EnergySafety investigates death of man, 73, at Erskine
Issue Date: - Thursday, 8 January 2009
Energy industry technical and safety regulator EnergySafety is working with police to investigate the death of a 73-year old man who died at Erskine, near Mandurah, on Wednesday morning.
The man is believed to have been using a portable electric drill with the casing of the plug-top of the drill’s flexible electric lead at least partly removed. It appears the man inadvertently touched an exposed live terminal, resulting in a fatal electric shock, although this has yet to be formally confirmed.
Electrical Inspectors travelled to the site soon after the incident and are continuing to interview witnesses and investigate the circumstances.
It has already been established that the portable electric drill was plugged into a socket outlet that was not protected by a Residual Current Device (RCD), commonly known as a Safety Switch.
“This incident highlights the importance of these safety devices, which protect socket outlets and prevent persons from receiving an electric shock,” Albert Koenig, Director of Energy Safety, said today.
“Had an RCD been installed in this instance it may well have prevented the person receiving an electric shock,” Mr Koenig said.
“The incident also highlights that electrical appliances and equipment, especially cords and plugs, need to be visually checked by users, to ensure they are safe to use.”
Media contact: Albert Koenig, DIRECTOR OF ENERGY SAFETY
Contact: 9422 5201