Inspection Detail

Inspection: 303190029 - Cutler Hammer Engineering Services And Systems

Inspection Information - Office: Saint Louis Area Office

Investigation Summary

An electrician was using a high-voltage phase tester to test a bus tie circuit breaker located on the front end of a switchboard. The meter read 2.4, measuring from phase to ground. The employee mistakenly thought that meant 2.4 volts rather than 2.4 kilovolts. Thinking the circuit was deenergized, he grounded one phase and caused an electrical fault. The ensuing electric arc burned the employee. He sustained second- and third-degree burns over more than 70 percent of his body. The employee was hospitalized until October 24, 1999, when he died from fatal kidney failure associated with his burn injuries.

Keywords: ELECTRIC ARC, PROTECTIVE GROUNDING, ELECTRICAL, BURN, ELECTRICIAN, LOCKOUT, E GI IV, ELECTRICAL FAULT, ELECTRICAL WORK, CIRCUIT BREAKER