1. Contractor Injury – Electrical Arc Flash Washington Site
What Happened?
On 3/15 contractor installed a 15 HP starter into a live 480V MCC
Wore hard hat and safety glasses and used a regular screwdriver w/o an insulated shaft
Received 1st and 2nd degree burns to face and both hands
Fortunately, did not receive electrical shock or eye damage
Contractor expects to recover fully with only minor scarring of hands
11/17/2018

2. Contractor Injury – Electrical Arc Flash Washington Site
Background
Experienced Journeyman with 20+ yrs. exp.,
Very familiar with site ~ 10 yrs. experience
Trained on required PPE for Hazard Risk Category 3 electrical tasks
Insertion of motor starter into live MCC a common practice at many sites
11/17/2018

3. Contractor Injury – Electrical Arc Flash Washington Site
Preliminary Investigation Results
Root/Contributing Causes
Contractor Personal Performance - failed to utilize proper PPE and proper tool (V-rated gloves, V-rated screwdriver, FR coveralls, flash suit hood, etc.)
Site Procedures did not not adequately address guidelines for working on electrically energized equipment
11/17/2018

4. Contractor Injury – Electrical Arc Flash Washington Site
Preliminary Investigation Results
Corrective Actions to be finalized after receiving final safety report from electrical contractor.
Recommendations
Sites should critically review procedures for working on energized electrical equipment to ensure necessary guidance, approvals,and oversight exist. (See NFPA 70E, Article 130 and draft procedure from Wyandotte, WYN )
11/17/2018

5. MCC#2 – Contains total of 66 motor starters.
Shutdown of entire MCC affects 4 of 7 reactor systems and other critical tank farm equipment
11/17/2018

6. 3 phase, 480V starter for 15 HP agitator motor .
Starter was removed to drill holes for future mounting of control relay
11/17/2018

7. Exposed 480 V buss bar with starter removed
11/17/2018

8. Incident occurred while tightening this hold-down screw from the front
Rear view of starter.
Incident occurred while tightening this hold-down screw from the front
11/17/2018

9. Uninsulated screw driver contacted electrically energized wire
11/17/2018

10. Signs of melting at screwdriver tip
Signs of melting at screwdriver tip. Temperature likely exceeded 2500 °F
from the front
11/17/2018

11. Soot residue on helmet and safety glasses
11/17/2018

12. PPE requirements poster located in MCC. Approx. 4 feet from starter
11/17/2018

13. Located in MCC. Approx. 10 feet from starter
Duffle bags containing required PPE: V-rated gloves, FR coveralls, flash suit hood, etc.
Located in MCC. Approx. 10 feet from starter
11/17/2018