ATU Donegal rooms deemed safe following incidents of electrical shock

Two incidents of electrical shock were reported to Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal staff on the Letterkenny campus, which resulted in rooms being closed.

ATU wrote to staff and students this evening, Thursday, to say that an electrical contractor attended the Port Road campus to inspect and test, concluding the issue was static electricity and that “any sustained shock is non-life-threatening.”

To reduce the risk of static charge build-up, staff and students have been advised to take precautions “such as wearing leather sole shoes, non-synthetic clothing and keeping hands moisturised.”

The statement from the Facilities Department read: “Following a communication to staff on the 11th March 2026 we wish to provide an update to concerns relating to electrical safety in the main building at the Port Road campus, Letterkenny.

“There were two incidents of electrical shock reported on the 10th March 2026, in rooms 2206 and 2294. Both rooms were closed immediately and have remained unavailable. The safety of our staff and students remain the top priority of both the Buildings & Estates and Health & Safety Departments and such incidents are taken with the utmost importance by the University.

“The ATU appointed a qualified electrical contractor to attend campus immediately and carry out a series of inspections and testing. This was done to confirm the safety of the electrical supplies in each room. A report has been issued to B&E with no electrical faults determined.

“Based on the level of testing carried out by the appointed contractor, the two rooms inspected have been deemed electrically safe.

“Due to the nature of the incidents, the University sought additional advice from expertise in the field of electrical testing and certification to ensure we were adopting the right approach.

“Based on the evidence, the root cause has been determined as static electricity, which is not uncommon in the built environment and any sustained shock is non-life-threatening. Static electricity naturally builds up in individuals, for example, after a car journey or walking on a carpet. The risk of static shock is more likely during winter months when the weather is colder and drier.

“The University will assess requirements to reduce static insofar as is reasonably practicable. There are some steps that everyone can take to reduce the risk of static charge build-up, such as wearing leather sole shoes, non-synthetic clothing and keeping hands moisturised. We would like to thank all staff and students for their feedback in the reporting and investigation of these incidents.”