Inspection Detail

Inspection: 14868095 - The Potomac Edison Company

Inspection Information - Office: Department Of Labor, Licensing, And Regulation Division Of Labor And Industry Maryland Occupational Safety And Health

Investigation Summary

A power line worker was replacing a surge arrester on a utility pole. He was working from the elevated bucket of a 11-meter Asplundh aerial lift mounted on a 1980 International truck (Serial No. KHB11551). The employee contacted an energized part on the 7200-volt surge arrester while he was removing the weather cover from the top of the arrester. His chest was touching the ground wire that he had removed from the bottom of the arrester. He received an electric shock and sustained second- and third-degree burns over 15 percent of his body. He was hospitalized for his injuries. The power line worker had received extensive training concerning safety rules and job procedures. Despite his training, he was not using rubber insulating gloves and sleeves, as required by his employer.

Keywords: BURN, ELEC PROTECT EQUIP, OVERHEAD POWER LINE, ELECTRICAL, POWER LINE WORKER, E PTD, ELEC UTILITY WORK, ELECTRIC SHOCK, AERIAL LIFT