The domestic washing machine: a common cause of electrical burn

Abstract

The dependence of the domestic washing machine on electricity makes it a potential source of an electric shock that can therefore lead to a burn. The aim of this report is to present a typical case of a washing machine burn and analyse their frequency and circumstances. Using a database, patients who had sustained a burn from a washing machine in a 2.8 year period were identified and the case notes obtained for review. Washing machine burns accounted for 12% of all electrical burns and 22% of all electrical domestic burns. All patients were males who had been attempting to repair a faulty machine. Six of the ten patients required surgical treatment. Despite numerous safety features, washing machines are a common cause of electrical burn, and methods of prevention of such injury need to be addressed.