Safety Flash
Short circuit on 440V AC bus bars – arc flash
Short circuit on 440V AC bus bars – arc flash
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 06/20
- Control of WorkElectrical SafetyIsolationPermit to Work
- Arc flashElectrical safety
- Electrical work
- Switchgear
- Competence and trainingOperational supervisionRisk assessmentSafety communication
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
A crewman repairing an earth bonding cable in a 440V distribution panel caused a short circuit and arc flash when its trailing end contacted a live bus bar. Burns were reported subsequently. The flash examines unauthorised task changes, inadequate terminal insulation, supervision, risk assessment and delayed incident reporting.
Classifications: Arc flash; arc fault; arc-flash.
Classifications: Electrical safety; electrical hazards.
Classifications: Electrical work; electrical maintenance.
Classifications: Switchgear; switch gear.
Classifications: Competence and training; competency assurance; safety training.
Classifications: Operational supervision.
Classifications: Risk assessment; hazard assessment.
Classifications: Safety communication; toolbox talk; toolbox talks.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Unplanned work on an inadequately protected power panel caused an arc flash and burns after isolation and authorisation controls were bypassed.
IMCA SF 06/20. Themes: control of work, electrical safety, isolation, permit to work.