Inspection Detail

Inspection: 119542421 - Potomac Electric Power Company

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

Investigation Summary

Two power line workers for an electric utility were troubleshooting fire detection sensors surrounding a three-phase, 69/13-kilovolt step-down transformer that had been deenergized. The employees were wearing hard hats and safety glasses, but no other personal protective equipment was in use. The initial work was performed from a ladder outside the 3-foot, 6-inch minimum approach distance to other, energized, circuit parts. The employees had been trained in rules for minimum approach distances, and their employer enforced those rules. One of the employees climbed the ladder to get on top of the transformer fan and then climbed on top of the transformer vault. As he was coming back down onto the top of the fan, he apparently fell forward and contacted an energized part of a lightning arrestor that had been only 75 inches from where he had placed his foot. The employee was electrocuted. Current entrance and exit wounds were found on his hand, shoulder, and right foot.

Keywords: ELEC PROTECT EQUIP, LIGHTNING ARRESTER, ELECTRICAL, POWER LINE WORKER, ELECTROCUTED, LOCKOUT, E PTD, SUBSTATION, ELEC UTILITY WORK