Worker Electrical Shock Verify the Root Cause

Thanks for the prompt reply. The technician replaced a new set of cable and plug also fixed an additional sleeve on the cable. Tested the plug and the air cond is working well.

Where is the test report filed, stating the fault that has been remedied that caused the electric shock? What defence does the organisation have if the individual that received the electric shock makes a claim?

Another problem may be "there is no trade union in the work place to make a complaint to the authorities/labour office and ask for compensation to the victim" . Was he taken to hospital for treatment and what did the doctor's report say?. The management should maintain records of regular testing of the installation including PAT(portable appliances).

Indeed. Testing records are vital evidence of safety management in action. The forum has not been told of the location of this installation. In the UK, regular testing and maintaining test records is a requirement under Electricity At Work regulations.

No splices should be allowed in this equipment, neither plugging/unplugging as a switching method, specially on a location contaminated with cutting fluids which are ladden with metallic particles, carbon or high humidity.

I saw this a couple of times in tool-room installations.

1. Be certain that the insulation integrity of all wiring is not compromised.
2. Have an effective ground for all exposed metal parts and chassis of equipment.
3. Have a remote starter box for your equipment AND read about arc flash.
4. Pay attention to harsh environments, clean more often.

What is the flooring? Carpet? ie could be static in a dry atmosphere. Tho this is not consistent with sparks & burn marks.

Victim may have 'seen sparks' as he felt the shock of static discharge?

Fit an RCD on at least the a/c circuit. Or the whole building. Test it regularly.

1. The facility head reported that all the metal parts at the plug are grounded and the power supply would have been cut automatically if there's faulty wiring - If this claim is true why there's burn marks on the wall??
2. The marks were not there before the worker press the switch to "ON" and sparks seen along the cable?!
3. These are the evident pointing that there was current flow and proving that the worker telling the truth and really got a shock when he want to press "on" the switch.
4. The fact the cable and plug were replaced after the incident would seem to be an admission of guilt
5. The facility head is offering an opinion which isn't backed up by test results. Yes, all the metal parts may have been grounded once upon a time, but did he actually periodically test them? Qualified personal? Any report?
6. On no account the organization should accept the verbal assurances.
7. Where is the test report filed, stating the fault that has been remedied that caused the electric shock? What defense does the organization have if the individual that received the electric shock makes a claim?

Many many big thanks...to all i even borrowed some words hope its ok

"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." -- Horace Mann

you guys give real meaning for the statement

Well, that lot is the sort of questioning for which a proper investigation will find answers. However, by getting someone to fix the problem, there is now no scope for the investigation to take place.

If the employee that received the shock now makes a civil claim for compensation, the organisation now has no evidence with which to defend the claim.

Lesson #1: preserve and record evidence.

The head appears to be implying that an ELCB or similar is installed. This would not always stop someone getting a shock to ground, but it should cut the power in a very short amount of time.

I "tested" one accidentally at work about 15 years ago, painful, but not life threatening....

I have one on each phase coming into my house, but sadly, the laws here do not actually require that. The UK does require it if I remember correctly....

I would have suggested that the Head turn on the AC (before the repairs) himself, in front of all the workers!!!!!!

employ a good electrician in the plant. All your problem will be solved.

There should be awareness in the mind of management.

All equipment grounds/earths should be tested and the results recorded at least once annually and any/every time the equipment is worked on or replaced in order to protect personnel from electrical contact exposure.

Due to the quantity and severity of worker injury from energized electrical equipment contacts we in the USA are about to be required to test these circuits and record the results on a monthly basis.

It does sound a bit overwhelming and labor intensive for any size of company however, resultant litigation and monetary awards which far exceed the cost of audit implementation are gaining momentum.

It is easy for the casual observer to cast a one-sided, after-the-fact judgement but to the person or persons affected by the injury, dehabilatation and/or death caused from the needless electrical contact, it seems to me to be a small price for any company to pay.

The fact that stands glaringly out when something like this takes place is that usually the equipment's unsafe condtion was/is well known in advance of the incident and not one person reported or corrected it.

From your description of the investigation and the "knee-jerk" reaction from management to invoke damage control, I would venture a guess that there was/is willful neglect of electrical equipment maintenance on a regular basis.

All this being said; Each and every person in the workplace really needs to wake up and stop tolerating unsafe conditions.

REPORT IT, FOLLOW THROUGH, AND GET IT FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT!

This simple exercise would dramatically improve our workplace safety environment, improve productivity, and lower plant operating costs.

Is the labour office monitoring health and safety of workmen?. Their Inspector of factories should visit regularly as well as whenever an incident is reported and check records, whether protective weras were used,condition of equipment/affected persons and properties and take the management to task. The management won't care if government(labour office) don't punish employers.

If the old cable can be found, then save it for testing. The problem may be in the outlet (bad connection to neutral and ground). Even though the AC is working, there may still be a safety issue.

What kind of manager appoints a person without electrical background to be in charge of safety of electrical devices? Insanity.

This appointment as person in charge for safety in our organization not only covers the elctrical but overall and but then its a small organization. That's the reason i registered in this forum and seek help...anyway its a good decision...i mean joining the forum. The insanity remains...

Apologies for repetition of other's excellent advice.

what are the requirements for test and tagging of workplace equipment? does your company perform regular periodic inspections in accordance with regulations? when was the aircon last tested? when was the ELCB last tested (time tested as well as push button)? where are the records? Last time I checked ELCBs had a failure rate slightly above 5%

I hope the technician is appropriately qualified - check their licence too

If there is no system in place for periodic inspection then use this as an opportunity to get one now. In my experience get an in-house electrician to do it as cheap contractors may become negligent. I hate test and tagging but when i started here 3 years ago I found too many faults in workshop equipment to leave it to the local contractor. I know the people I work with and care enough to do what i can to ensure the equipment is safe.

As for the Facility Head... I'll leave that to your imagination

Thanks..currently there is no proper system in place for periodic inspection, rightly said... we'll use this as an opportunity to get one now but need to get the commitment from the facility guy...any formats?

creation of a workplace inspection program

an example of a hazard reporting programme

international standards for inspecting commercial properties

heavy equipment inspection guidelines

Occupational Health and Safety Division...Identify, evaluate, and prepare standards

Legal considerations and training standards in Canada (but applicable pretty much any where)

Safety inspections work place guide and workbooks.

thank you so much...