Arc Flash During Conductor Checks Causes First and Second Degree Burns

Incident Investigation

Arc Flash During Conductor Checks Causes First and Second Degree Burns

October 2, 2023

Electrical

Reference Number:

II-1613228-2023 (#39797)



Location: Kitimat, BC
Regulated industry sector: Electrical – Low voltage electrical system (30V – 750V)

 

Incident Overview

An experienced electrician checking conductors at an industrial facility unknowingly accessed an energized breaker bucket inside a substation and shorted phase to phase on the line side of the breaker switch that was energized at 347/600V. This resulted in an electrical shock, creating an arc flash. The worker suffered first and second degree burns to their wrists, hand, and face.

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