Electrical Safety & Bathroom Design

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

Zone 1
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 extent
  of 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

• 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.

900
1000
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 arms 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 arms 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 clients 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?

51
Assessment Principles

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

52
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 Falls
• The likelihood of water splash on floors leading
  to slips 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.

53
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.

54
Managing Risk
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.

55
Managing Risk
Managing Risk

• Key Principles of Bathroom Electrical Safety
  procedure for managing risk
• Use alcove or bath wherever possible
• Use Barriers
• Seal sockets / switches
• Control Water Spray
• Direct spray away from sockets
• Assistant to maintain control
• Use exhaust fans
• Client / carer / staff instruction - Information
  sheets
• Documentation

56
Use alcove or bath
Managing Risk

• 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.

57
Use Barriers
Managing Risk

• 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.

58
Effective Seal
Managing Risk

• Use an effective seal to cover switches / sockets
  exposed to water splash
• Situations requiring electrical outlets to be
  covered include
• leaving a barrier open
• using a plug-on hose
• or showering outside an alcove over a bathroom
  floor drain.
• Use 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)

59
Effective Seal
Managing Risk

• switches / sockets covered with a plastic sheet.
• The switch should be positioned under the centre
  of the sheet.
• Tape along the top edge.

Plastic Sheet
600mm
600mm
60
Control Water Spray
Managing Risk

• 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 cover with a hand
  towel

61
Control Condensation
Managing Risk

• 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.

62
Client / Carer Instruction
Managing Risk

• Clients / carers 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 (eg to wash bathroom walls), unless
  the bathroom has been assessed for showering over
  a floor drain.

63
Staff Information
Managing Risk

• 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.

64
Documentation
Managing Risk

• Location and measurements of
• switches / sockets / devices
• barriers
• Procedure for safe practice
• Hazard form
• Service plan

65
Interim Measures
Managing Risk

• In the circumstances where no safe alternative
  exists, and electrical modification are need
  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 DCSA donation
  fund.

66
Exercise

• Use bathroom templates to build a typical
  bathroom.
• Layout the boundaries of Zones 1, 2 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.

67
Scenario 1 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?
2300
900
600
Power point
?
900
Fixed Panel
shower
1800
wc
Light switch
? fixed plumbing outlet
68
Scenario 1 Door Closed Sliding door with fixed
panel adjacent wall
2300
900
600
Power point
?
900
2
1
shower
1800
3
0.6m
Light switch
69
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
2300
900
600
Fixed Panel
?
900
Power point
shower
1800
wc
Light switch
70
2300
Scenario 2 Door Open
900
600
?
900
Power point
1
shower
3
2
1800
0.6m
Light switch
71
Scenario 3 Glass sliding door panel removed.
Fixed panel was adjacent Client on mobile shower
chair Assisted by care attendant. Explain what
you would do in this situation to address safety
issues.
450
450
?
Fixed Panel
Power point
Light switch
1200
Sliding Door
shower
1200
900
? fixed plumbing outlet
curtain
72
450
450
Scenario 3 Curtain Open from side opposite taps
?
Curtain
Power point
Light switch
1200
0.6m
2
3
1
shower
1200
900
? fixed plumbing outlet
curtain
73
450
450
Scenario 3 Curtain Open from side adjacent
shower outlet
?
Power point
Light switch
1200
2
Curtain
0.6m
1
3
shower
1200
900
? fixed plumbing outlet
curtain
74
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
?
Power point
1700
1500
bathboard
Light switch
? fixed plumbing outlet
75
Scenario 4 Client seated on bathboard. Without
curtain
2000
1600
?
1.2m
1
Power point
1
1700
2
1500
3
bathboard
? fixed plumbing outlet
Light switch
76
Scenario 4 Client seated on bathboard. Curtain
drawn.
2000
1600
?
3
1
0.6m
Curtain
Power point
2
1700
1500
3
curtain
bathboard
? fixed plumbing outlet
Light switch
77
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
?
Power point
1700
1500
Light switch
? fixed plumbing outlet
78
2000
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 power
points in the room need to be considered as
falling in Zone 1. Cover the power point and
light switch prior to showering.
500
?
Power point
1700
1500
Zone 1
Light switch
? fixed plumbing outlet
79
Relevant Documents

• Domiciliary Care SA Procedure Bathroom
  Electrical Safety
• Principles for Managing Electrical Safety in
  Bathrooms
• Electrical Safety Bathroom Design 7 Scenarios
• Client / Carer Electrical Safety information
  sheet
• Care Worker electrical safety information sheet

80
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)