Electric shocks and reporting
You can’t see an electrical fault, but you can feel one.
An electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with electricity, causing the electrical current to flow through their body.
The effects from an electric shock can range from tingling and mild discomfort through to burns, severe internal/external injuries (including heart damage), unconsciousness and fatality.
Electric shocks from taps, pipes, appliances or other exposed metallic surfaces at home are warning signs that something could be wrong with the electrical wiring or appliances.
If you then touch the water pipe, metal tap, gas fitting or other conductor, you may receive an electrical shock, which can be potentially life threatening.
Are there warning signs to look out for?
- electric shock from water pipes, taps, gas fittings, appliances or any exposed metallic surface;
- unexplained brightening and dimming of lights; and
- unusual performance from electrical appliances (i.e. unusual noises from an air-conditioning unit or fans).
What should I do if I receive an electric shock?
Despite all the precautions we take, faults can occur in electrical wiring, appliances and equipment that cause electric shocks or damage to property. If you receive an electric shock or property is damaged (even if it is only minor) due to an electrical incident:
- STOP using the appliance and keep away from whatever gave you an electric shock.
- Report the electric shock to your local network operator.
- Seek medical attention. Regardless of how minor the electric shock is, you should seek medical attention as an electric shock can affect your body sometime after it occurred.
- Avoid touching any metallic appliances, water taps, gas fittings or metallic surfaces until the network operator can determine the cause of the fault.
Network Operator contact numbers:
- Western Power: 13 13 51
- Horizon Power: 13 23 51
- Rio Tinto: 1800 992 777
- BHP Billiton: 1300 632 483 – option 4
- Peel Renewable Energy (Zenith Energy): 1800 571 211
- Indian Ocean Territories Power Service (IOTPS) and Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands: 9164 7111
Contact Building and Energy if the Network Operator is not known: 1800 678 198
You are legally required to report any electric shock and damage to property from electrical incidents so that the cause of the shock/damage can be investigated and corrected. Even minor shocks can lead to electrocution (death).
