Inspection Detail

Inspection: 309446003 - Gem Industrial Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Toledo Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 1:49 p.m. on June 5, 2007, Employees #1, #2, #3, and #4 were replacing a section of electrical transmission line (bus bars, 208 Volts) in the basement of an office building. The bus bars had been previously removed, following a lightening storm, which damaged the system. Temporary power was provided by a cable coming from secondary transformers that were wired directly into the switch gear. While Employees #1, #2, #3, and #4 were removing the temporary wiring and preparing to install the repaired bus bar sections, an arc blast occurred. Employee #1, who was applying an electrical tester to an energized section of the bus bars that exited the switch gear, received electrocution injuries to his hands and face. Employee #2 received superficial burns to his arms, hands, neck, and received minor smoke inhalation. Employee #3 was treated for minor smoke inhalation and superficial burns. And Employee #4 received superficial burns to the posterior region of his neck, as well as had molten metal removed from both hands. All four employees were taken to a local Level 1 Trauma Center for treatment. Employees #2, #3, and #4 were treated and released, but Employee #1 was hospitalized.

Keywords: BURN, ELECTRIC ARC, HEAD, REPAIR, ELECTROCUTED, LOCKOUT, ABRASION, ELECTRIC SHOCK, CONTUSION