Topic
Arc Flash
Thermal and pressure effects of an electrical arc.
Documents
- 202615 Apr
UK HSE: electrician seriously injured on onshore wind farm
An electrician sustained life-changing injuries during substation maintenance at an onshore wind farm. The investigation identified departure from a prepared switching programme and inadequate checking and change approval processes. The flash highlights safe work systems, management of change, coordination of parallel tasks, electrical-work review and supervision.
- 202631 Mar
Offshore Inspection Guide Electrical Power Systems
An inspection guide for assessing electrical power systems and duty holder compliance. It addresses generation, distribution, protection, portable equipment and safe electrical work, with condition-monitoring methods including partial-discharge analysis, thermography and insulating-oil assessment. Performance scoring supports regulatory intervention planning; ATEX equipment is excluded.
- 202612 Jan
BSEE: arc flash incident – is the wire still live?
An offshore cable installation led to an arc flash when an electrician repositioned exposed wiring with non-insulated pliers inside an energised cabinet. The flash caused a minor thermal burn and panel damage. Findings highlight inadequate task analysis and communication; lessons address voltage verification, permits, suitable protective equipment and closed-loop coordination.
- 20252 Oct
Worker suffered eye injuries in electric arc incident
A vessel electro-technical officer suffered light eye burns from an electrical arc while disconnecting a shore power cable that appeared still energised. Initial findings identified inadequate vessel–quayside communication and documentation. The flash emphasises voltage testing, isolation, improved communication, risk assessments and toolbox talks.
- 202530 Sep
BSEE Safety Alert 506 - Arc Flash Incident Highlights Critical Need for Voltage Verification During Offshore Electrical Maintenance
An offshore platform cable installation resulted in an arc flash and a minor thermal burn when an electrician used non-insulated pliers inside an energised motor control centre. The alert identifies deficient task analysis and communication, recommending de-energised working where feasible, insulated tools, arc-rated protection, coordinated cable movements and competency assurance.
- 202531 Jul
Near miss: High voltage arc inside tether termination manifold
A dislodged HPU conductor caused arcing inside an ROV tether termination manifold. Subsequent checks identified reduced insulation resistance and gas, whose origin was unconfirmed without testing. The flash examines unapproved termination lugs and records re-termination, system testing and recommendations to assess crimping tools and review procedures and gas-venting precautions.
- 20236 Dec
UK MAIB: Electrician injured in explosion
An electrician suffered serious burns aboard a ship after a spanner bridged live switchboard conductors, causing a short-circuit and arc flash. The flash highlights unfamiliarity with the circuit-breaker assembly, disregarded instructions, unplanned work without a permit or lockout/tagout, and unsuitable tools and protective equipment.
- 20221 Apr
Safety Alert 436 - Arc Flash Injury During Generator Hookup
An electrician sustained a second-degree arm burn while reconnecting a diesel backup generator to a live bus. The alert identifies shortcomings in task hazard analysis, arc-flash protection and lockout documentation, with breaker defects contributing to the incident. It presents measures for operators and contractors to consider, including assessments, qualification checks and breaker condition reviews.
- 202210 Mar
BSEE Identifies Maintenance and Certification Issues of Rental Generators
BSEE reviews rental generator incidents during start-up and commissioning on the US Outer Continental Shelf in 2021. Failures involved fires, arc flashes and work stoppages. The alert discusses degraded windings, moisture ingress and corrosion, and recommends operators consider certification checks, commissioning assurance, insulation resistance testing and personnel competence measures.
- 202228 Feb
Permit to Work and Isolation procedure not followed
An electrician replacing fuses in a live 930V DC vessel drive cabinet experienced an arc flash without injury. The flash examines absent work permits, unsecured and untagged isolation, inadequate procedures and failure to check isolation before work. Actions focus on reviewing work controls and following workplace instructions.
- 202116 Nov
Electric Arc Flash Management
This bulletin examines arc flash hazards and their management on offshore petroleum facilities, drawing on incident notifications and inspection findings. It explains risks during isolation and proving equipment dead, including low-voltage hazards, and discusses engineering measures, procedural controls, training and arc-rated protective equipment alongside operators’ statutory duties.
- 202122 Sep
Electrician suffered flash burn to hand
An electrician suffered a hand flash burn while checking insulation on a 690-volt bus bar aboard a vessel in dry dock. The switchboard became live after an unguarded status switch changed and the power management system closed a breaker. Lessons address isolation, shipyard work permits, supervision and communication.
- 20219 Feb
Electrical Fire Damages Equipment in Motor Control Center
An offshore platform motor control centre fire followed circuit-breaker engagement. Analysis identified loose or damaged bus-bar fasteners, damaged insulation and dust that likely caused an arc. BSEE recommends considering inspection and maintenance procedures, thermography, insulation-resistance and polarisation-index testing, torque checks and component replacement schedules.
- 20218 Feb
Safety Alert 410 - Damaged Electric Cord Results in Arc
An arc flash occurred during construction after a steel self-retracting lanyard cable wore through welding lead insulation and contacted exposed wires. Neither fire nor injury occurred. BSEE recommends considering cable separation, safe routing, pre-use inspections and inclusion of electrical hazard assessments in permit-to-work and job safety analysis reviews.
- 202030 Sep
Risk of Fires from Adjustable Speed Drives ASDs
This alert reviews adjustable speed drive fires on the Outer Continental Shelf in 2019 involving harmonic currents, short circuits and moisture ingress. BSEE recommends operators and contractors consider monitoring, competency-based training, protective installation environments, electrical protection, harmonic mitigation and earthing, supported by documented procedures and checks.
- 202019 Feb
Short circuit on 440V AC bus bars – arc flash
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.
- 20182 Oct
Electric Arc Incident
During vessel mobilisation, exposed conductors in an ROV control cabin arced when energised, without injury or equipment damage. A temporary workshop power modification had not been formally documented or communicated, and the cable was not correctly reinstated. Lessons address change management, job briefings, pre-mobilisation checks and electrical testing procedures.
- 201814 Jun
Recent prosecutions by the UK HSE
Two UK HSE prosecution summaries describe a worker crushed during vehicle unloading and two workers burnt in an electrical flashover after bypassing a fuse-panel interlock. Findings include inadequate work systems, unloading training and driver briefing, alongside absent electrical safety rules, permits and risk assessment.
- 20152 Oct
Electrician fatally electrocuted
An electrician at a land-based oil installation was fatally electrocuted by an arc-blast after climbing onto a pole-mounted substation platform, and also fell from height. The flash identifies deficient risk assessment, permit review, maintenance and weekend safety culture, with corrective measures addressing equipment, supervision, lone working and documentation.
- 2015Oct
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
Technical and legal guidance accompanies the Electricity at Work Regulations, explaining duties and precautions across operational voltages. It addresses electrical shock, arcing and explosion hazards, equipment suitability, maintenance and competence. Detailed discussion distinguishes switching off from isolation, explains proving dead and considers justification and precautions for live work.
- 2015Jun
Electrical test equipment for use on low voltage electrical systems
Guidance on selecting and using electrical test equipment for low-voltage systems, addressing shock and arc-burn hazards. It covers probe insulation, fused leads, measurement categories, voltage detectors and multimeter settings, alongside proving dead, checking detector function, risk assessment and equipment examination. Dead testing is preferred wherever possible.
- 201225 Jun
Near-miss: Live electrical cable
During contractor equipment demobilisation aboard a vessel, removal of lockout/tagout re-energised a disconnected cable at 440 volts. Its ends touched the chassis and arced near an employee’s hand; nobody was injured. The flash identifies communication, permit, isolation verification, multiple-key lockout, breaker labelling and electrical drawing deficiencies.
- 2011Dec
Catastrophic failure of capacitor in aft harmonic filter room on passenger cruise ship RMS Queen Mary 2
Investigates a capacitor explosion aboard RMS Queen Mary 2 approaching Barcelona, followed by propulsion shutdown and blackout. The report examines undetected capacitor deterioration, defective imbalance protection, likely arc-flash, harmonic distortion, maintenance records and alarm design. It analyses protection testing and water-mist arrangements, and recommends improved monitoring and failure analysis.
- 2010Dec
Safety warning after a catastrophic failure of capacitor and explosion in 11kV harmonic filter
This bulletin examines a capacitor failure in Queen Mary 2’s 11kV harmonic filter that caused an explosion and blackout. Preliminary analysis describes deterioration, ineffective fault monitoring and a likely oil-vapour conducting path. Operators are urged to inspect capacitors, verify cooling and ventilation, and calibrate and function-test monitoring systems.
- 200925 Mar
Electrical Arc Flash Injury Involving Extension Cord
This alert describes a welder/fabricator connecting an extension cord between a 240 volt, three-phase disconnect and a welding unit. Joining the two cords produced a short and an arc flash, causing second-degree burns to the employee’s abdomen. The supplied account gives no preventive measures.
- 20043 Jul
Electrical Troubleshooting Incident
An electrician investigating the electrical supply to a main engine-cooling pump tested fuses inside a motor control centre using a multimeter on its resistance scale. The meter probe shorted across two fuses, causing flash burns to the electrician’s hands and a consequential rig blackout.
- 20001 Apr
Electrical flash burns
An electrician on an offshore installation sustained superficial flash burns while attempting to close a defective circuit breaker. A tool used in an unapproved override contacted live conductors, initiating an arcing fault. The company recommended reviewing undocumented practices, assessing override procedures and using all equipment design safety features.
- 20001 Jan
Metrex M3610 multimeter incident
A technician suffered burns and eye-flash when a multimeter short-circuited during testing of an ROV’s 440-volt supply. Arcing occurred between the meter’s terminal inputs despite the correct scale setting and undamaged probes. Investigation found internal seawater and oily contamination; the blown main fuse also interrupted the drilling operation’s electrical supply.
- Undated
Arc Flash During Vapour Recovery Unit Cable Replacement
An investigation examines an arc flash during vapour recovery unit cable replacement on Pompano platform. A bandsaw cut the wrong, energised cable, causing equipment damage but no injuries or pollution. Findings address incorrect cable identification, missing verification, incomplete task hazard analysis and failures to provide and follow cable demolition procedures.
- Undated
Electrical Arc During Breaker Resetting and Switch Cover Reassembly
An investigation records an electrical arc during breaker resetting on Platform Habitat. An incompatible cover linkage prompted removal of the switch cover; a misaligned screw contacted a live lead during reassembly. Halon activation shut down the platform. No injuries occurred; corrective actions included a compatible breaker and electrical-safety communications.
- Undated
Arc Flash During Cleaning of Energised Motor Control Centre Busbars
An accident investigation examines an arc flash during cleaning of energised motor control centre busbars with aerosol solvent and a steel-bristled brush. Findings identify missing work planning, permits and lockout procedures, alongside inadequate protective equipment. Recommendations address cabinet reinstatement planning, safe work permits and cleaning only with the centre de-energised.
- Undated
Arc Flash and Fire at Tension Leg Platform
Investigation of an arc flash and resulting fire at the A-Auger tension leg platform. The report examines breaker resetting during continuing alarm conditions, unconfigured fault trips, fuse sizing and missing reclosure lockouts. It identifies electrical design and operational issues and records an estimated $500,000 in damage.
- Undated
Diesel Generator Winding Fire on Offshore Platform
Investigation of a minor diesel-generator winding fire at HI A379 B on 20 April 2015. It records extinguishment, shutdown testing and competing failure assessments involving overload, moisture, contamination or corrosion. The winding was beyond economic repair; no injuries or pollution were noted. Inspectors also identified safety-valve closure failures and inoperable detectors.
- Undated
Electrical Flash During Transfer Pump Connection Relocation
Investigation of an electrical flash during relocation of a transfer-pump connection from a 20 amp to a 30 amp receptacle. A derrick hand sustained burns when energised components exploded. Findings identify failure to switch off the breaker, absent job safety analysis, inadequate training and failure to follow glove and fire-resistant clothing requirements.
- Undated
Drillship Switchboard Arc Flash Damaged Dynamic Braking Unit
BSEE investigates an arc flash in a drillship’s 690 V switchboard that damaged a dynamic braking unit and prompted personnel muster. The report traces deferred fuse replacement, carbon accumulation and escalating arcing, describes maintenance permit decisions and the fire-team response, and records that future blown fuses should be replaced immediately.
- Undated
Electrical Arcing and Fire in Jack-Up Rig SCR Room
An investigation describes electrical arcing and fire in the Hercules 253 jack-up rig’s SCR room. Accumulated soot and contaminants provided a conductive path between generator busbars and ground. The report identifies inadequate inspection and maintenance as contributing factors and recommends regular SCR panel inspections with maintenance programmes based on their findings.
- Undated
Arc-Flash Injury During Platform Wiring Replacement
An investigation describes an arc-flash injury during wiring replacement on the Hillhouse platform. Re-energisation from shore made wires live while a worker prepared them for splicing. Findings identify missing isolation permits, an incomplete job hazard analysis, failures to confirm personnel clearance, reliance on drawings and non-compliance with lockout procedures.
- Undated
Arc-Flash Fire in SCR Cabinet During Logging and Hydrate-Mitigation Pumping
Investigation of an arc-flash fire in Perdido’s silicon controlled rectifier cabinet during wireline logging and hydrate-mitigation pumping. Findings identify buss-insulator failure as the probable cause and equipment age as a contributor. The report examines ineffective fire detection and the limitations of external thermal imaging despite up-to-date maintenance.
- Undated
Electrician Sustained Facial and Neck Burns from Breaker Arc Flash
An investigation records an electrician’s facial and neck burns from a 480-volt breaker arc flash on Shenzi. Water entered through a loose cable gland and migrated to the breaker, degrading insulation between phases. The report describes platform muster, medical evacuation, connector tightening, cable drying and testing, and breaker replacement.
- Undated
Drilling Drive Cabinet Fire Following Condensation-Induced Arc Flash
An investigation of a drilling-drive cabinet fire on Seadrill West Capricorn identifies condensation from air-handling ductwork entering the cabinet and causing an arc flash. It describes power loss, personnel muster, extinguisher use and smoke extraction, and recommends preventing condensation, removing nearby combustible storage and cleaning electrical-cabinet areas.
- Undated
Equinor - Statfjord B - Investigation of short circuit incident with personal injury
Investigation of a short circuit, arc flash and fire during night-time circuit-breaker replacement on Statfjord B. A conductive foreign body was considered the very probable initiating cause. The report examines switchgear protection, maintenance, training, work procedures and emergency coordination. Two people experienced smoke inhalation during subsequent firefighting, rather than direct arc-flash injury.
- Undated
Equinor – Åsgard B – investigation of incident with fire
Investigation of a dry-type transformer fire on Åsgard B examines probable winding-insulation degradation leading to a short circuit or arc flash. It reviews protective instrumentation, maintenance limitations, transformer working-life arrangements and shortcomings in applying earlier incident learning. Firefighting, water cooling, thermographic checks and partial evacuation are documented; nobody was injured.
- Undated
Equinor – Sleipner A – investigation of incident with short circuit and fire pump breakdown
Investigation of a transformer short circuit and consequential fire-pump incident on Sleipner A. Interviews and document review examined winding weaknesses, failed flexible coupling, maintenance omissions and ineffective incident-learning follow-up. The report also assesses diesel shut-off arrangements, emergency training and fire protection. Nobody was injured.
- Undated
Gassco/Equinor – Kårstø – investigation of electrical incident with personal injury
Investigation of an arc-flash injury during starter-drawer replacement at Kårstø. An electrician sustained second-degree burns following a short circuit. The report examines circuit-breaker faults, ageing switchgear, incompatible test equipment, omitted protection adjustments, inadequate protective equipment and weaknesses in work planning, risk assessment, training and supervision.