Safety Flash
Inadvertent opening of circuit breakers
Inadvertent opening of circuit breakers
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 02/10
- Competence and TrainingControl of WorkElectrical SafetyIsolation
- Electrical safetyHuman factors
- Operator displays and control interfacesSwitchgear
- Competence and trainingHuman-centred designOperating and work proceduresOperational supervision
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
An engineer inadvertently opened a vessel’s essential-services circuit breaker while checking a crane breaker, causing downtime and project delays without injury, damage or loss of position keeping. The flash examines unclear switchboard indications, ineffective supervision, unrestricted access and incomplete competence assurance, alongside revised standing orders and familiarisation arrangements.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Human factors; human performance; ergonomics.
Classifications: Operator displays and control interfaces.
Classifications: Switchgear; switch gear.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Human-centred design.
Classifications: Operating and work procedures.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
An engineer unintentionally tripped an essential-services breaker after operating switchboard controls without clear authority or adequate familiarisation.
IMCA SF 02/10. Themes: competence and training, control of work, electrical safety, isolation.