Control
Voltage Verification
Testing absence of hazardous electrical voltage before work.
Documents
- 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.
- 202516 May
Electrical isolation: Failing to “prove dead” at the point of work
This safety flash examines failures to verify that electrical equipment is dead at the actual work location rather than only at a remote isolation point. Two examples describe personnel accessing live terminals after selecting the wrong thruster or ROV. It emphasises following proving-dead protocols at the point of work.
- 20233 May
Equipment starts unexpectedly
Three mechanics were maintaining a high-voltage AC unit under lockout/tagout when it restarted unexpectedly. A broken circuit-breaker handle linkage had prevented shutdown. Nobody was injured. The flash highlights verification of de-energisation and correct energy-source isolation, including when equipment is upgraded or modified.
- 202226 Jul
Equipment found live: drawings incorrect for Lock-out/Tag-out
A foreman checking for dead found energised control oil pump motor space heaters omitted from lockout/tagout arrangements. Incorrect drawings and a breaker schedule identified the wrong circuit. Work stopped and documentation and isolations were amended. Nobody was harmed; lessons emphasise comprehensive lockout/tagout and checking for dead.
- 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.
- 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.
- 201820 Jul
Crewman received 415v electric shock
A crewman suffered an electric shock while assessing cable routing for an ROV launch and recovery system supply. He touched exposed live wires before the distribution board was isolated. The flash identifies undocumented transformer removal, absent voltage verification and inadequate handover, with lessons on maintenance records and communication.
- 201724 Oct
Potential for fatalities from electrical incidents
This alert reviews three electrical dangerous occurrences notified within less than 90 days, with no injuries or cardiac irregularities reported. It identifies failures in cable identification, isolation confirmation, proving dead, permits, task analysis, procedures and competence, and sets out requirements for safe electrical work.
- 20166 Dec
First aid injury: Electric shock
An ROV supervisor contacted a conductor in the wrong transformer cabinet during fault finding, suffering an electric shock and hand burn. The alternate system received 40V DC despite its breakers being off and potentially held high-voltage capacitive energy. Lessons address isolation, cabinet access, system familiarisation and testing before touch.
- 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.
- 201520 Mar
Electric shock incident
An electrician received a 220V AC shock while working on a 24V remote input/output module in joystick electrical equipment, sustaining minor left-hand burns. The flash describes the current path through an anti-static earth strap, inadequate personal risk assessment and the need to verify isolation using a voltage tester and compatible proving unit.
- 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.
- 20124 Apr
Near-miss: 220v cable not isolated during work
A vessel maintenance near-miss left exposed 220 V wiring after a light fitting was disconnected following incorrect multimeter testing. The flash discusses isolation checks and consultation failures, notes further fleet incidents, and sets out actions concerning authorised isolation, dedicated voltage indicators and tester checks before and after proving dead.
- 20092 Jun
Electric shock near-miss
An ROV technician received an electric shock while rerouting a tether, without injury. Energising the tether management system produced induced voltage in isolated conductors, while two earthing clips had become dislodged. The flash examines insecure earthing connections and recommends design improvements, high-voltage training and warning signage.
- 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
Roll Up! Electrical Safety in Construction
This construction toolbox talk addresses electrical hazards affecting electricians and other workers. It outlines qualified-worker requirements, feasible de-energisation, lockout/tagout and voltage checks. Guidance also covers insulated tools, protective equipment, GFCI testing, cord inspection and selection, avoiding overloads and wet conditions, and maintaining clearance from overhead power lines.