Inspection Detail

Inspection: 101037729 - Phillips Academy

Inspection Information - Office: Boston South Area Office

Investigation Summary

AN EMPLOYEE WAS OPERATING A DITCHWITCH TO DIG A TRENCH 2 FEET WIDE BY 4 FEET DEEP. THE DITCHWITCH CUT INTO AN ENERGIZED 2400-VOLT, 3-PHASE UNDERGROUND POWER LINE. THE CABLE WAS UNCOVERED AND SPLICED BY SCHOOL ELECTRICIANS USING BURNDY CLAMPS AND SILICON AND VINYL ELECTRICAL TAPES. POWER WAS RESTORED, BUT THE CABLE WAS NOT COVERED OR BURIED. NO WARNING SINGS WERE POSTED, AND NO BARRICADES WERE ERECTED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE FIRST EMPLOYEE WAS ASSIGNED TO LEVEL THE SAND IN THE TRENCH. IT WAS RAINING, AND WATER WAS IN THE TRENCH. THE EMPLOYEE WAS USING A SHOVEL WITH A LONG HANDLE AND A METAL SPADE. HE ACCIDENTALLY DUG BETWEEN TWO CONDUCTORS OF THE SPLICED CABLE, AND THE METAL BLADE CONTACTED A PROTRUDING PART OF THE BURNDY CLAMP, WHICH WAS COVERED WITH ONLY ONE LAYER OF VINYL ELECTRICAL TAPE. THE CONTACT RESULTED IN THE ELECTROCUTION OF THE EMPLOYEE.

Keywords: ELECTRICAL, E GI VI, ELECTROCUTED, TRENCH, TRENCH DIGGER, UNDRGRD POWER LINE