Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: 31 Year-Old Lineman Electrocuted in North Carolina

摘要

A 31 year old groundman was electrocuted while performing maintenance on electric service lines from an aerial bucket. A standby crew from the local municipal electrical service department was dispatched to a residence because of a reported voltage loss. The crew consisted of the groundman, who had previous lineman experience, and a foreman. The electric service line connectors were found to be corroded and needed cleaning. The aerial truck was positioned and the bucket raised to 18 to 24 inches away from the power lines. The groundman was in the bucket, and the foreman was on the ground. The groundman detached the three service lines, cleaned two of the connectors, and reattached two of the three electrical service lines to the power lines. Apparently, the victim was in the process of cleaning the third service line connector when he contacted the energized power line. The victim was not wearing insulated rubber gloves, as required by his employer. Recommendations arising from this accident include: enforcement of safety rules concerning the wearing of personal protective equipment; and the use of all safety equipment where applicable.