Welder Electrocuted by Damaged Cord
Posted by proforma on May 21, 2009 | No Comments
A 220-volt floodlight caused the death of a welder when its cord became pinched between the fixture and a mounting bracket. Tragically, the light had been determined to be inappropriate for the job and set aside, but not disconnected.
The location: a bilge pump room in the column of a semi submersible. Conditions were hot, 97 degrees, and the welder’s coveralls were soaked with perspiration. A Permit To Work (PTW) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) had been completed, but reports are the PTW didn’t capture all the elements (confined space, ventilation, electrical hazard, etc.) The JSA was not specific to the job.
Among the corrective actions taken was a “hazard hunt” of the rig fleet focused on portable lights, power tools and electric cords. Rig supervisors were not only urged to enforce STOP(TM), but one STOP card per person per day on board was mandated.
Further details on steps taken to prevent repeat of the incident are detailed here on the International Association of Drilling Contractors site.
Tags:accident, Electrical Hazards, fatality, JSA, light fixture, offshore GOM, oilfield worker, PTW, safety, STOP, Workplace Safety
Filed Under: Workplace Safety
