Inspection Detail

Inspection: 120319546 - Lockheed Martin Aeronautics

Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys District Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 12:15 p.m. on September 17, 2003, an employee was preparing to weld using a Linde MIG 35 Wire Feed welder, type Linde 450, Serial No. 085J-48639. The employee was going to use a Crouse-Hinds extension cord, Model Number M54, to supply power to the welder. The extension cord was already connected to the power source when the employee went to plug in the welder. When he connected the cords, the employee was shocked. The employee continued to receive a shock until the circuit breaker tripped and the employee was able to release the cords. The employee reports that after the shock, he went to look for help. Coworkers in the work area called for emergency services. The employee was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital where he was treated and released. The next day, on September 18, 2003, the injured employee went to and was hospitalized at Sherman Oaks hospital where he had surgery. There is conflicting information as to the condition of the electrical extension cord at the time of the accident. The employer's representatives and the first responders to the accident site report that the safety cowl, around the female end, was missing and that the plug was oriented and connected to the welder's cord, the male end, incorrectly. The cowl is a collar of metal on the end of the extension cord which when on, allows the cord to only be oriented and connected correctly to the equipment cord. During the interview with the employee, he reported that he was confident that the collar was on and that he recalled lining up the notched welder cord end with the groove on the extension cord end making sure to connect it correctly. An inspection of the extension cord concluded that the accident was apparently caused by a misalignment of the male and female ends of the plugs which caused the system to short out.

Keywords: BURN, WELDER, ELECTRIC SHOCK, HAND