An uninjured miner was hospitalised overnight for observation after trouble shooting an electrical issue on a skid mounted control centre for a pumping system when they came in contact with 4160 volts – according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Best Practices:
- Develop, communicate, and follow a written plan before performing electrical work to ensure that safety is maximized for all miners involved in the task.
- Miners performing electrical work should have the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the task.
- Ensure all electrical circuits and circuit breakers are identified properly before troubleshooting or performing electrical work.
- Prior to conducting any electrical work, identify hazards, establish safe limits of approach.
- Wear properly rated and well maintained PPE (including coveralls, jackets, eye protection, insulated gloves and tools).
- Before working on equipment, always de-energize, lock and tag out the circuit with your lock and tag.
- Test to ensure electrical circuits are de-energized using properly rated test equipment prior to performing work.
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