Electric shock first aid and preventing electrical accidents

How to provide first aid if electric shock occurs to another person

If electric shock occurs, take the following actions.

Rescue

Remember that the person is electrified until released.

1. Take precautions against receiving a shock yourself by immediately switching off the electricity, where possible.
2. If power cannot be disconnected, unless higher than household voltage is involved, free the victim from contact immediately by using a dry stick, board, rope, clothing, plastic pipe or other non-conducting device. DO NOT touch the victim with your bare hands or any metal or moist object.
3. If possible, prevent a fall which may cause further injury.
4. Call for an ambulance or doctor.

Resuscitation

The first 3 minutes are vital. Act immediately!

Assess the level of consciousness, then if victim is not breathing, commence resuscitation.

Tips for how to prevent electrical accidents

Use a qualified electrician

Always use a qualified electrician. To check if an electrician is qualified you can:

• ask to see their electrical contractor’s licence
• do a licence check on our website, or
• call us on 13 32 20.

If you are completing renovations, have your electrician check the earth system.

Electricians must provide you with a Compliance Certificate to show that the electrical work carried out has been tested and is safe.

Safe use of electrical equipment

• Always follow the instructions that come with appliances.
• Always treat a ‘tingle’ or slight shock as a warning. Never touch an appliance that causes a ‘tingle’ or shock until an approved repairer repairs it.
• Replace broken switches, power points, and cover them up while waiting for an electrician.
• Fully unwind extension cords before use as they may overheat.
• Don’t stack plugs. It can overload the power point and cause a fire.
• Switch off all heating appliances if the power fails. Fires can start when power returns unexpectedly.
• Switch off before pulling out a plug. Grasp the plug – not the cord.
• Be careful not to spray household cleaners and insecticides on power points or switches. It may cause cracking and an electrical hazard.
• Tie the tapes of the electric blanket to prevent creasing.
• Teach children that power points and appliances are not toys. Children can touch live pins of plugs. Plastic covers for power points reduce the chance of children inserting objects.
• Some overseas products may not operate satisfactorily or safely under Australian conditions using 240V 50Hz supply. They could be hazardous if used without modification. Have them checked before use.

Maintaining and repairing electrical equipment 

It’s vital to keep your appliances, electrical wiring, fittings, switchboard and earthing connections (particularly for properties over 25 years old) in good working order.

If you are working near wiring, take care when:

• sawing
• nailing, or 
• drilling walls.

Damaged cords and older style plugs are dangerous. Have them replaced.

All electrical repairs should be carried out by an approved repairer.

Using safety switches to prevent accidents at home

Each year, 40% of house fires in NSW are caused by electrical faults and electrical appliances. These fires could have been prevented by having safety switches.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of safety switches:

• Safety switches are also known as Residual Current Devices (RCDs). They help to protect against the most frequent cause of electrocution where electricity passes through the body to earth.
• Remember, safety switches can enhance safety, but they do not remove the need to observe safe electrical practices and properly maintain equipment.
• Fixed safety switches offer the best protection, but portable safety switches are also useful when working away from home.
• Before using portable safety switches, check that the power point is safe with a plug-type tester.
• Push the ‘TEST’ button every 3 months. If it fails, have a licensed electrician check the switch.
• If your home isn’t covered by safety switches or you are unsure if you have them installed, contact a licensed electrician for help.

Like smoke alarms, safety switches need to be tested to make sure they are working property. Set aside some time today to do a check.

Visit our website to learn more about electrical safety and testing safety switches. 

Safely using electric room heaters

When buying a new heater, make sure you see the approval mark or number. If it isn’t visible, ask the salesperson to show it to you. If there is no approval mark or number, do not buy the heater. Buy another one with appropriate safety approval marks.

To make sure you are using electric room heaters safely do not:

• place the heater too close to other furniture items in your home because the heat could ignite the other furniture
• put clothing or other items on or too close to the heater because it could start a fire
• allow children or pets to play, stand or sit too close to the heater.

Older-style heaters with rusted reflectors or frames could cause hot spots, start a fire or cause injury if touched. They also may not include the latest safety features.

If you are buying from an overseas seller, make sure the heater is manufactured to Australian safety standards.

Staying safe when using electrical equipment or working with electricity outdoors

When working outside or using electrical equipment:

• do not leave appliances and cords out in the weather, put them away after use
• never use a portable appliance or extension cord where it could be splashed or fall into a pool because temporary or makeshift wiring arrangements to pool pumps and spas are hazardous
• wiring to a caravan must be kept in good condition
• be careful where you dig or drive stakes because there may be buried cables, especially in areas with underground electricity supply.

Do not risk injury or damage and dial before you dig.

Safely using electrical devices in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry

When using appliances do not:

• immerse in water to wash them unless instructions clearly allow it
• touch appliances or switches with wet hands
• use a portable electric radiator in the bathroom because a permanently installed heater is much safer
• leave an appliance near the bath or basin, and unplug the appliance after every use because children have been electrocuted by pulling hair dryers into baths, even when switched off.

Do wear dry shoes when using electrical appliances:

• in laundries
• on concrete floors, or
• outdoors.

Electric shocks are much more likely to be fatal with bare feet.

Keeping safe around power lines

Climbing towers or poles or entering substations may cause electrocution or very severe burns.

If you are near power lines, do not fly:

• kites
• model airplanes, or
• drones.

Keep clear of overhead wires attached to buildings when painting, clearing gutters or using ladders.

Dealing with earth wires

Earth wires are usually coloured green and yellow, or green. Although older installations may contain bare earth wires. Unless an appliance is ‘double insulated’ (marked), the earth wire performs a vital safety function in the event of equipment failure.

In cords and plugs, the earth wire must be correctly connected only to the earth terminal marked ‘E’ or ‘.’ The installation earth is usually connected to a metal stake and water pipe.

Get more information about minimum consumer and electrical safety standards

The Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017 and supporting Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018 outlines in full minimum consumer safety standards and requirements for electrical appliances and installation.

Visit the NSW Government website for more information on electrical safety and testing safety switches.

Making a complaint

When making a complaint, you should include:

• details of the issues you are experiencing
• copies of any correspondence that shows how you have tried to resolve the matter.

How Fair Trading will handle your complaint 

Your complaint will be reviewed to determine the most appropriate resolution. This may include:

• providing you with information to help resolve your complaint
• recording the complaint issues to assist in future compliance programs, or
• contacting the other party to try and resolve the dispute.

You can lodge a complaint: 

Online

If you cannot resolve your matter, submit your complaint by using our form.

Make a complaint

By mail

Post your complaint form and documentation to: 

NSW Fair Trading

PO Box 972 

Parramatta NSW 2124 

Ask a question 

If you are unable to find the information you need, you can call us between 8:30am to 5pm on Monday to Friday. You can also use our form to make an enquiry. 

Make an enquiry