Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Report for Colorado: Maintenance Electrician Dies from Burns Received When Electrical Panel is Shorted

摘要

A 38-year old employee of a process equipment manufacturer was severely burned while attempting to test an electrical power circuit. On the day of the incident the maintenance electrician was asked by a co-worker to determine why an 85 horsepower electric motor was not functioning. The deceased used a multi-meter rated at 600 volts to check out the power supply source to the motor. The motor was connected to the electrical circuit inside a 14,400 volt, 600 amp metal electrical switch box. When he attempted to check the fuse on this circuit an electrical arc ionized the air in the cabinet and a flash fire occurred. The injured worker was burned over 50% of his body and died 18 days later. The Colorado Department of Health (CDH) investigator concluded that to prevent future similar occurrences, employers should: (1) Ensure that high voltage electrical circuits are properly labeled. (2) Ensure that only qualified personnel are authorized to work on high voltage circuits. (3) Conduct a job-site survey on a regular basis to identify potential hazards, implement appropriate control measures, and provide subsequent training to employees that specifically addresses all identified hazards.