Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85672
safety watch | by Amy Materson Use common sense when working around electrical hazards The accident: A crew was working on a landfi ll gas processing facility installation. While moving a load with a crane, the crane operator touched the boom tip of the crane to an overhead power line with a carrying capacity of more than 12,000 volts. Electricity traveled down the crane through a line that was connected to the load being moved. An employee on the ground was holding the line. He was shocked and received serious burns. The bottom line: A post-accident investigation determined the contrac- tor failed to determine if any part of the crane could get closer than 20 feet to the overhead energized power line, as well as other safety violations. Don't be a victim Burns are the most common shock-related injury. The human body is an effi cient conductor of elec- tricity, allowing electricity to fl ow between parts of the body, or through the body to a ground or the earth, causing severe injury or death by electrocu- tion. Most accidents result from unsafe equipment or installation, a hazardous environment or unsafe work practices. Lower your risk by following safe work practices and use insulation, guarding, grounding and electrical protective devices. For detailed information on the types of insulation and protection you should use, visit osha.gov/Publications/3075.html. Also, al- ways follow these general guidelines: lethal voltages. Never assume that a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated. electric utility company to report fallen electrical lines. working at heights or handling long objects, survey the area before starting work for the presence of overhead wires. you are driving, stay inside the vehicle and contin- Prepare not to be shocked Illustration by Don Lomax do not leave your vehicle. Warn people not to to call the local electric utility company and emer- gency services. while you are in the cab, remain calm and do not call for help. other safety reasons, try to jump completely clear, making sure that you do not touch the equipment and the ground at the same time. Land with both feet together and shuffl e away in small steps to minimize the path of electric current and avoid electrical shock. Be careful to maintain your bal- ance. standing in water. qualifi ed and authorized. ment that has gotten wet before energizing it. and equipment to ensure that they are in good con- dition and free of defects, and use a ground-fault Information for this Safety Watch came from an accident report and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It is for general information only. Sponsored by Tear this out and share with your crew EW0412 Tear along perforated edges