NIOSH has issued a new Workplace Solutions publication on Using Lockout and Tagout Proceduresto Prevent Injury and Death during Machine Maintenance. The four page publication reviews the exposure of the hazard in OSHA industries and the OSHA Standard. It examines a case report of a fatality involving a Millwright and lists recommendations for employers, workers, and manufacturers. You can download a copy in pdf format here.
Electrical
Fatality #16 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2010
On October 10, 2010, a 42 year- old contract electrician with 4 years of experience was seriously injured at a granite operation. The victim and two co-workers were installing ground fault indicator lights in a circuit breaker enclosure when an arc flash occurred. The circuit breaker enclosure contained a bottom feed circuit breaker. All three workers were hospitalized and the victim died on October 12, 2010.
Before YOU perform electrical work:
- Be trained on all the electrical tests and safety equipment necessary to safely test and ground the circuit being worked on.
- Conduct a risk assessment.
- Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
- Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted.
- De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open.
- Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
- Verify the circuit is de-energized by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
- Ensure ALL electrical components in the enclosure are de-energized.
- Ground ALL phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.
- Install warning labels on the terminal covers of bottom feed circuit breakers stating the “Bottom terminal lugs remain energized when the circuit breaker is open.”
Click here for: MSHA Preliminary Report (pdf), MSHA Investigation Report (pdf), Overview (powerpoint), Overview (pdf).
Fatality #4 for Metal/Nonmetal Mining 2009
On April 7, 2009, a 36 – year old supervisor with 15 years of experience was fatally injured at a sand and gravel dredging operation. The victim was attempting to connect the 4160 volt cable for the dredge to load side terminals in the electrical panel when he came into contact with energized 4160 volt line side terminals.
Best Practices
Before YOU perform electrical work:
- Be trained and knowledgeable in the task.
- Be trained on all the electrical test and safety equipment necessary to safely test and ground the circuit being worked on.
- Use properly rated Personal Protective Equipment including Arc Flash Protection such as a hood, gloves, shirt, and pants.
- Positively identify the circuit on which work is to be conducted.
- De-energize power and ensure that the circuit is visibly open.
- Place YOUR lock and tag on the disconnecting device.
- Verify the circuit is de-energized by testing for voltage using properly rated test equipment.
- Ensure all electrical components in the cabinet are de-energized.
- Ground ALL phase conductors to the equipment grounding medium with grounding equipment that is properly rated.
Click here for: MSHA Investigation Report(pdf), Overview(powerpoint), Overview(pdf)