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.