Sunday, September 2, 2012

WSH Alert - A Case of Electric Shock

13 Sep 2010
Incident
In a recent incident, a supervisor on night shift duty was installing an electrical device. While performing the job, he did not use the voltage tester nor put on rubber gloves. A short circuit occurred which was followed by a discharge. The supervisor suffered a mild electric shock.
Recommendations
1. Conduct risk assessment: Before the start of any work, risk assessment must be conducted to identify potential hazards. Appropriate control measures should then be taken to eliminate the hazards or reduce the risks involved. The hazard relevant to this incident was the exposed electrical components that were still “live”.
2. Use of dry rubber insulating mat: Dry rubber insulating mat should be used where there is risk of electrocution. The rubber mat insulates the ground on which the worker stands, reducing the risk of electric current flow through him.
3. Provision of adequate training: All workers should be adequately trained in the identification and control of hazards at the workplace. Specialised electrical safety training must be provided to workers who need to work with or around exposed components of electric circuits. The training should include, but not be limited to, basic electrical theory, proper safe work procedures, hazard awareness, identification and control, proper use of personal protective equipment, proper lockout/ tagout procedures, first aid and rescue procedures. Provisions should also be made for periodic re-training or refresher training.
4. Lockout/ Tagout (LOTO): LOTO procedures should be established and implemented for the inspection, maintenance and repair of any machinery or equipment. All energy sources associated with the machinery or equipment should be isolated, disconnected or discharged to prevent the whole or part thereof of the machinery or equipment from being activated or energised.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE should be provided and used by workers who are potentially exposed to “live” components. These PPE can include electrical resistance or insulating rubber hand gloves and rubber-soled boots.
Further Information
1. Workplace Safety and Health Act, please click HERE.
2. Workplace Safety and Health (General Provisions) Regulations, please click HERE.
3. Electricity Act, please click HERE.
4. Electricity (Electrical Workers) Regulations, please click HERE.
6. Singapore Standard CP 5 : 1998. Code of Practice for Electrical Installations

Courtesy from WSHC. Please visit http://www.wshc.sg for more information.

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