SEMINAR

ON “ELECTRICAL SAFETY”
ORGANISED BY ::
21ST November’2009
Sarvajanik College of Engineering and
Technology
Surat
PRESENTATION TOPICS

Paresh Dalal, Reliance Industries Limited, Hazira

1
Rare or Freak Accident?

2
3
 CONTENTS
 DEFINITION : ELECTRICAL SAFETY

 STATIC ELECTRICITY

 ELECTRICAL HAZARD & PREVENTION

 ELECTROCUTION

 EARTHING & BONDING

 ELCB PROTECTION

 ELECTRICAL ARC FLASH PROTECTION

 CASE STUDIES
4
 ELECTRICAL SAFETY

• FOR INDIVIDUAL
• FOR EQUIPMENTS / SYSTEMS

ELECTRICAL SAFETY
• INDIVIDUAL
• LAYMAN
• CLASSIFIED WORKMAN IN HOUSE/OFFICE
• CLASSIFIED WORKMAN IN INDUSTRY

5
 ELECTRICAL SAFETY

•EQUIPMENT / SYSTEM
• HOUSE/OFFICE
• INDUSTRY
• PURE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTS
• PROCESS EQUIPMENTS

6
 ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Electricity is a good servant but bad master.
Electricity can cause severe damage to living
human being and to property or both.
Voltage is the force between two charged
particles.
Current is the flow of electron from higher
potential to the lower.
There is a inherent characteristic of current
that it heats the media through which it
passes.
Hence it is current that causes problem,
when contacted.
Lower the voltage less problems. 7
STATIC ELECTRICITY

Rare Occurrence or
Common Hazard?

8
WHAT IS STATIC ELECTRICITY ?

 IMBALANCE OF ELECTRON
 THAT CAN BUILD UP CHARGE ON
 MATTER / OBJECT MAINLY
DUE TO FRICTIONAL FORCES.
 Separation of two materials
(material are less conductive)

9
Parts of An Atom

Proton , Neutron, Electron

10
Anyone who has ever felt the zap of an electric shock after
walking across a carpet and then touching a metal door knob
has experienced that two objects rubbing together can
create electrostatic charges.  Whenever two different
materials rub against each other it is likely that one will
leave with more electrons than it started with...the other will
leave with less.  This is called Triboelectricity (tribo means
friction). From the study of chemistry we learn that different
materials have different desire for electrons.  (This is called
electronegativity.)   Some materials are very greedy and will
always steal electrons from things they come in contact
with, others are more willing to give up electrons. 

11
As the neutrally charged person walks across the wool
carpet, his leather soled shoes have less desire for
electrons than the wool carpet.  As a result, electrons get
stolen from the shoe by the carpet.  With every step the
person becomes more and more positively charged.  That
charge distributes itself over the body.   When the positively
charged person gets near the metal door he will actually
attract charges from the door which jump in the form of a
spark.  Notice how only the negative charges (electrons)
are free to move.
It is important to point out that if he was wearing rubber
soled shoes on a wool carpet, his shoes would steal
electrons from the carpet.  He would become more
negatively charged with each step.  When he gets near the
door the electrons will jump from him to the door.  From his
point of view it would look and feel the same as it did in the
first example.  He can't tell whether charges jumped to or
from him.

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 •Nickel, Copper
Triboelectric series
•Human Hands (if very dry) •Brass, Silver

•Leather •Gold, Platinum

•Rabbit Fur •Polyester
•Glass •Styrene (Styrofoam)
•Human Hair
•Saran Wrap
•Nylon
•Polyurethane
MORE
•Wool
•Polyethylene (scotch
NEGATIVE
•Fur
tape)
•Lead
MORE •Polypropylene Vinyl
•Silk (PVC)
POSITIVE
•Aluminum
•Silicon
•Paper
•Teflon 
•Cotton
•Steel (neutral)
•Wood
•Amber
•Hard Rubber

13
As a formula it is written like this:                 
The energy per unit of charge is often called voltage
so it is symbolized with the capital letter V.  
Work or energy can be measured in Joules and charge
is measured in Coulombs so the electrical potential
can be measured in Joules per Coulomb which has
been defined as a volt.
= 1V

14
This animation is
related to energy and
potential difference.

15
ELECTROSTATIC CHARGE ( INDUCTION )
ELECTROSTATIC HAZARD
Electrostatic hazard

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Electrostatic Hazard

19
 

Barton Case Study

Oct 29, 2007

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Explosion due to static electricity…

Static Spark Ignites

Flammable liquid during
portable tank filling operation

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 INCIDENT DESCRIPTION
1. An operator placed
the fill nozzle in the
fill opening (ethyl
acetate).
2. He suspended a
steel weight on the
nozzle to keep it in
place
3. He Opened the
valve to start filling
process & went
away.
4. After sometime
heavy explosion
occurred

Fire spread rapidly to wood-framed W/H igniting large volume of combustible liquid.
A large plume of smoke & rocketing barrels triggerred evacuation of surrounding
business facilities 22
INVESTIGATION FINDINGS

1. Steel parts of the fill nozzle & hose assembly including the
suspended steel weight were not grounded.
2. Static electricity accumulated on these parts & sparked to S.S tote
body igniting vapour that accumulated during filling operation.
3. The nozzle was made of nonconductive plastic, but it housed a S.S
ball valve & fitted with a steel quick connect fitting.
4. Steel weight suspended from ball valve handle with a length of steel
wire did not have connectivity to ground.
5. The packaging area was adjoined to the flammable storage
warehouse.
6. Wall separating two areas was not fire-rated.

23
KEY LEARNINGS :: BONDING & EARTHING
Bonding is the process of
electrically connecting, by
wiring or direct contact,
conductive objects to equalize
their individual electrical
potentials to prevent sparking.

Grounding is connecting a
conductive object (eg. Tank,
pump) to earth to dissipate
electricity from accumulated
static lightning strikes &
equipment faults to ground,
away from equipment &
employee.

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KEY LEARNINGS
• Ensure that Equipment, such as fill nozzles &
hoses, is bonded & grounded & designed for
flammable services.
• Use dip pipes when top-filling portable tanks
to minimize vapour generation.
• Install fire suppression systems in flammable
packaging areas.
• Separate flammable packaging areas from bulk
storage areas.

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PREVENTION OF ELECTROSTATIC HAZARDS

Grounding and Bonding

Antistatic Material
Reduce Friction
Reduce Flow in pipeline
Reduce Separation speed
Substitute Process with material having high
conductivity

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ELECTRICAL
HAZARDS
&
PREVENTION

27
Why is Tweety NOT
getting
electrocuted???

1.His feather doesn’t

conduct electricity.
2. There is no current
through the body.
3. His whole body is
the same potential as
the wire.

28
A complete circuit ???

29
UNDERSTANDING ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

 Electric Shock
 Widely Recognized Hazard
 Involves Current Flow Through Or On The Body

 Electric Arc (Burn Injury)

 Not As Well Recognized
 No Contact Required
 Can Be Severe If Clothing Ignites Or Melts

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ELECTRICAL INJURY EXPERIENCE

Electric Injuries Account for 3 to 8% of

Occupational Injuries. But 20% of Fatal
Injuries.
Shock
22%

Arc Burn
78%
Electric Arc Burns Account for the
Majority (~80%) of Electric Related
Injuries

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INJURIES FROM ELECTRIC ARCS
WITHOUT ELECTRICAL CONTACT

 Burn Injury Due to Arc Exposure

o Intense Radiant Energy
o Molten Metal Splatter
o Secondary Fires, e.g., Transformer Oils
 Burn Injury Due to Clothing Ignition And Melting
o Can Increase The Body Area with Severe Burn Injury
 Physical Injuries Due to Explosive
 Hearing Loss Due to High Noise

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Secondary HAZARD
 Fall Hazards
( Jerk Reaction )

 Pressure waves
 Burns
( Contact Burn , Flash Burn)

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ELECTROCUTION

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 HUMAN
SAFETY

One wire of an
Both wires of an
energized circuit
energized circuit.
and the ground.

A metallic part in contact with

an energized wire while the
person is also in contact with
the ground.
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ELECTROCUTION ( VARIOUS CONDITION )

Contact with live conductor or live part of

electrical circuit
Contact with metallic enclosure of electrical
apparatus (Insulation failure)
Contact with Charged Capacitor
Because of Lightning ( Energy discharge to
ground)
Electrostatic Discharge

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SIMPLE PICTORIAL VIEW OF
ELECTRICAL SHOCK SITUATION
CURRENT PATHWAY THROUGH BODY
EFFECT OF ELECTRIC CURRENT

39
 
                                                                                         

      
  

40
 V
Im = ----------------------
R1
R1+ R2 + R3 + Rm

V Im
R2 Rm
R3

41
Severity of electric shock depends upon
Magnitude of current
Path of current
Duration of current

The effects can range from a barely

perceptible tingle to severe burns and
immediate cardiac arrest.

42
Other factors that may affect
the severity of the shock are:
The voltage of the circuit.
The presence of moisture in
the environment.
The phase of the heart cycle
when the shock occurs.
The general health of the
person prior to the shock.

43
 Human body resistance
Adult male
Dry Skin 10,000 to 60,000 ohms

Wet Skin 1000 ohms

Hand to foot 400 to 600 ohms

Ear to Ear 100 ohms

44
HUMAN RESISTANCE FOR VARIOUS SKIN
CONTACT CONDITION
The calculations demonstrates this general
relationship for a 50-cycle, hand-to-foot shock of
one second's duration: 
 

Dry Conditions: Current = Volts/Resistance

= 230/10,000
= 23mA
A barely perceptible level of current
Wet conditions: Current = Volts/Resistance
= 230/1,000
= 230mA
Sufficient current to cause ventricular fibrillation

46
If the extensor muscles are excited by the
shock.

The person may be thrown away

from the circuit.

Often, this can result in a fall from

elevation that kills an injured even
when electrocution does not.

When muscular contraction caused by

stimulation does not allow the injured to free
himself from the circuit.

Even relatively low voltages can be

extremely dangerous.
47
High voltage electrical energy greatly reduces
the body's resistance by quickly breaking down
human skin.
Once the skin is punctured, the lowered
resistance results in massive current flow.
Ohm's law is used to demonstrate the action.
At 1,000 ohms,
Current = Volts/Resistance
= 6600/1000
= 6.6 Amps
which can cause cardiac standstill and serious
damage to internal organs

48
CURRENT LEVEL 
PROBABLE EFFECT ON HUMAN BODY
(IN
MILLIAMPERES)

Perception level. Slight tingling sensation. Still dangerous

1 mA
under certain conditions.

Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing. Average

5 mA individual can let go. However, strong involuntary reactions
to shocks in this range may lead to injuries.

Painful shock, muscular control is lost. This is called the

6-30 mA
freezing current or "let-go" range. 

Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular

50-150 mA
contractions. Individual cannot let go. Death is possible.

Ventricular fibrillation (the rhythmic pumping action of the

1000-4300 mA heart ceases.) Muscular contraction and nerve damage
occur. Death is most likely.

10,000 mA Cardiac arrest, severe burns and probable death

 
                                                                                         

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I-T CURVE FOR EFFECT ON HUMAN BODY

51
Electricity can cause sever damage to
the following vital organs of human
body
Skin
Muscles
Lungs & Brain
Heart & Blood
Central nerves system

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LIVE, NEUTRAL, EARTH & FUSES

E
BASIC TRIANGLE OF ELECTROCUTION
AND PREVENTION

ELECTROCUTION & PREVENTION TRIANGLE

Electrocution Prevention

Ea
rthi n
y

y
icit

a
Pa

ga
Aw
ctr

th

nd
Ele

ep

Bo
Ke

n
din
g
Tim ELCB
e
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FACTORS FOR ELECTRICAL ACCIDENT

Unsafe equipment and/or installation

Unsafe workplace ( environment effect )
Unsafe work practices
Human error
Lack of work permit system
Communication failure

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PROTECTION AGAINST ELECTRICAL HAZARDS

Insulation ( adequate insulation , double insulation )

Effective Grounding and bonding
Electrical Protective Devices
( MCB , ELCB , Fuse , Relay and circuit breaker)
Safe work practices
Proper PPE
Training
Inspection and Preventive maintenance
Testing
Safety Audit
Lock out / tag out system
57
 GROUNDING
There are two kinds of grounds

Both are required by the OSHA construction

standard:

System or Service Ground

A wire called "the neutral conductor"

is grounded at the transformer, and
again at the service entrance.

This is primarily designed to protect

machines, tools, and insulation
against damage. 
58
EQUIPMENT GROUND
This is intended to offer enhanced protection to the
workers themselves.

If a malfunction causes the metal frame of a tool to

become energized.

The equipment ground provides another path for the

current to flow through the tool to the ground. 

59
The term "ground" refers to a conductive body, usually
the earth.
"Grounding" a tool or electrical system means
intentionally creating a low-resistance path to the
earth.
When properly done, current from a short or from
lightning follows this path, thus preventing the buildup
of voltages that would otherwise result in electrical
shock, injury and even death. 

Grounding 

Bad Good

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Why grounding and bonding ?

61
WITHOUT BONDING
EQUIPMENT BONDED TOGETHER
AC Vs DC ( Electrical Shock)
Alternating current or AC is what comes out of wall outlets.
In the India the direction of flow of AC changes at a rate of
50 cycles/sec (hertz). Direct current or DC flows in one
direction.

Properties: Shocks involving AC tend to push the recipient

away while shocks involving DC tend to grab hold of the
recipient making it difficult for them to get away from the
shock source.

Lower levels of AC than DC will produce painful shocks in

humans while lower levels of DC than AC can lead to
fibrillation of the heart muscle. Women are more sensitive
to the effects of both AC and DC than are men.

64
 Alternating Current (AC)

+
0
Volts

-
Time (sec.)

Direct Current (DC)

+
0
Volts

- Time (sec.)
65
What is ELCB ??
ELCB, is an electrical device that disconnects a circuit
whenever it detects that the flow of current is not balanced
between the phase ("hot") conductor and the neutral
conductor. The presumption is that such an imbalance may
represent current leakage through the body of a person
who is grounded and accidentally touching the energized
part of the circuit. A shock, possibly lethal, is likely to result
from these conditions; ELCB are designed to disconnect
quickly enough to prevent such shocks.

66
 R
Y
B
N

Highly sensitive
electromagnetic trip relay

Phases and neutral shall form

primary winding of CT
Secondary winding is connected to
Highly sensitive electromagnetic trip
relay which operates trip mechanism.
In healthy circuit, sum of the
CT T
currents in phases is equal to the
current in the neutral and the vector
sum of all currents equal to zero.
In unhealthy condition there will be
current imbalance, which is sensed by
CT which will disconnect the supply to
Earth the load
M

67
68
How ELCB works ?
ELCB CIRCUIT DIAGRAM

69
 Testing kit for ELCB / GFCI
R Y B N

ELCB / GFCI E
0-100 mA

mA

Rheostat

70
DOUBLE INSULATION

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ADVANTAGES OF DOUBLE INSULATION
portable electrical apparatus with double insulation
is preferred over metal enclosure to ensure more
electrical safety
Portable electrical apparatus with metal enclosure
have equipment grounding
Possibility of open circuit in ECC ( earth continuity
conductor ) or higher value of ground resistance
always give inadequate protection against personal
electrical safety.

72
INDIAN STANDARDS

IS 3043 : Earthing practices

IS 8437 : for current passing through human
body effect.
IS 2206 : for flame proof light fittings.
IS 5133 : Electrical Accessories.
IS 7118 : Control Device.
IS 2148 : Flame proof Enclosure.
IS 302 : Home appliance Safety.
IS 5216 : Work Permit.

73
 F
O
E L
EV
L S
E NT
AG E
T P M
L U I
O
V EQ
G
KIN NT
R RE
O E
W IFF
D
 ELECTRIC
Electrical Safety
ARC
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety
 ELECTRICAL ARC BURNS
Electrical burns are considered extremely hazardous for number
Electrical Safety
of reasons. One important reason is that contact with the circuit is
not necessary to incur serious burns.
A fierce conductive plasma fireball can develop when fault current
occurs where poor electrical contacts or insulation failure allow
an arc flash to develop. Serious or fatal burns can occur at
distances of more than 10 ft. from source of flash.
In addition to burns from the flash, flammable clothing can ignite.
Electrical Safety
Hazard Risk Category Classification
Electrical Safety
• NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk 0
– This hazard risk category poses minimal risk.
• NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk 1
– This hazard risk category poses some risk.
• NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk 2
– This hazard risk category involves tasks that pose a
moderate risk.
• NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk 3
– This hazard risk category involves tasks that pose a high
risk.
• NFPA 70E – Hazard Risk 4
– This hazard risk category represents tasks that pose the
greatest risk.
 ARC-FLASH
Electrical Safety
• As much as 80% of all electrical injuries
are burns resulting from an arc-flash
and ignition of flammable clothing.

• Arc temperature can reach 35,000°F -

this is

four times hotter than the

surface of the sun
Fatal burns can occur at distances over 10 ft.
ARC EXPOSURE ENERGY BASICS
Electrical Safety

 Exposure Energy is Expressed in cal/cm2

 1 cal/cm2 Equals the Exposure on the tip of a finger

by a Cigarette Lighter in One Second

 An Exposure Energy of Only One or Two cal/cm2

Will Cause a 2nd Degree Burn on Human Skin
INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND
REGULATIONS
Electrical Safety

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S

• OSHA Enforces NEC2002 110.16 & NFPA70E

• NFPA 70E-2000
• Requirements for shock and arc flash boundaries
• Requirements for personal protective equipment

• NEC 110.16-2002
 Sample NEC Warning Article 110.16
Electrical Safety

WARNING

!
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Appropriate PPE Required
 ARC Flash Analysis
Electrical Safety
• OSHA 1910.132(d) Where work will be performed within the
flash protection boundary, the flash hazard analysis shall
determine, and the employer shall document, the incident energy
exposure to the worker (in cal/cm2)

• OSHA 1910.269(I)(6) Flame resistant (FR) clothing and PPE

shall be used by the employee based upon the incident energy
exposure associated with the specific task.

• As an alternative, PPE requirements of NFPA 70E Part II 3-3.9

may be used in lieu of a detailed flash hazard analysis.
Electrical Safety
 Approach Boundaries
Electrical Safety
Nominal System
Voltage Range
Limited Approach Boundary Restricted Approach
Boundary
Prohibited Approach
Boundary

Phase-to-Phase Exposed Moveable Exposed Fixed Circuit Part Includes Inadvertent

Conductor Movement Adder

0 - 50 Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified

51 - 300 10 ft. 0 in. 3 ft.6 in. Avoid contact Avoid contact

301 - 750 10 ft. 0 in. 3 ft.6 in. 1 ft. 0 in. 0 ft. 1 in.

751V - 15 kV 10 ft. 0 in. 5 ft.0 in. 2 ft. 2 in. 0 ft. 7 in.

15.1 – 36 kV 10 ft. 0 in. 6 ft.0 in. 2 ft. 7 in. 0 ft. 10 in.

36.1 – 46 kV 10 ft. 0 in. 8 ft.0 in. 2 ft. 10 in. 1 ft. 5 in.

46.1 – 72.5 kV 10 ft. 0 in. 8 ft.0 in. 3 ft. 3 in. 2 ft. 1 in.

72.6 – 121 kV 10 ft. 8 in. 8 ft.0 in. 3 ft. 3 in. 2 ft. 8 in.

138 – 145 kV 11 ft. 0 in. 10 ft.0 in. 3 ft. 7 in. 3 ft. 1 in.
APPROACH BOUNDARIES
Electrical Safety
• Limited Approach Boundary: This Boundary shall be crossed only
by qualified persons or by unqualified person escorted and
supervised by qualified person.
• Restricted Approach Boundary: for circuit part and conductors
without IP 20b equivalent design, only qualified person who must
use shock protection techniques and equipment shall cross this
boundary.
• Prohibited Approach Boundary : For circuit parts and conductors
without IP 20b equivalent design, this boundary shall be crossed
only by qualified persons who must use the same protection
procedures and technique of shock protection as and when direct
contact is made with a live part.
ILLUSTRATION OF IEC 60529 IP20 FINGER SAFE SAFE DESIGN
AIR INSULATION FLASHOVER DISTANCE
Electrical Safety
 CAUSES OF ELECTRIC ARCS
Electrical Safety
Electric Arcs May Result From The Following:
 Poor Electrical Contact
 Failure Of Insulation (Tracking, Water Ingress, Worn
Insulation)

 Inadvertent Contact With Energized

Equipment By Personnel Or Equipment
 Inadequate Design
 Improper Installation
 Inadequate Maintenance
 BURN INJURY PRINCIPLES
Electrical Safety

 Exposure To An Arc Flash Can Rapidly

Exceed Human Tissue Heat Tolerance And
Cause 2nd Or 3rd Degree Burns

 Treatment Of Second Degree Burns

Requires Weeks, For Third Degree Burns

It Can Be Years
Electrical Safety
NFPA 70E provides two choices for PPE
selection:
Electrical Safety
• Do an arc flash hazard analysis, and document
the incident energy exposure
– IEEE 1584
– SKM (Arc Flash Evaluation Module)
– ArcPro Software
– Duke Power Cal/Flux Software

• As an alternate, use the “Hazard Risk Category

Classifications” table to choose the PPE level
required for the task
 NFPA 70E HAZARD RISK CATEGORY (HRC)
Electrical Safety

Category 1 – Protection with minimum 4 cal/cm2

Category 2 – Protection with minimum 8 cal/cm2

Category 3 – Protection with minimum 25 cal/cm2

Category 4 – Protection with minimum 40 cal/cm2

Using the Right PPE for the Required
Electrical
Work Safety
Electrical Safety
Electrical Safety

Any questions on Electric Arc ?

COMMON CAUSES FOR ACCIDENTS
Loose Contact
Phase to phase fault
Phase to earth fault
Lightning strokes
Static Electricity
Sudden breaking of live circuit

99
100
Over loading circuit

101
Electricity & Water are Friends?
102
Typical Construction Power Supply

103
These cords are improperly  wired directly to the electrical
circuit, are not protected by a ELCB, and are two-wire cords
that are not grounded and not rated for hard- or extra-hard
service.
104
 This "handy box" is being
improperly used as an
extension cord receptacle.
It is made to be
permanently mounted.

Common Examples of Misused Equipment

105
107
FLEXIBLE CORDS 

Widely used for power tools

Flexible extension cords are easy to use
Because they are exposed, flexible, and
unsecured, they are more susceptible to
damage than fixed wiring.
Hazards are created when cords, cord
connectors, receptacles, and cord- and
plug-connected equipment are improperly
used and maintained

108
 Strain Relief 

Damaged
Cord  

109
 WET CONDITIONS
When a cord connector is wet
Electric current can leak to the equipment
grounding conductor and to human who picks
up that connector if they provide a path to
the ground.
Such leakage can occur not just on the face
of the connector, but at any wet portion.
Limit exposure of connectors and tools to
excessive moisture by using watertight or
seal able connectors.

110
 GROUNDING

Extension cords must be 3-wire type

So they can be grounded
To permit grounding of any tools or equipment
connected to them. 

111
PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
Ensure proper earthing of the equipment
Only authorised person should work on electrical
circuits
Avoid contact with live lines
Use low voltage (24 volts or 110 V/ 230 V with
proper earthing and ELCB)
Use earth leakage circuit breakers in single phase
supply (ELCB)
Ensure correct fuse link
Do not overload circuit
Never Experiment
Use insulated tools and Work with Electrical Work
Permit(Lockout-Tagout).
112
FIRST AID MEASURES FOR
ELECTRICAL SHOCK

113
CARDIOPULMONARY
RESUSCITATION CPR ABC’s
 AIRWAY - Open the
airway with the tilt-
chin method.
 Breath - give two
breaths.
 Check circulation.

 If there is no pulse or
breathing…..

114
CPR Continued

 … Perform chest compressions.

 15 compressions and two breaths.
 Count = 1&2&3&4&5…&15

115
 RESCUE BREATHING

 1 breath every 5 seconds - 12 per minute.

Compressions : ventilations = 15:2

116
PHOTO EXAMPLES OF BURNS AND
OTHER INJURIES
&
CASE STUDIES

117
PHOTO EXAMPLES OF BURNS AND OTHER INJURIES

Entrance Wound: High resistance of

skin transforms electrical energy into
heat, which produces burns around
the entrance point (dark spot in
center of wound). This man was
lucky; the current narrowly missed
his spinal cord.

Exit Wound: Current flows through

the body from the entrance point,
until finally exiting where the body is
closest to the ground. This foot
suffered massive internal injuries
which weren't readily visible, and had
to be amputated a few days later.

118
 Arc or Flash Burns

This man was near a power box

when an electrical explosion
occurred. Though he did not touch
the box, electricity arced through the
air and entered his body. The current
was drawn to his armpits because
perspiration is very conductive.

Thermal Contact Burns

•Current exited this man at
his knees, catching his
clothing on fire and burning
his upper leg.

119
Internal Injuries

This worker was shocked by a

tool he was holding.
The entrance wound and thermal
burns from the overheated tool are
apparent

Same hand a few days later, when

massive subcutaneous tissue
damage had caused severe swelling
(swelling usually peaks 24-72 hours
after electrical shock).
To relieve pressure , which would
have damaged nerves and blood
vessels, the skin on the arm was cut
open.

120
Involuntary Muscle Contraction

This worker fell and

grabbed a power line to
catch himself.
The resulting electric
shock mummified his first
two fingers, which had to
be removed.
The acute angle of the
wrist was caused by
burning of the tendons,
which contracted, drawing
the hand with them.

121
 ACCIDENT CASES
Case study – 01 (06-04-05)
Preparatory job was being carried out for providing
“UPS control supply” to MCC .

The job requires “Drilling and fixing of a metallic

plate consisting of various electrical control gear”  in
the MCC spare module.

The contractor electrical technician was checking the

voltage on bus bar with the un-insulated
tester/screw driver , inadvertently touched the MCC
busbar with metallic portion of the screw driver.

122
This resulted into a short circuit between B
phase(live bus bar) and metallic body of MCC ,
resulted in heavy flashover which blew 800Amps.
rating fuse.
The contractor person got burn injury on face , both
knees and right hand .

123
One shroud was found missing on bus bar.
124
All the 3 bus bars got damaged.
125
Use of un-insulated tester / screw driver for checking voltage
126
LEARNINGS :
• Job was carried out adjacent to live bus bar
which was not shrouded/protected.

• Looking to the risk involved, no RA as well as

no supervision was ensured.

• Person attempted to test the supply though it

was specifically instructed

• Person was not qualified electrician.

•Un insulated tools should not be allowed on

Electrical panels.
127
 CASE STUDY :: 2

ELECTROCUTION WITH
APPLIANCE

1
Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Mr. Pulikkal Prabhakaran Baiju
Bavara
44 years old
Rig Electrician
Married
with 2 children

Dead
1
Fatal Electrocution
23/MAY/2003
The rig electrician was
requested to repair the
microwave oven by the
catering staff.

He then removed the cover

of the unit to begin his fault
finding, and removed the
wires from the magnetron
going to the high voltage
transformer.

He switched on the power,

and tried to check the
voltage on the secondary
side (high voltage side).

2
 The High Voltage transformer
secondary voltage exceeds
2000V.
Even if the unit is switched off,
HV capacitors needs to be
discharged
as they store energy.

The rig electrician was using a

voltmeter that had a range of
only 600V, and the probes of the
meter were only good for 1kV.

The rig electrician connected

the two probes to the output of
the high voltage transformer
and the lead going into the
magnetron.
Connections
checked with
This action connected the
voltmeter
electrician to a potential voltage
of 2000V and above 3
Fatal Electrocution
23/MAY/2003

The Rig Electrician ignored all three high voltage

warning signs! 4
 Fatal Electrocution
23/MAY/2003
While installing the probes
into the leads, it is assumed
that the electrician’s fingers
may have slipped and
touched the metal portion
of the voltmeter probe. Or
since Voltage is high
enough, it could bridge an
air gap at close proximity.

This may have created a

short circuit through his
body.

5
 Fatal Electrocution :: 23/MAY/2003
The rig electrician received a shock (minimum 2000V), dropped the test
meter leads and fell to the floor. He tried to get up, but reclined against
the mess-room door.

Camp Boss and Chief went to the assistance of the rig electrician,
initial indications/statements were that Baju was breathing, but with
difficulty. Camp boss initiated CPR with the heart massage.

One of the catering crew, unplugged the microwave.

Within 15 minutes of the incident, the IP was transported and arrived at

the nearby Halliburton Saih Rawl Clinic.

Upon arrival at the Halliburton SR base (distance = 3 km). The Medic

examined the IP and found no pulse, no breathing, and his eyes were
dilated. Immediately gave him an injection of adrenaline, and initiated
CPR with oxygen.

The Halliburton male nurse was in continual contact with the PDO
Fahud doctor. After 30 minutes of CPR, and still no vital signs (no
pulse and no breathing) the Fahud doctor requested the IP to be
transported to Qarn Alam, where the IP was declared deceased. 6
 Fatal Electrocution
23/MAY/2003
    Immediate causes:
Procedures not documented:
PTW rules/procedures do not address this type of work and other
procedures were not in place (i.e diagnostics of certain types of
electrical household equipment)

Failure to heed safety warnings:

The microwave oven was clearly labelled with respect to the presence
of HV components outside and inside and the need to isolate before
commencing any work.

Electrician Competency Standards:

Competency of electrician doubtful, as wrong procedure was followed
in testing faults in micro oven ( e.g. using test meter rated 0-600v
range to test secondary side 2000v while live). Microwave oven
transformers are very dangerous due to their high voltage. Touching
the high voltage side results in death or severe injury. Also the voltage
is high enough to jump an air gap! 8
Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Underlying Causes

Improper motivation:
The deceased was highly motivated to complete the task, to the point at
which his actions could be considered reckless.
Inadequate knowledge/skill:    
The work practise indicated a lack of skill/knowledge to perform this type
of job (fault diagnosis) safely.
Inadequate procedure, work standard or communications of:
A written instruction, procedure, policy on fault diagnostics for electrical
equipment was not available.
Inadequate supervision/communication:
Daily job listing/activities were not recorded and/or discussed in enough
detail to enable effective supervision of potential hazardous jobs.
9
 Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Other Hazards specific to Microwave Ovens
Microwave Energy
The microwave operates at over 2400MHz, and any microwave leakage
could affect human body/organs. NEVER tamper with Safety Interlocks on
the equipment.
Door Locks:
Ensure door closes and locks properly. Do NOT use the oven if any defect
signs, misalignment of door components/seals, loose hinges or corrosion are
observed.
Operation of Microwave Oven:
Do not operate oven it is empty, or while door is open. Do not put any
metallic item inside the oven.
Damaged Oven:
Do not operate any damaged microwave oven. If equipment mistakenly falls
down, or is inadvertently damaged, send it to the authorised dealer .

13
 Fatal Electrocution
Electrical Equipment:
Some of these contains High
Voltage transformers, HV
capacitors and inductors. Hence,
they have hidden dangers which
requires specialist trouble
shooting skills.
• Microwave ovens
• Satellite TV Receivers,
• Television sets
• Insect – O – Cutors
• Laser equipment ( DVD players,
CD Players)
• Fax Machines
• Personal Computer Monitors.
• Photo Copiers
23/MAY/2003
Prohibition of Site
Repair:
Henceforth, it is
prohibited to repair
these equipment on
site.
Micro wave oven must
be repaired by the
approved dealer only.
Others on the list by
dealer or an approved
third party contractor,
in accordance with
actual equipment
requirements.
If in doubt, pls contact
TTE or CSM. 13
Discuss in your team:
If you were the Camp Boss:
- How could you have prevented this accident ?
- Should you STOP/Question the rig electrician?
If you were the Cook:
- How could you have prevented this accident ?

If you were the supervisor/manager of the rig electrician:

- How could you have prevented this accident ?

Why did the Rig Electrician ignore all three of the high voltage
warning signs ?
Are there other similar “hidden” hazards on your worksite ?
Pls, discuss these.

7
 Avoid Short-cuts
Because it can cut-short
your life !

Thank You !!!

140