Electrical flash burns due to switchboard explosions in New South Wales--a 9-year experience

To document the incidence and outcome of flash burns due to electrical switchboard explosions presenting to Concord Hospital Burns Unit, from January 2000 to December 2008.

The Concord Hospital Burns Unit Database was reviewed for admissions due to electrical burns from January 2000 to December 2008.

There were 119 electrical burns admitted during the study period, 20 of which were due to high voltage current. Ninety-nine others were low voltage injuries and included 37 cases of electrical burns due to low voltage electrical switchboard explosions. All of the electrical switchboard burns occurred in male electricians. Twenty-one of the 37 low voltage injuries required admission and 7 of them required skin grafting. The mean LOS was 9.95 days. Twenty cases suffered serious complications including major psychological problems and ocular injuries.

Flash burns resulting from switchboard explosions account for a significant proportion of all electrical burns presenting to our institution. These burns may highlight deficits in taking safety precautions and the use of personal protection equipment. Despite the small area of injury the long term psychological sequelae were significant resulting in a delayed return to employment, and there was a high incidence of eye injuries. Additional efforts are therefore required towards the prevention of such injuries.