Case Study
A lineman (the victim) was killed after contacting a 17,400-volt charge switch. The victim was part of a three-man crew replacing cables under a switch cabinet. At the time of the accident, the crew was feeding a new cable under the concrete foundation pad below the cabinet. As one worker pushed the cable under the foundation, the victim looped the cable inside the foundation under the cabinet. The victim was using a hot stick to loop the cable but was not wearing his hard hat when his head came either in close proximity to or contacted the charged switch. Crewmembers saw a flash and came around the switch cabinet to where the victim was located. He was found slumped partially in the cabinet. A crewmember used a hot stick to move the victim away from the cabinet and then began CPR. Emergency medical services transported the victim to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead from injuries associated with high-voltage electrocution.
Based on the findings in the investigation, to prevent similar incidents, employers should:
- Ensure workers use personal protective equipment and enforce its use.
- Ensure workers are capable of recognizing and avoiding hazardous situations.
- Emphasize de-energizing, isolating, or cover energized work areas whenever personnel need to work within high voltage danger zones.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-6. When personnel need to work within high voltage danger zones, it is important to _____.
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