Division 6.2 Socket protectors
United Kingdom
This case deals with socket protectors. These are devices that users (parents) put into the electrical socket outlets to stop small children from accessing live parts by putting a long metal object into one of the holes in the outlet and getting a (fatal) electric shock.
The holes in this particular protector (where the pins of the plug go through) are so narrow that the pins can get stuck. This means that the user may pull the protector off the outlet when the plug is pulled out. The user may not notice this happening.
Determination of risk(s)
| Injury scenario | Injury type and location | Severity of injury | Probability of injury | Overall probability | Risk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protector is removed from the socket, which becomes unprotected. Child is playing with thin conductible object, which can be inserted into the socket, accessing high voltage and is electrocuted. | Electrocution | 4 | Removal of protector | 9/10 | 27/160 000 | Serious risk |
| Not noticing the removal of protector | 1/10 | |||||
| Child is playing with thin conductible object | 1/10 | |||||
| Child is unattended when playing | 1/2 | > 1/10 000 | ||||
| Child inserts the object into the socket | 3/10 | |||||
| Access to voltage | 1/2 | |||||
| Electrocution due to voltage (without circuit interrupter) | 1/4 | |||||
| Protector is removed from the socket, which becomes unprotected. Child is playing with thin conductible object, which can be inserted into the socket, accessing high voltage and sustains shock. | Burns 2nd degree | 1 | Removal of protector | 9/10 | 81/160 000 | Low risk |
| Not noticing the removal of protector | 1/10 | |||||
| Child is playing with thin conductible object | 1/10 | |||||
| Child inserts the object into the socket | 3/10 | |||||
| Access to voltage | 1/2 | > 1/10 000 | ||||
| Child is unattended when playing | 1/2 | |||||
| Burn due to electric current (without circuit interrupter) | 3/4 | |||||
| Socket unprotected. Child is playing with thin conductible object, which can be inserted into the socket, accessing high voltage and is electrocuted. | Electrocution | 4 | Child is playing with thin conductible object | 1/10 | 3/80 000 | High risk |
| Child is unattended when playing | 1/100 | |||||
| Child inserts the object into the socket | 3/10 | |||||
| Access to voltage | 1/2 | > 1/100 000 | ||||
| Electrocution due to voltage (without circuit interrupter) | 1/4 | |||||
The overall risk of the socket protectors is thus ‘serious’.
Notes on Division
Footnotes
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If you need more information on the Risk Assessment method for harmonised products (both consumer and professional products) in relation to broader categories of public risks protected under EU harmonisation legislation, please refer to Part I, Chapter 5.3.