FACE (Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology) Report: 37 Year-Old Scale Technician Electrocuted in Indiana

摘要

A 37 year old scale technician was electrocuted while he and a crane operator were attempting to move an abandoned truck platform scale. The scale was in three parts: a wooden platform, the scale frame, and the scale. The scale and wooden platform were retrieved in the morning and early afternoon. The victim then entered the pit where the scale was located (a space of about 20 inches by 10 feet by 15 feet) to attach a chain sling to the scale frame. Movement of the sling in attempting to attach it to the frame, combined with wind gusts up to 25 miles per hour, brought the winch cable in contact with one phase of the 7200 volt overhead lines. Current passed from the victims hand and through his feet to ground for 5 to 10 seconds, until the electric line burned through. The cause of death was electrocution. Recommendations arising out of this accident include: enforcement of existing regulations concerning crane operations in the vicinity of overhead power lines, and the development of written safe job procedures that are specific to the task to be performed.