Accident Report Detail

Accident Summary Nr: 200010718 - BURN - ELECTRICAL FAULT IN CIRCUIT BREAKER

Accident Summary Nr: 200010718 -- Report ID: 0729300 -- Event Date: 10/01/1999
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
302260302	10/04/1999	1731	0	Guarantee Electrical Co.
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
302260310	10/04/1999	8062	0	Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Inspection Nr	Date Opened	SIC	NAICS	Establishment Name
303190029	12/07/1999	8711	0	Cutler Hammer Engineering Services And Systems

Abstract: 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

Accident Details
End Use		Project Type		Project Cost	Stories	Non-building Height	Fatality
Powerplant		Alteration or rehabilitation		$250,000 to $500,000	1	8	X

Employee Details
Employee #	Inspection Nr	Degree of Injury	Nature of Injury	Occupation
1	302260302	Fatality	Electric Shock	Electricians
2	302260310			Occupation Not Listed
3	303190029			Occupation Not Listed

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