2m Zone 1 0.6m Zone 2 2.4m Zone 3

  28. Electrical Safety 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

  29. 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)

  30. Zones around basins AS3000 (2007) Fig 6.10 • Zone 2 extends 0.4m above basin, and 0.15m horizontally 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

  31. Electrical Safety • 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

  32. Splash Factors – curtain open 900 1000 • 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. shower Zone 1 Zone 2 Light switch Shower Curtain Open fixed plumbing outlet

  33. Splash Factors – curtain open 900 1000 • Note: a worker standing in the doorway will limit the amount of splash exiting the shower and, therefore, reduce the dimensions of Zone 1 shower Zone 1 Zone 2 Light switch Shower Curtain Open Worker in Opening fixed plumbing outlet

  34. Installation Guidelines • The following slides provide information on installation rules for electricians. • Sockets • Switches • Luminaries (lights)

  35. Socket Outlets Not permitted in Zones 0 and 1. • Not permitted in Zone 2 unless (a) shaver outlet or (b) RCD protected in a cupboard. • In Zone 3 RCD protected RCD = Residual Current Device (Safety Switch) Located at the switchboard.

  36. Socket outlets Zone 3 & RCDs • In a house that does not have a RCD and has a socket outlet in zone 3 is there a need for a 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.

  37. 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.

  38. IP Rated Switch example… HPM. Excel Range Weatherproof Switch General-purpose light switching, fan motors, power and lighting circuits. IP56. Dust protected. Strong-jet hose proof

  39. 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.

  40. Lights – analysing risk • This is the zone of arm’s reach used in the electrical standard. • Use these dimensions to guide decision making when analysing the risk of lights and other fittings becoming wet and a source of indirect exposure to shock. m 1.25 Fig 1.1 (part) zone of arm’s reach. AS3000

  41. Drainage & Water Damage • Bathroom modifications may alter the control of water splash and drainage. • Older homes may not be compliant with modern standards for drainage.

  42. Drainage & Water Damage • 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

  43. Drainage & 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.

  44. Drainage & Water Damage Summary of Factors: • Floor Drainage • Floors to be water resistant • Walls to be water resistant • Wall to Floor Junctions and other Joins

  45. Floor Drainage Floor Waste • Drainage of a wet area floor must be provided to a floor waste or untrapped floor drain for: • Bathroom, area adjacent baths and spas, room containing a shower, room containing a sanitary fixture.

  46. Floor Drainage Falls to Floor • The floor must drain so that water does not pond on the floor.

  47. Floors & Walls Water Resistant • Floors & Walls must have a water resistant substrate and a water resistant surfaces. • Wall to floor junctions need to be sealed. • Junctions between bench tops need to be sealed Not carpet, bare floor boards.

  48. 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?

  49. Client Factors • Cognitive and planning deficits may impact on safety. • Physical factors (strength / coordination) may limit client’s ability to maintain control. • Consider compliance with following instructions for safe use.

  50. Assessment Principles • 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. • Has removal of barriers or changed use of bathroom changed zones?

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