Cleaning electric elements - Warning

[NeedsMoreHops]

I was cleaning the electric elements of my boiler at the weekend with an old toothbrush when there was a sudden bright flash of red light. After recovering from the massive adrenaline rush, I realised the toothbrush in question was a kids toothbrush with a button on the front; pressing this starts the whole thing flashing until the child can stop brushing their teeth.
I recommend using a non-light up toothbrush for such activities.
Before anyone comments, no it was not plugged in, I was in the garden several metres from an electric socket...