Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Enclosed:
Principles for Managing Electrical Safety in Bathrooms
Scenarios
Electrical Safety Checklist
DFC Procedure Bathroom Electrical Safety
AS3000 Section 6 Figures Zones
AS3000 Table 6.1
Client Information Sheet
1 DFC EP/ Children & Adults: Bathroom electrical safety document kit 9/3/11
Switches/sockets/devices
Any switches/sockets/devices located within zones 1 and 2 need to be either protected
against the entry of water or modified by an electrician.
Outlets identified as being at risk should have a label fixed adjacent reading Cover Before
Showering as a prompt to clients, carers and staff.
Lights such as batten holders can be covered with a clip on cover.
Effective seal/barrier
The Office of the Technical Regulator recommends using a waterproof plastic sheet to cover
outlets can be a method of preventing water from entering switches/sockets/devices.
An effective seal is a protective cover that prevents the entry of water:
Directly through the front of the outlet (or)
Running down the wall to enter through the back of the outlet
There are no guidelines on what can be used to make a seal, the dimensions or method of
attaching it to a wall. DFC clinical staff have devised a size and method that takes into
account the ease of application to the wall.
An effective seal can be:
A sheet of sturdy flexible plastic (approximately 600x600mm)
Socket located behind the centre of the sheet
Hung from the wall
Taped seal along top edge of sheet
A seal does not mean that all sides need to be taped. It is the dimension of the sheet that
prevents the accidental entry of water.
If a smaller sheet of plastic is used, tape around all of the edges needs to prevent the entry
of water between the wall surface and the plastic sheet. It can be difficult to maintain an
effective seal if taping over grout between tiles.
Childproof covers, glad wrap or margarine containers are not effective covers.
Condensation
Strategies should be used to prevent excessive steam in bathrooms and build up of
condensation on walls.
Of particular concern are droplets of water running down the wall and behind switches/
sockets/devices.
Use exhaust fans, open windows or doors.
Other appliances
Hairdryers, shavers, etc should be located outside of the room or in a cupboard to prevent
them from being sprayed with water.
Floor heaters can be used to heat a room but must be moved outside the bathroom prior to
showering.
Water Spray over Floor
Is primarily a risk of slips and falls.
Barriers should be installed and used.
Non-slip mats should be used, or non-slip floor treatment.
Client Information
Clients should be provided with verbal and written information on appropriate use of showerhose and electrical safety.
Documentation
The following areas require risk analysis and statements about how electrical safety risks
are to be managed in bathrooms:
Home modification prescription
Shower-hose and removal of shower screen.
Equipment prescription
Rubber plug-on shower hose.
Client file
Progress notes should contain a record of clinical reasoning in relation to electrical safety
issues for 1) Home modifications or 2) Implementing a personal care service.
Use the Electrical Safety Checklist to guide clinical reasoning.
Staff information and Service plans
Care workers should be provided with written information on appropriate use of shower-hose
and electrical safety.
Hazard form (for personal care services) should include a statement such as:
Bathroom electrical safety issues exist in this house. Refer to service plan for
specific instructions.
Service plans should give instructions on specific safety measures that are required for
individual clients (only list specific issues that are not included in the information sheet) e.g.
Use the plastic sheet provided to cover the power outlet located beside the
hand basin.
Training
Orientation for new clinical staff should include introduction to the Principles for Managing
Electrical Safety in Bathrooms by an approved prescriber for hand showers and removal of
barriers who has completed the Bathroom Electrical Safety training.
Clinicians are required to complete the item specific approved prescriber process prior to
prescription of these items/modifications.
Staff should complete the Bathroom Electrical Safety training as soon as able.
Staff who have completed training are encouraged to seek clarification from on-site clinical
resource people for more complex issues.
Scenarios
of in-home assistance.
Acknowledgements
Department for Families and Communities is grateful for the information and advice
provided by the Office of the Technical Regulator. Department for Energy, Transport and
Infrastructure (Government of South Australia).
Scenario 1
Client showering in an enclosed alcove
- independently with door shut.
Scenario 2
Client showering in an enclosed alcove
- assisted by carer or care attendant
with door partly open.
Scenario 3
Removal of a glass shower alcove door
for mobile shower chair access.
Assisted by carer.
Scenario 4
Showering on a bathboard.
Scenario 5
Showering on mobile shower chair positioned over floor drain.
Scenarios
Scenario 1
Solutions
No
use
Scenarios
Scenario 2
Same bathroom as #2
Client showering seated on a shower
chair in shower alcove assisted by a
care worker.
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.
Solutions
Scenarios
Scenario 3
Solutions
Near wall
Distant wall
Scenarios
Client
Curtain open
from showering independently seated on a
wall closest to FPO
bathboard, using a shower hose attached to
the shower fixed plumbing outlet. Without a
curtain in place.
There is a power socket 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.
Solutions
Scenarios
Scenarios
Scenario 5
Solutions
Scenarios
Scenario 5 (continued)
Basin Zones
Why is the power point so close to the hand basin?
The Australian Standards 3018 Electrical Installations
Domestic, gives a dimension of Zone 2 surrounding
a hand basin (fixed water container with capacity less
than 45L). Basins are designed to contain a small
volume of water with a downward flow into the drain.
Attaching a rubber hose changes the nature of the
plumbing fixture, and increases the likelihood of water
spray into switches.
An adjustable clamp may be needed to hold the hose
on taps when in use.
The questions listed below should be used to guide clinical reasoning around bathroom
modifications and provision of in-home services.
Identify:
Communication:
The Department for Families and Communities (DFC) is committed to providing equitable,
inclusive and culturally appropriate services in an environment that has due regard to the
health, safety and well being of clients, carers and staff.
This procedure guides Domiciliary Care SA and Disability SA staff in the assessment for
bathroom modifications or hand held showers that is required to assist with function and
independence in the clients home. Bathroom electrical safety will also need to be assessed
for the provision of personal support services.
This procedure has been based on the advice provided by the Office of the Technical
Regulator (OTR), Department for Transport, Energy & Infrastructure, Government of South
Australia and risk analysis performed by Domiciliary Care SA clinical staff.
Although all new electrical work must comply with Statutory Regulations (AS3000), these
standards apply to electricians performing electrical work. Clinical staff do not need to
ensure that bathrooms comply with the standards. However, AS3000 should be used as a
guide in the management of risk especially when planning home modifications and in-home
personal care services. The important principle of bathroom electrical safety is preventing
the entry of water into switches/sockets/devices.
1. Installation of hand held showers and removal of barriers in bathrooms are category 1 home
modifications and provision of push-on shower hoses are category 1 equipment items.
2. Item specific approved prescriber status is required for prescription of hand held or push on
showers and/or removal of barriers in a bathroom. Only Domiciliary Care SA or Disability SA
staff who have completed the training course in Electrical Safety and Bathroom Design can
prescribe.
3. Wherever possible, showering should occur in a bathroom in an alcove or over a bath. Where
this is not possible, the alternative location is considered to be a washroom and electrical
safety must be assessed.
4. The clinician must locate all switches, power sockets and luminaries in the bathroom/
washroom.
4.1. When possible the clinician will ascertain from the client or carer if the house has a
Residual Current Device fitted.
5. The clinician will measure distances from the fixed water source to any switch, power socket
or other fixed electrical devices in the bathroom/washroom and take into account existing
barriers, either fixed or portable.
5.1. In the case where the alcove and/or bath can not be used for showering and the area
becomes a washroom, then the clinician will measure the distance from the position at
which the showering is taking place to any electrical fittings.
6. AS/NZS 3000 should be used as a guide to determine whether any additional risk
management strategies need to be implemented in the particular bathroom/washroom
situation.
7. When there are modifications or equipment requests requiring approved prescriber status but
no apparent issues in ensuring electrical safety, the clinician will discuss their clinical
reasoning with an approved prescriber for the items.
8. When electrical safety issues are identified, the clinician will problem solve and make
recommendations that may include the following risk management strategies:
8.1. Installing barriers including shower curtains and keeping them as closed as
practicable, or use an effective seal/barrier.
8.4. Assistant (i.e. carer, paramedical aide, care worker, OT) to maintain control of hose
when client not able or unreliable.
9. Clients, carers and staff will be provided with information sheets to inform them of general
bathroom electrical safety risks and safety recommendations.
10. Clients and carers can be given information regarding possible electrical modifications they
may choose to make by engaging a private electrician.
11. When a clinician completes a review of a bathroom or personal care service they will follow
the steps above to determine if the bathroom meets electrical safety guidelines.
12. If no safe alternative is identified by the approved prescriber, they should consult with site
based Bathroom and Electrical Safety resource person or Team Manager, CSA Team
Leader/Palliative Liaison Officer (PLO) to further investigate options. This may include
consultation with the Office of the Technical Regulator.
13. In the exceptional circumstances where no safe alternative exists and it is identified that
electrical modification to the bathroom/washroom need to occur prior to the commencement
of showering services, proceed as follows following approval by the delegate (refer to
Seeking delegate approval for home modifications).
13.1. Client and staff to use alternate safe method e.g. sponge in shower chair or avoid
task prior to electrical work being undertaken. For Domiciliary Care SA, the service
plan must be updated to reflect this.
13.2. If the client/carer is willing to undertake and fund the necessary electrical
modifications, DFC will provide the necessary equipment/home modification and
information to facilitate the client engaging an electrician.
13.3. If the client/carer is willing to undertake the necessary electrical modifications, but
cost is a barrier, DFC will provide the necessary equipment/modification and the
Service Coordinator will assist the client to achieve compliance:
13.3.1 Referring to external sources e.g. local council where this option
exists.
Invoice from supplier for amounts not exceeding $500 to be made out
to Domiciliary Care SA attention General Manager Client Services
(Norwood Office) for payment.
13.3.3 If quote for necessary works exceeds $500 and client unable to pay balance,
request to be referred to General Manager Client Services for attention of
Executive Director prior to work proceeding.
13.3.4 If no safe alternative exists and electrical compliance can be achieved but
homeowner refuses to have this work undertaken whether costs are
subsidized or not, the equipment/modification is not to be provided by DFC.
Where this means that a personal support service cannot be safely delivered
the client/carer need to be informed that this is the outcome of the
homeowners decision. If the homeowner is Housing SA refer matter to Team
Leader/Client Services Manager for follow up.
14.
All recommendations must be clearly documented in service plans and clinical
reasoning documented in progress notes.
The installation of a hand held shower hose has been recommended to increase your
safety and comfort in the shower.
In providing you with the hand held shower hose, it is important to remind you that the
incorrect use of this equipment can result in injury.
For example, electric shock from water spraying into power points, falls on wet floor
surfaces, and scalding due to changes in water temperature
The following are guidelines for safe use of your hand held shower hose.
Ensure that water spray from the hose is directed away from electrical fittings at all times.
Electrical devices such as blow heaters, heaters, hair dryers, should remain disconnected
and either placed in a cupboard or taken out of the room or while showering.
It is advisable for all households to have an Residual Current Device (Electrical Safety
Switch) installed for general electrical safety.
If you have any concerns about the shower hose contact your Service Coordinator or Key
Contact to arrange a review.
For further information please contact your local Domiciliary Care SA / ASSIST office.
An Occupational Therapist from Department for Families and Communities (DFC) has
recommended the installation of a hand held shower hose to increase the safety and
comfort of your clients showering routine.
The Occupational Therapist has assessed the client and their bathroom to determine the
clients level of independence in showering, the need for assistance, their ability to use a
shower hose and other items of equipment provided and hazards in the bathroom including
electrical hazards.
It is important for you to remember some precautions when using the hand held shower
hose to minimise safety risks that could occur when using this equipment.
The following are guidelines for safe use of your hand held shower hose and should be
used in conjunction with the service plan written by the Occupational Therapist.
Barriers
Shower doors and curtains are effective barriers against spraying water which could present
a hazard where electrical switches or appliances are in the bathroom.
When assisting a client with showering, the door or curtain should be closed as far as
possible to minimise splash.
Barriers between the water spray zone and electrical outlets in the room may have been
recommended and installed by the Occupational Therapist; always ensure you check the
service plan.
Controlling the shower hose
The fixed hand held shower hose should only be used inside the shower alcove/or over the
bath as prescribed by the Occupational Therapist and within the service plan guidelines.
Make sure you maintain control of the hose at all times for both you and your clients comfort
and safety.
When you need both hands free for periods to assist the client, use one of the wall mounted
brackets to hold the shower head in place. Only let the client hold the hose if they can reliably
do this. Do not leave it dangling.
Ensure the water spray is never directed towards electrical fittings (power points, lights, light
switches, heaters, etc).
Slippery floors
Be aware of water spray onto the bathroom floor, the risk of slipping is increased for you and
your client.
Where the use of non-slip mats is indicated on the care plan, ensure these are in place.
Make sure the floor has been dried and is not wet and slippery when the client is transferring
out of the shower.
Electrical appliances
Electrical appliance (e.g. blow heaters, washing machines and hair dryers) must be switched
off, disconnected and not used in the bathroom whilst the shower is in use.
Plastic barriers
In some cases, a service plan will specify a plastic barrier is to be used to protect electrical
switches, power points or lights. These must be installed using the recommended tape prior
to commencing the shower routine according to the directions on the service plan.
Shower mountings
The shower hose and wall bracket must not be used to pull up on as they are not a weight
bearing fixture and may pull of the wall consult with the Occupational Therapist if you think
installation of a weight beating support rail may be necessary for your client.
Check any electrical power point in the room; if it has been covered with a shower curtain or a
temporary cover of firm plastic held in place with waterproof tape check that the tape still
has a complete and firm seal.
If you have any concerns regarding bathroom electrical safety issues, please report these
to the clients Service Coordinator or Key Contact / ASSIST clinician.
When clients are showered over a floor drain, additional precaution may be required to
prevent water splash from entering power outlets, light switches and other electrical
devices.
The following are instructions for using the sheet and tape:
A 600 x 600mm plastic sheet should be taped against the wall with the socket positioned
under the centre of the sheet.
Blue (low adhesive) masking tape should be used on painted walls to decrease risk of
paintwork being damaged. Take care when peeling off the tape.
Plastic Sheet
Cover Before Showering
600 mm
600 mm
A notice reading Cover Before Showering should remain above the outlet as a reminder to
use the sheet and tape.