Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. OSHA citation items will be posted 30 (thirty) days after the employer receives the citation(s), except in cases of significant public interest. Posted citation items reflect any amendments to citations that are the result of a prompt settlement, which OSHA encourages. Employers and employee representatives will continue to receive copies of the citation(s) upon issuance.

Inspection: 1562209.015 - City Of Los Angeles - Department Of Water & Power

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

At 9:45 a.m. on November 4, 2021, an employee and four coworkers descended into a subterranean electrical vault containing energized paper insulated lead covered electrical cables. The assignment was to "hot tap" and splice a 4,800 volt cable while it was fully energized. In order to get access to the primary circuit, an elevated work platform was set up consisting of a wooden plank supported by two portable ladders. The employee and a coworker stood on the work platform and cut out a 10-inch section of the outside jacket of the cable, exposing 22 rolls of oil-impregnated papers. At 11:00 a.m., the employee called for a lunch break. The coworkers collected and stowed the tools, equipment, and trash, including the employee's rubber gloves. One coworker exited the vault but the employee and three coworkers remained inside. The employee asked a coworker to measure the center-line of the splice on the open cable section. The coworker took the measurement while the employee made a mark on the cable using the back of his knife. The employee held the lead sheath of the cable while grabbing his ringer tool and proceeded to cut into the energized cable without using his rubber insulated gloves. As the employee cut through the cable with his ringers tool, it made contact with the energized conductor inside and instantly electrocuted the employee. The coworker observed the right hand of the employee being burned as his hands continued to uncontrollably clench down the cable and smoke was coming out of him as he was being electrocuted. The coworker screamed out for the circuit to be deenergized and proceeded to put on his rubber gloves. When the circuit was deenergized, the employee became unconscious and fell from the work platform to the vault floor. The employee's body was recovered by his coworkers and transported to a medical center, where he was pronounced dead.

Keywords: Burn, Cut, Cutting, Electric Cable, Electrical Burn, Electrical Splice, Electrical Vault, Electrical Work, Electrocuted, Elevated Work Platform, Energized, Fall, Fall From Elevation, Glove