Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Missouri: Cable Television Installer Electrocuted when Cable Wire Contacts 7,200-Volt Powerline

摘要

On April 13, 1998, a 24-year-old male cable television (CATV) installer (the victim) was electrocuted when the cable wire he was holding contacted a 7,200-volt powerline. The victim was in the process of installing CATV to a customer. The incident site contained two sets of powerline poles. Line 1 was a single 7,200-volt primary line, with a single neutral. Line 2 was a secondary line that ran adjacent to the primary line on a separate set of poles. It contained a 120/220 volt line, a telephone line and the CATV trunk line. The vertical height of the trunk line on Line 2 was slightly higher than the neutral wire on the Line 1. In order to get the cable wire to the customer it had to cross between the primary 7,200 volt powerline and neutral. The victim had climbed Line No. 2 pole utilizing a ladder and the installed climbing pegs and secured himself with his safety strap. He was attempting to pass the cable wire between the primary and the neutral when the end of the cable wire contacted the primary line. The victim was immediately electrocuted. The MO FACE investigator concluded that in order to prevent similar occurrences, all employers should: (1) adopt company policies that comply with and emphasize state and federal statutory requirements for working at safe distances from all powerlines; (2) develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive safety program that includes, but is not limited to, training of employees in hazard recognition and avoidance, and safe work practices; (3) provide a program that introduces and enforces use of appropriate personal protective equipment.