Fatal Accident Circumstances and Epidemiology (FACE) Report: Painter ElectrocutedWhen Metal Ladder Contacts a Powerline, Virginia, July 9, 1992

摘要

A painter was electrocuted when the metal ladder he was moving contacted anoverhead powerline. The 21 year old male painter had been employed for 2 days by a small general contracting company. The company had been contracted to repaint a two story wooden private residence. The day of the accident was his second day of employment. A 40 foot aluminum extension ladder was being used at the job site. The ladder was extended to 26 feet 2 inches and positioned on the east side of the residence. A three phase overhead power line system was located 24 feet above ground level, 10 feet way from and parallel to one side of the residence. At 9pm the workers were cleaning up the jobsite and work materials. The victim had been instructed earlier in the day not to move the ladder. However, he began to move it now, pulling it from the side of the building, standing it upright. The ladder contacted the overhead lines, electrocuting the victim. Recommendations included eliminating the use of conductive ladders near energized electrical conductors, having utility companies deenergize or cover powerlines when work is being performed near them, and developing and implementing safety programs. Manufacturers should consider the use of nonconducting materials in ladders.