Accident Commentaries
V. Accident due to an electric arc
The job consisted in connecting the power supply to a fused circuit-breaker belonging to a client via which a new installation was to powered (electrical switchboard).
At the moment of connecting the power supply, an electric arc was produced due to the presence of dust in the current-breaker, which caused several burns to the worker’s face and hand.
At the moment of the accident, the worker was wearing a helmet and safety goggles.
Why did the accident occur?
- Due to not complying with work procedures.
- The equipment being manipulated was not locked-out.
- The person doing the job and the person who instructed him to do it did not see the hazard it supposed (installation with abundant coke dust in the atmosphere), or make sure that they were following established procedures.
How could the accident have been avoided?
- By following the procedures regarding jobs with an electrical hazard.
- On the other hand, using an inactinic visor as well as using fireproof gloves, insulating gloves and fireproof clothing would have notably reduced the consequence for the worker.
