An electrician was electrocuted when he contacted an energised conductor, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
The MSHA says the victim contacted a 995 VAC connector while attempting to troubleshoot the scrubber motor circuit on a continuous mining machine.
Best Practices:
- Lock out and tag out the electrical circuit yourself. Never rely on others to do this for you.
- Before performing electrical work:
- Open the circuit breaker or load break switch away from the enclosure to de-energise the incoming power cables or conductors.
- Open the visual disconnect away from the enclosure to confirm that the incoming power cables or conductors have been de-energised.
- Lock out and tag out the visual disconnect.
- Ground the de-energised phase conductors.
- Wear properly rated and well maintained electrical gloveswhen troubleshooting or testing energised circuits. After the electrical problem has been found, follow the proper steps before performing electrical work.
- Use properly rated electrical meters and non-contact voltage testersto ensure electrical circuits have been de-energised.
- Only use qualified, trained workers. Ensure electrical work is performed by a qualified electrician or someone trained to do electrical work under a qualified electrician’s direct supervision.
- Identify circuits and circuit breakers. Properly identify all electrical circuits and circuit breakers before troubleshooting or performing electrical work.
