Location: Kokomo IN
Date: 4-26-18
Event Type: Near Miss
 
What happened: During the decommissioning of a Disco Saw tool, pulling disconnected primary electrical cables, received an electrical shock from a secondary power cable not disconnected.

Contributing Factors:

• Employee was in possession of release documentation from the client confirming that tool was safe to decommission.
• Secondary power supply, entered beneath the tool centrally through the floor making it difficult to see.
• Hazard not identified by the onsite electricians or decommissioning engineer.

Lessons Learned:

• Do not rely on pass down documentation that the tool is safe.
• Use a digital volt meter to check disconnection/deenergized cables.
• Always check and double check, when disconnecting or pulling power cables.
• Additional emphasis placed on electrical awareness during daily onsite safety meetings.