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By KATE NEWTON - The Dominion Post 5/08/10

Angus Appleton is marvelling at his luck after surviving the shock of his life.

The 16-year-old was in his Wellington College art class on Monday when he received an electric shock while trying to plug in a computer cable.

A freak current zapped him when he touched the metal grill at the back of the computer, sticking his hand fast for five or six seconds.

He did not immediately realise he had received an electric shock.

"It was more just registering what was actually happening."

Once his brain kicked into gear, he became aware of the pain – "quite a lot of it, actually".

His classmates only noticed something amiss when he managed to unstick his hand, bringing the computer crashing down on himself as he fell backwards.

"They just thought I was having them on, but then it started getting quite dramatic and they thought, `Maybe we should do something'."

The electricity surging round his body left him with sore muscles and a headache, but the only outside damage doctors could find were burns to his fingers where the current entered and exited. He also suffered mild concussion from his fall.

"I suppose I feel quite lucky," Angus said. "The doctor said that there were really two things that can happen – either you're a bit shaken and have a few burns, or you die."

His beloved iPod was not so fortunate – it was in his pocket and got fried.

Angus' mum, Gabrielle, said the school was a bit unnerved by the accident.

"It's been a major incident as far as they're concerned."

The computers had all been serviced and electricians who examined the offending computer – which has been banished from the classroom – were baffled by what caused the current.

"This is just one of those weirdo things that happens."

Wellington College deputy principal Dave Ashby said the school's plugs and circuits had also been checked and were not to blame.

"We cannot work out how he got shocked. We can only put it down to a faulty computer."

4. Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010

On the 1st of April 2010 The Electricity Regulations 1997 were replaced by the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010.

The Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 require portable electrical equipment to be tested and tagged in accordance with AS/NZS3760

RCD protection is also encouraged for extra safety.

Even with RCD protection appliances can be dangerous and periodic appliance testing is necessary for safety and legal compliance under OSH regulations.

AS/NZS 3760 is now more important than ever for compliance.

Review of AS/NZS 3760: 2003

Use of the Standard for In-service safety inspection and testing of electrical equipment AS/NZS 3760:2003 reduces the risk of electrical shock to users of electrical equipment.

The Standard provides the overall method and process for inspecting and testing electrical equipment that is designed for connection to the mains supply by a flexible cord and plug.

The Department of Labour and the Ministry of Economic Development are sponsoring a review of the Standard.

'AS/NZS 3760 will be a lot more definitive and will include a lot more information to address electrical shock more accurately.

The review will consider the following points:

• Enhancing user safety by adding new information for the testing of three phase residual current devices (RCD's) and electrical equipment

• Updating the Standard to reflect the impact of new technology in electrical equipment

• The need for a means of determining the knowledge and skills of a 'competent person'

• Corrections and editorial improvements from user feedback.

RCD Recall PDL have recalled some RCD's

You now have the option of contacting one of the local 18 offices around the country for your Appliance Safety Testing.

Your testing will be done by your local trained technicians that you may know.

Links to other relevant sites: Link to: how to choose a good appliance testing company.

	Health and Safety Systems Securo Ltd ( www.securo.co.nz ) is one of New Zealands’ leading providers of Manual and Online Health and Safety systems that assist businesses comply with the Health and Safety in Eployment Act 1992. Securo has worked with over 4,000 companies throughout New Zealand, since 1992, developing workplace safety systems to DoL/ACC compliance requirements and through their locally based Consultants, are continually improving and developing their services to provide safe working environments for everyone. Securo also provides an Online, web-based, simple and convenient to use facility to build and develop your Health and Safety system. Contact Securo Head Office – 0800 55 33 44 or secteam@securo.co.nz
	Ministry of Economic Development Home Page For Electrical Acts & Regulations Electricity Act 1992 Electricity Regulations 2010
STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND	www.standards.co.nz For AS/NZS 3760 For AS/NZS 3551 Medical appliances For AS/NZS 3012 Construction sites
	www.ewrb.govt.nz For Electrical Registration References to AS/NZS 3760
	OSH and Department of Labour Home page all practicable steps Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 Guidelines and references to Electricity Act and Regulations See 2.13
	www.consumer-ministry.govt.nz References to AS/NZS 3760
	www.sitesafe.org.nz References to AS/NZS 3760
	Property Management Handbook see section 7. 7 References to AS/NZS 3760 and MOE requirements for schools.
Basic electricity web sites:	www.reprise.com/host/electricity/default.asp www.electricityforum.com/what-is-electricity.htm http://openbookproject.net//electricCircuits/ www.school-for-champions.com/science/ac.htm
Dangers of Electricity web sites:	www.elec-toolbox.com/Safety/safety.htm www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000053.htm www.ufba.org.nz/nzfbi/articles/article11.php

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