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

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.