School electrical danger
Issued 08/2000
A dangerous situation was discovered at a school when the covering panel of part of the main switchboard was removed by vandals. This allowed access to exposed energised parts of the switchboard and some children had entered the switchboard cabinet while playing.
The situation was extremely dangerous and the children were exposed to a high risk of serious injury. Fortunately no injury or electric shock was suffered by any person.
While the switchboard construction complied with relevant standards and sound engineering practice, nevertheless the incident highlights the need for vigilance to be maintained with electrical installations in public places, especially where a risk of interference by unauthorised persons has been identified.
If such a risk has been established, measures to prevent a dangerous situation from arising are necessary. For example, additional security may be achieved by the use of tamper resistant fixings or by location of equipment in restricted access areas. Precautions may also include appropriate signage on electrical equipment and enclosures, stating for example "Danger Electricity".
Last updated October 17, 2005
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