Faulty Electrical Causes Shock at Orlando’s Universal Studios

• (Photo : pixabay)

According to a recent federal investigation, construction errors at Volcano Bay led to the electrical shock felt by visitors and employees. As one of the two major attractions Orlando Florida, the theme park will not be held responsible for the mistake. Everything is business (and fun) as usual. 

The Incident

Volcano Bay, Universal's water amusement park recently experienced something very strange shortly after it's second anniversary. On Sunday, June 2, 2019, guests and workers were zapped by an electrical current. 

Lifeguards on duty experienced a numbing feeling radiating through their bodies as they were in the water. Leaving the post is grounds for termination at the park. An ambulance came to the scene as employees and guests expressed their frustration. 

Reporters said that guests were shocked and that they were not happy with the response of Universal. At the start of the summer, the company told the press that it was a technical problem and refused to address the topic in detail. The park was closed for the remainder of that Sunday afternoon but was re-open Monday morning. 

The Mistake

An investigation into the matter was made public on November 4, 2019. The results stated that the current was caused by a mistake made when the park was being built. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) concluded that because the company was not aware of the error, they will not be held responsible for the shock.

OSHA found that the shocks were caused by a grounding rod that had been driven through an electrical conduit during the park's construction. This caused 20 to 30 volts through the ground. The problem is, there is a chance that the other underground systems may be vulnerable to erosion, even though the park is relatively new. 

An underground electrical conduit protects electrical wires and can be made out of fiberglass, metal, or fired clay. According to FRE composites, below ground conduit system products made from fiberglass are "an economical and long-lasting alternative to PVC." You can learn more here.

The US National Electrical Code typically covers the installation, use, and form details. According to OSHA, there was another defect identified. A connector was inside a junction box, and this caused a short. The splash-down pool Taniwha Tubes was the location of the fault. 

The Damages

Luckily no one was seriously injured. For cautionary reasons, five of the lifeguards from Volcano Bay were taken to the hospital but were released the same day. The guests had reported feeling a shock, but none were brought for medical care. Recently, employees have expressed concern stating that they have been feeling sick. 

In response to the OSHA findings, Universal emphasized that its priority lies with the safety of the team members and guests and proceeded to boast about a quick response time. These claims seem to contradict those made by the employees and visitors. 

Universal and other involved companies may still have to face legal issues. There is a chance that individuals who experienced a shock may decide to sue. Electrical injuries are some of the most dangerous to the general public. 

OSHA considers electrocutions of the "Fatal Four." Just because the findings stated that the company is not responsible, doesn't mean it is immune to a lawsuit. 

In Summary

As Universal was not aware of the significant construction mistake for two years, the federal investigation found that there was no fault. Regardless of the findings, employees and guests continue to express concern. 

Hopefully, Volcano Bay doesn't hold any other errors or shocking secrets. Since that day, millions of tourists have been in electricity-free water, so let's hope that means that everything is secure!