Inspection Detail

Inspection: 126014703 - San Diego Gas & Electric

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

A power line worker entered an unmanned electrical substation to take current readings on the load side of a 12-kilovolt oil circuit breaker. He was using a hand-held meter (AmpStik Slip-on Ammeter, Model No. 8-020 manufactured by SensorLink Corporation). To maintain the required minimum approach distance from the 12-kilovolt conductors, the employee should have used a live-line tool. However, the employee was in a hurry to take readings for an engineer. Additionally, he had used the meter without a live-line tool on other occasions, but never in a substation. Working alone, the employee entered the substation and went directly to the circuit breaker. He took his first reading on the leftmost of the three phase conductors and went to the middle phase to take the second reading. He apparently got too close to this conductor and received an electric shock. When he regained consciousness, he summoned emergency medical assistance. He was hospitalized with multiple second- and third-degree burns on his left hand, left arm, and left foot.

Keywords: BURN, ELEC PROTECT EQUIP, ELECTRICAL, POWER LINE WORKER, ELECTRICAL TESTING, TEST EQUIPMENT, E PTD, ELEC UTILITY WORK, ELECTRIC CONDUCTOR, ELECTRIC SHOCK