Electrical Hazards

1
Electrical Hazards

• Electrical accidents in the mining industry are
  caused by
• 1. Failure to lockout/tag electrical equipment
• 2. Unqualified people doing electrical work
• 3. Contact with overhead powerlines
• 4. Improper installation and maintenance

2
Consequences of electrical accidents

• Fires and Explosions
• Burns
• Shock/Electrocution

3
Fires and Explosion
We can prevent fires and explosions by

• Preventing overcurrent conditions such as short
  circuit or overload and using proper protection
  for circuits and equipment
• using installation methods to protect
  conductors and equipment from damage or contact
  that might result in an arc or overcurrent
  condition or shock and
• using equipment designed to prevent arcing
  during normal operation which could cause an
  explosion.

4
Burns

• Electrical arcs produce tremendous amounts of
  heat. We can attest to this from the use of
  electrical arcs for welding metals. The
  temperature of an electric arc at currents of
  2-20 Amps can range from 3600 to 7200 degrees
  at the starting and ending points of the arc.

5

• The heat from normal arcing causes some
  destruction of equipment components such as
  contacts, commutators, etc. Periodic maintenance
  is necessary to take care of these losses.

6
Shocks and Electrocutions

• There are several factors that can be detrimental
  during electrical shock. These factors include,
  but are not limited to
  Amount of current
• Time exposed
• and, Current path through the body
• Lets look at Ohms Law

7
EFFECTS OF CURRENT ON THE AVERAGE BODY
8

• How much current does it take to illuminate this
  60 watt, 120 volt light bulb?
• The answer is 0.5 amperes or 500 milliamps.
• Did you know that this is five times the current
  that it takes to fatally electrocute someone ?

60 WATT
120 VOLTS
9

• CURRENT EFFECT
• 1 MILLIAMP THRESHOLD OF
  PERCEPTION
• 1 TO 8 MILLIAMPS SENSATION
  
  OF SHOCK
• 8 TO 15 MILLIAMPS PAINFUL SHOCK
• 15 TO 20 MILLIAMPS LOSS OF MUSCLE
  CONTROL

10

• 20 TO 50 MILLIAMPS BREATHING IS
  DIFFICULT
• 100 TO 200 MILLIAMPS VENTRICULAR
  FIBRILLATION
• OVER 200 MILLIAMPS SEVERE BURNS

11
GFCI
12
sound
13
On August 17, 2002, a 31-year-old contract miner
with 4 years of experience was fatally injured in
a tunnel construction project at an open pit
copper mine. A transformer switch, mounted on a
rail car, was being moved forward as construction
advanced. The victim was electrocuted when he
contacted a 480 volt cable and a junction box to
move them from rubbing the rail car. The cable
and junction box were part of the lighting system
located along the side of the tunnel.
report
14
CONCLUSION The cause of the accident was the
failure to provide an effective low impedance
grounding circuit for the tunnel lighting system.
The following root causes were identified
failure to properly assemble the light fixture
failure to properly test the light fixture and
failure to properly test the resistance of the
light circuit ground system.
15
Citation No. 6273824 was issued on August 18,
2002, under the provisions of Section 104(d)(1)
of the Mine Act for violation of 30 CFR 57.12001
On August 17, 2002, a fatal accident occurred at
this mine when a contract miner contacted an
energized 480/277 volt cable attached to a metal
light assembly. The tunnel lighting
system/circuit was not protected against
excessive overload with fuses or circuit breakers
of the correct types and capacity. Failure to
ensure that the circuit overload protection was
properly installed and maintained constitutes
more than ordinary negligence and is an
unwarrantable failure to comply with a mandatory
standard.
16
Order No. 6273825 was issued on August 18, 2002,
under the provisions of Section 104(d)(1) of the
Mine Act for violation of 30 CFR 57.12025 On
August 17, 2002, a fatal accident occurred at
this mine when a contract miner contacted an
energized 480/277 volt lighting circuit attached
to a metal light assembly. The metal frame of the
light assembly was energized in excess of 150
volts, phase-to-ground. The metal enclosing and
incasing electrical circuit was not effectively
grounded or provided with effective equivalent
protection. Excessive impedance of the primary
and secondary equipment grounding circuit did not
provide for sufficient current flow to open the
provided protection. Failure to ensure that
effective grounding was provided for the circuit,
constitutes more than ordinary negligence and is
an unwarrantable failure to comply with a
mandatory standard.
17
report
On October 2, 2001, a contract electrician was
fatally injured at a sandstone operation. The
victim had been installing power lines to an
elevated electrical box mounted on the side of a
building. As he swung the manlift he was working
from away from the building he contacted high
voltage power lines that were located above his
work area.
18
104(a) Citation for violation of 56.12071 A
fatal accident occurred at this operation on
October 2, 2001, when a contract electrician in a
JLG manlift basket, contacted energized overhead
high voltage power lines. The manlift being used
had the reach capacity to contact overhead power
lines yet the lines were not de-energized nor
were other precautionary measures taken to
protect persons.
30 CFR 56.12071 Movement or operation of
equipment near high-voltage power lines. When
equipment must be moved or operated near
energized high-voltage powerlines (other than
trolley lines) and the clearance is less than 10
feet, the lines shall be deenergized or other
precautionary measures shall be taken.
19
On September 16, 2002, a 42 year-old welder with
2 years mining experience was fatally injured at
a crushed stone operation. The victim was lying
on a wet, metal screen deck welding a wear plate
in a confined area when he apparently touched the
energized welding rod to his chest and received
an electrical shock.
report
20
The cause of the accident was the victim
contacting the energized welding electrode. The
root causes were the failure to utilize dry
insulating material while welding when lying on
steel, and failure to wear dry clothing. No
citations issued
21
On Tuesday, March 13, 2001, an electrical
contractor, with 16 years of experience, was
fatally injured when he contacted high voltage
power while installing pole mounted capacitors.
The victim and two co-workers had completed the
installation of the capacitors, located
approximately 900 feet from the mine substation,
and installed a size 14 twisted pair wire from
the substation to the capacitors to provide 120
volt control power for a capacitor switching
device. The victim, two co-workers and three mine
employees, were standing at the mine substation
when the plug for the twisted pair wire began to
smoke and arc.
The victim, pulled the plug from the receptacle,
picked up the plug to examine it and received a
fatal electrical shock. A phase imbalance was
caused when a defective switch on one of the
capacitors failed to close and induced a current
flow onto the frame of the capacitors and the
ground wire extending down the pole to a ground
rod. The frames were common with the neutral wire
of the size 14 control power conductor. When the
victim contacted the neutral wire, he became a
parallel path for this current flow.
report
22
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the operator for
a violation of 77.502. The citation stated, "It
was determined that electric equipment involved
in the accident was not properly examined, tested
and maintained by a qualified person to assure
safe operating conditions. The following
dangerous conditions were found to exist (1) One
of the three oil switches used to control the
capacitors was not working properly. The
electrical contact tips were worn and not making
proper contact. Bolts that held the switching
mechanism in place were missing or loose. The oil
inside the switch was contaminated. (2) The
capacitors were not installed according to
manufacturers recommendations. (3) The resistance
of the capacitor frame ground was too high to
provide a proper low resistance grounding medium.
(4) A 14/2 TW twisted pair telephone wire,
without ground conductor, was used to supply 120
volt control power. (5) Control power for
capacitor bank location, this would reduce
transfer of voltage potentials. This condition
contributed to the accident that occurred on
March 13, 2001.
23
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the contractor
for a violation of 77.502. The citation stated,
"It was determined that electric equipment
involved in the accident was not properly
examined, tested and maintained by a qualified
person to assure safe operating conditions. The
following dangerous conditions were found to
exist (1) One of the three oil switches used to
control the capacitors was not working properly.
The electrical contact tips were worn and not
making proper contact. Bolts that held the
switching mechanism in place were missing or
loose. The oil inside the switch was
contaminated. (2) The capacitors were not
installed according to manufacturers
recommendations. (3) The resistance of the
capacitor frame ground was too high to provide a
proper low resistance grounding medium. (4) A
14/2 TW twisted pair telephone wire, without
ground conductor, was used to supply 120 volt
control power. (5) Control power for capacitor
switching was not derived at the capacitor bank
location, this would reduce transfer of voltage
potentials. This condition contributed to the
accident that occurred on March 13, 2001."
24
30 CFR 77.502 Electric equipment shall be
frequently examined, tested, and properly
maintained by a qualified person to assure safe
operating conditions. When a potentially
dangerous condition is found on electric
equipment, such equipment shall be removed from
service until such condition is corrected. A
record of such examinations shall be kept.
POLICY
77.502 Electric Equipment Examination, Testing
and MaintenanceFor purposes of this Section,
"electric equipment" shall include all control
circuits control switches or devices circuit
breakers fuses conduits wiring motors
transformers lighting equipment hand-held tools
such as drills, wrenches, and sawsetc. The
tests, examinations, and proper maintenance
required by this Section shall include all items
mentioned above and all other such equipment at
the mine.
25
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the operator for
a violation of 77.501. The citation stated, "It
was determined that electrical work was performed
by persons who were not qualified or were not
under the direct supervision of a qualified
person as provided by 77.103. The following
electrical work was performed (1) A 120 volt
control circuit was installed with wiring
connection made inside a junction box and plug
end installed. (2) Splices were made in the 120
volt control wire. (3) Installation of capacitors
and connection to the 12,470 volt power
conductors. (4) Lock and tag out. (5)
Installation of grounding conductors. This
condition contributed to the accident that
occurred on March 13, 2001.
26
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the contractor
for a violation of 77.501. The citation stated,
"It was determined that electrical work was
performed by persons who were not qualified or
were not under the direct supervision of a
qualified person as provided by 77.103. The
following electrical work was performed (1) A
120 volt control circuit was installed with
wiring connection made inside a junction box and
plug end installed. (2) Splices were made in the
120 volt control wire. (3) Installation of
capacitors and connection to the 12,470 volt
power conductors. (4) Lock and tag out. (5)
Installation of grounding conductors. This
condition contributed to the accident that
occurred on March 13, 2001."
27
30 CFR 77.501

No
electrical work shall be performed on electric
distribution circuits or equipment, except by a
qualified person or by a person trained to
perform electrical work and to maintain
electrical equipment under the direct supervision
of a qualified person. Disconnecting devices
shall be locked out and suitably tagged by the
persons who perform such work, except that in
cases where locking out is not possible, such
devices shall be opened and suitably tagged by
such persons. Locks or tags shall be removed only
by the persons who installed them or, if such
persons are unavailable, by persons authorized by
the operator or his agent.
POLICY
"Electrical work," as referred to in this
Section, includes the design, installation,
maintenance or repair of electric equipment and
circuits. Splices and terminations made in
electric cables, installation of couplers on the
ends of cables, electric machine repairs,
electric wiring, pole and line work, work
performed inside electrical substations or other
areas in proximity to exposed energized
electrical parts, work performed inside
transformers, switchboxes, switch houses,
electric panels or other enclosures of electric
equipment and circuits are examples of tasks that
are considered to be "electrical work" and are
required to be performed by or under the direct
supervision of a qualified person.
28
POLICY 77.501
Examples of duties that are not considered to be
"electrical work" and would not be required to be
performed by a qualified person or under the
direct supervision of a qualified person are,
operation of electric equipment, transportation
of equipment and cables, operation of control
switches, circuit breakers or switchboxes,
provided no energized parts are exposed, changing
cutting bits, lubrication work, moving of
energized trailing cables, or inserting or
withdrawing proper cable couplers into or from
their receptacles. These tasks are considered to
be part of the normal routine operation of
electric equipment therefore, they are not
considered to be "electrical work." The term
"direct supervision" shall not be interpreted to
mean that the qualified person be physically
present at all times during the performance of
such repairs, but the qualified person has the
following responsibilities 1.The qualified
person shall examine and/or test an electric
circuit or machine and determine the need for
repair or maintenance.2.The qualified person
must give specific instructions to the employee
assigned to perform this work with respect to the
nature and extent of the repairs to be performed
and, where necessary, prescribe the manner in
which the work is to be performed.3.The
qualified person is, at all times, under
continuing duty to instruct, advise, or consult
with the employee, in the event the work assigned
cannot be performed by the employee in the manner
prescribed.
29
POLICY 77.501
4.The qualified person must examine and test the
completed work before the circuit is energized or
the machine is returned to service. It is MSHA's
policy that a person trained to perform
electrical work and to maintain electric
equipment under the direct supervision of a
qualified person shall not be assigned the duty
of testing or troubleshooting energized circuits.
Persons trained to perform electrical work and to
maintain electric equipment may only do testing
and troubleshooting on energized circuits as part
of their training program. During this testing
and troubleshooting operation, a qualified
person, as defined in Section 77.103, must be
present at all times to observe,instruct, and aid
the trainee. "Suitably tagged" means that a sign
with wording such as"Danger - Hands Off - Do Not
Close - Miners Working on Line,"shall be attached
to the opened disconnecting device. The tag
should bear the name of the workman who installed
it. Keys to locks used to lock out switches
should be kept by the person working on the
circuit or equipment
30
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the operator for
a violation of 77.516. The citation stated, "It
was determined that improper wiring methods were
used to supply the 120 volt control power for the
capacitor switching circuit. A 14/2 TW twisted
pair telephone wire, without ground conductor,
was used. A 120 volt three-prong plug was
installed on the 14/2 wire and plugged into a
ground fault circuit interrupter outlet at the
mine substation. The 14/2 wire ran for 733 feet
along the highwall, lying on the ground, and
suspended on trees at some locations to the pole
mounted capacitors. Splices were made in the 14/2
wire. The capacitor manufacturer recommends
control power be derived at the capacitor bank
location. Reference the following articles of the
1968 National Electrical Code 250-59 which
requires a grounding conductor to be run with the
power supply conductors 300-4 which provides for
protection against damage 310-1(a) which
requires that conductors have mechanical
strength, insulation, and ampacity adequate for
the conditions 400-4 which prohibits use of
cords for this application and 400-5 which
requires cords to be used in continuous lengths
without splices. This condition contributed to
the accident that occurred on March 13, 2001
31
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the contractor
for a violation of 77.516. The citation stated,
"It was determined that improper wiring methods
were used to supply the 120 volt control power
for the capacitor switching circuit. A 14/2 TW
twisted pair telephone wire, without ground
conductor, was used. A 120 volt three-prong plug
was installed on the 14/2 wire and plugged into a
ground fault circuit interrupter outlet at the
mine substation. The 14/2 wire ran for 733 feet
along the highwall, lying on the ground, and
suspended on trees at some locations to the pole
mounted capacitors. Splices were made in the 14/2
wire. The capacitor manufacturer recommends
control power be derived at the capacitor bank
location. Reference the following articles of the
1968 National Electrical Code 250-59 which
requires a grounding conductor to be run with the
power supply conductors 300-4 which provides for
protection against damage 310-1(a) which
requires that conductors have mechanical
strength, insulation, and ampacity adequate for
the conditions 400-4 which prohibits use of
cords for this application and 400-5 which
requires cords to be used in continuous lengths
without splices. This condition contributed to
the accident that occurred on March 13, 2001."
32
30 CFR 77.516 In addition to the requirements
of 77.503 and 77.506, all wiring and electrical
equipment installed after June 30, 1971, shall
meet the requirements of the National Electric
Code in effect at the time of installation.
POLICY
Section 77.516 requires, in addition to
compliance with Sections77.503 and 77.506, that
electric equipment installed after June 30, 1971,
meet the requirements of the NEC. The NEC has
been incorporated into MSHA standards to address
wiring and wiring methods for surface facilities
and structures not specifically covered in Part
77. The NEC will continue to be applied to
surface facilities and structures other than the
specified excavation equipment. The NEC contains
safety guidelines which are not specifically
tailored to surface mine excavation equipment and
conductors, but which cover a much broader scope.
While Section 77.516 addresses wiring and
electric equipment installed after June 30, 1971,
on surface mining machines, many provisions of
the NEC are not applicable to the wiring methods,
types of equipment, and conditions on these
machines. For example, certain excavation
equipment designed and installed since June 30,
1971, is not compatible with the requirements of
the 1968 NEC. Therefore, strict application of
and compliance with the NEC for the wiring
methods used on surface mine excavation equipment
is not practicable.
33
Wiring and electric equipment installed after
June 30, 1971, on-board electric or
diesel-powered surface excavation equipment are
not required to comply with the NEC under Section
77.516,although mine operators are free to rely
on it as a guideline.This policy applies to
equipment such as draglines, shovels, dozers,
bucket wheel excavators, mobile drills, mobile
cranes,haulage trucks, and endloaders. However,
all other relevant provisions in Part 77 will
continue to apply to these machines.Equipment and
wiring installed after June 30, 1971, will be
inspected and enforcement action taken in the
same manner as on equipment installed prior to
that date. For example, Sections77.404 and 77.502
requiring examination and proper maintenance will
be enforced, along with appropriate conductor
ampacities under Section 77.503, short-circuit
and overload protection under Section 77.506 and
all relevant grounding provisions.
34
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the operator for
a violation of 77.701. The citation stated, "It
was determined that the metallic frame of the
capacitor bank was not properly grounded to a
low- resistance ground field. A copper rod was
driven into the ground at the base of the pole
(butt ground) to create a ground/neutral point
for the capacitor installation. The value of the
butt ground was measured and found to be 195
ohms. Regulation requires that the grounding
conductor extend to a low-resistance ground
field. This condition contributed to the accident
that occurred on March 13, 2001
35
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the contractor
for a violation of 77.701. The citation stated,
"It was determined that the metallic frame of the
capacitor bank was not properly grounded to a
low- resistance ground field. A copper rod was
driven into the ground at the base of the pole
(butt ground) to create a ground/neutral point
for the capacitor installation. The value of the
butt ground was measured and found to be 195
ohms. Regulation requires that the grounding
conductor extend to a low-resistance ground
field. This condition contributed to the accident
that occurred on March 13, 2001."
36
30 CFR 77.701 Metallic frames, casings, and
other enclosures of electric equipment that can
become "alive" through failure of insulation or
by contact with energized parts shall be grounded
by methods approved by an authorized
representative of the Secretary.
POLICY
Certain moveable electric equipment, e.g.,
rail-mounted and pivoting coal stackers,
traveling shop cranes on track rails, small
traveling hoists on I beams, etc., cannot be
strictly classified as portable, mobile or
stationary equipment. For the purposes of frame
grounding, such equipment shall be considered
stationary. Consequently, the grounding
requirements of Subpart H apply to such
equipment. This Section requires that metallic
frames of electric equipment be grounded by
methods approved by an authorized representative
of the Secretary. Therefore, rail-mounted and
pivoting coal stackers, traveling shop cranes on
track rails, small traveling hoists on I beams,
and similar equipment shall be grounded in
accordance with the following
37
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the operator for
a violation of 77.1710(c). The citation stated,
"It was determined that the victim was not
wearing protective gloves when he pulled the 120
volt control power plug from the receptacle and
then picked up the plug. The plug was arcing and
smoking. The victim received a fatal electrical
shock as power fed back on the control wire from
the capacitor bank. This condition contributed to
the accident that occurred on March 13, 2001
38
A 104(a) Citation was issued to the contractor
for a violation of 77.1710(c). The citation
stated, "It was determined that the victim was
not wearing protective gloves when he pulled the
120 volt control power plug from the receptacle
and picked up the plug. The plug was arcing and
smoking. The victim received a fatal electrical
shock as power fed back on the control wire from
the capacitor bank. This condition contributed to
the accident that occurred on March 13, 2001."
39
30 CFR 77.1710 Each employee working in a
surface coal mine or in the surface work areas of
an underground coal mine shall be required to
wear protective clothing and devices as indicated
below (c) Protective gloves when handling
materials or performing work which might cause
injury to the hands however, gloves shall not be
worn where they would create a greater hazard by
becoming entangled in the moving parts of
equipment.
POLICY
Paragraph (c) of this Section requires that
miners wear gloves whenever they troubleshoot or
test energized electric power circuits or
electric equipment. Work gloves in good condition
are acceptable for troubleshooting or testing
energized low- and medium-voltage circuits or
equipment. High-voltage gloves, rated at least
for the voltage of the circuit, are required for
troubleshooting or testing of energized
high-voltage circuits or in compartments
containing exposed energized high-voltage
circuits.
40
On Friday, July 20, 2001, a 26 year old
electrician, with 5 years mining experience, was
fatally injured in an electrical accident. The
victim was preparing to move an electrical
starter box, which provided power to the No. 9
belt conveyor head drive. Apparently, the victim
came in contact with the energized electrical
circuit providing power to the starter box or
other associated electrical equipment.
41
104(d)(1) Citation - Work was performed on
electrical circuits and equipment without all
power first being deenergized, while under the
direct supervision of the chief electrician. The
electrical circuit (277 volts) entering the 9
belt starting box and supplying power to the 20
HP booster pump was not deenergized prior to work
being performed on the energized circuit.
42
104(d)(1) Order - The 010 MMU section's 20 HP
booster pump located outby the 9 belt drive was
not grounded as required. A separate circuit
originating from the booster pump starter had
been installed to the 9 belt box. The
start/stop switch had been defeated (by-passed).
This circuit permitted the pump to start when the
9 belt started. Power was supplied to the
circuit by the 16/3 pump cable conductor. The
ground wire had been cut off at both ends where
the cable left the pump starter and where the
cable entered the belt box. With the 9 belt box
disconnect device unplugged, the 9 belt box was
still energized with 480 volts from the 20 HP
booster pump and had no means of proper grounding.
43
104(d)(1) Order- Mine management failed to insure
that all electrical circuits and equipment were
properly locked out and suitably tagged while
electrical work was being performed. The
electrical circuit serving the 20 HP booster pump
was not locked out and suitably tagged while
electrical work was being performed.
44
104(d)(1) Order- Electrical equipment (20 HP
booster pump and the 9 belt drive's starting
box) had not been properly examined and
maintained to assure safe operating condition. An
examination of this equipment revealed the
following conditions 1) A separate circuit
originating from the booster pump's start box had
been wired to the 9 belt box 2) The start/stop
switch located on the booster pump had been
defeated (by-passed), allowing the booster pump
to start when the 9 conveyor belt was started
3) The ground wires were found to have been cut
at the booster pump and the belt drive starting
box and 4) The 20 HP booster pump was not listed
in the records of the examination of electrical
equipment.
30 CFR 75.512 All electric equipment shall be
frequently examined, tested, and properly
maintained by a qualified person to assure safe
operating conditions. When a potentially
dangerous condition is found on electric
equipment, such equipment shall be removed from
service until such condition is corrected. A
record of such examinations shall be kept and
made available to an authorized representative of
the Secretary and to the miners in such mine.
45
104(a) Citation - The site of an accident that
resulted in the death of a mine electrician on
July 20, 2001, was found to have been altered
prior to the completion of all investigations,
and without MSHA approval. It was determined that
the site was altered due to the following 1) The
disconnect device (cat-head) which supplied power
to the 20 HP booster pump had been disconnected
at the 300 KVA power center and was lying on the
mine floor 2) The 16/3 cable extending from the
booster pump to the 9 belt drive starting box
had been cut at the pump start box location and
3) The 16/3 cable extending from the booster pump
to the 9 belt drive starting box had been
disconnected from the inter lock on the vacuum
breaker and had been pulled completely out of the
belt box. None of these conditions could have
existed at the time of the fatal accident. Mine
management failed to preserve and secure the
accident site. PART 50 VIOLATION
46
104(d)(1) Order - The electrical circuit breaker
supplying power to the 20 HP booster pump located
outby the 9 conveyor belt drive was not
properly marked for identification. The subject
electrical circuit breaker was identified and
labeled as "pump", but was in fact supplying
electrical power for two different devices the
pump and a separate circuit entering the 9 belt
starting box.
30 CFR 75.904 Circuit breakers shall be marked
for identification
POLICY
75.904 Identification of Circuit BreakersEither
metal or plastic tags or markers may be used to
identify circuit breakers if the tags or markers
are attached securely to the circuit breaker
enclosure and are large enough to be readily
seen. The tag or marker should clearly identify
the circuit or machine receiving power through
the circuit breaker.
47
On Thursday, January 24, 2002, a 43 year old
general inside laborer was fatally injured while
performing electrical work on the 12,470 volt
underground power center located on the 001-0
section. During retreat mining a length of high
voltage cable was removed. Problems were
encountered with re-energizing the power at the
substation on the surface after the cable was
re-stocked in the section power center.
report
The certified electrician came outside to check
on the problem. When power was restored to the
section it was discovered that the phasing was
wrong. Power was removed from the section to
correct the phasing. The victim was working on
the leads inside the power center when the 001-0
section power was again re-energized from the
surface, resulting in a fatal electrical accident.
48
104(a) Citation No. 7293099 was issued March 6,
2002, for a violation of 30 Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) 75.800 The high-voltage
circuit entering the underground area of this
coal mine did not have an effective device to
provide protection against under-voltage,
grounded phase, short circuit or overcurrent as
tested on January 25, 2002.
49
104(d)(1) Order No. 7293100 was issued March 6,
2002, for a violation of 30 CFR 75.705-1(b) The
high-voltage circuit supplying 12,470 VAC, three
phase power to the underground areas of the mine
was not determined to be properly deenergized by
a qualified person before electrical work was
performed on it.The evening shift foreman and
electrician was the only qualified person at the
mine on January 24, 2002. He deenergized the
underground high-voltage visual disconnect but
did not ensure that each ungrounded conductor of
the high-voltage circuit upon which work was to
be done was properly connected to the
system-grounding medium.
50
104(d)(1) Order No. 7323521 was issued March 6,
2002, for a violation of 30 CFR 75.511 The
visual disconnecting device at the surface
substation for the underground high-voltage
circuit at this mine was not locked out or
suitably tagged by the person performing
electrical work on this circuit on January 24,
2002. A general inside laborer performed
electrical work on the underground high-voltage
circuit without locking out or tagging the
disconnecting device. The disconnecting device at
the surface is the only means to disconnect the
circuit. Also, electrical work was performed on a
high-voltage distribution circuit by a
non-qualified person not under the direct
supervision of a qualified person at this mine.
This resulted in fatal injuries to the general
inside laborer. The evening shift foreman and
electrician was the only qualified electrician at
the mine. He was on the surface during this
procedure and was aware that the inside laborer
was performing electrical work. The inside
laborer has not been a qualified electrician
since January 01, 1983
51
104(d)(1) Order No. 7323522 was issued March 6,
2002, for a violation of 30 CFR 75.705 The
high-voltage lines supplying 12,470 VAC, three
phase power to the section power center located
underground at this mine were not grounded before
work was performed on them on January 24, 2002.
Ronnie Endicott, general inside laborer performed
electrical work on the underground high-voltage
lines without installing a grounding device that
provides a solid connection from the three power
phases to the system ground for the duration of
the repair. No protective grounding device was
found, and according to statements no such device
had been utilized by the electricians.
52

• Best Practices
• Always lock and tag out before doing electrical
  work.
• Electrical work shall be performed by a qualified
  electrician or persons trained to do electrical
  work under the direct supervision of a qualified
  electrician.
• High voltage circuits must be grounded at all
  times while work is being performed.

53
REASONS WHY PEOPLE DO NOT LOCKOUT

• They performed the job before or witnessed
  someone else performing work without locking out.
• The disconnecting device is too far away! Not
  located where it is convenient for a person to
  use
• Worker pulled disconnect but did not lock it out
  because they were by themselves and felt no need
  to lockout.
• They do not want to shut down system, section,
  plant, or operation for this minor repair.

54
SIX STEPS TO SAFETY

• Turn off the equipment and disconnect the energy
  source
• Lockout energy source ( electrical, mechanical,
  pneumatic, hydraulic, etc. )
• Tag the disconnecting device ( danger person
  working on equipment )
• Test the equipment to assure energy source is
  isolated
• Release energy in charged conductors, pipes, and
  etc
• Restore energy safely

55
LOCKOUT AND TAGOUT REGULATIONS
COAL
30 CFR 75.511 No electrical work shall be
performed on low-, medium-, or high-voltage
distribution circuits or equipment, except by a
qualified person or by a person trained to
perform electrical work and to maintain
electrical equipment under the direct supervision
of a qualified person. Disconnecting devices
shall be locked out and suitably tagged by the
persons who perform such work, except that in
cases where locking out is not possible, such
devices shall be opened and suitably tagged by
such persons. Locks or tags shall be removed only
by the persons who installed them or, if such
persons are unavailable, by persons authorized by
the operator or his agent.
30 CFR 77.501 No electrical work shall be
performed on electric distribution circuits or
equipment, except by a qualified person or by a
person trained to perform electrical work and to
maintain electrical equipment under the direct
supervision of a qualified person. Disconnecting
devices shall be locked out and suitably tagged
by the persons who perform such work, except that
in cases where locking out is not possible, such
devices shall be opened and suitably tagged by
such persons. Locks or tags shall be removed only
by the persons who installed them or, if such
persons are unavailable, by persons authorized by
the operator or his agent.
56
METAL/NONMETAL
30 CFR 56.12016 57.12016 Electrically powered
equipment shall be deenergized before mechanical
work is done on such equipment. Power switches
shall be locked out or other measures taken which
shall prevent the equipment from being energized
without the knowledge of the individuals working
on it. Suitable warning notices shall be posted
at the power switch and signed by the individuals
who are to do the work. Such locks or preventive
devices shall be removed only by the persons who
installed them or by authorized personnel.
30 CFR 56.12017 57.12017 Power circuits shall
be deenergized before work is done on such
circuits unless hot-line tools are used. Suitable
warning signs shall be posted by the individuals
who are to do the work. Switches shall be locked
out or other measures taken which shall prevent
the power circuits from being energized without
the knowledge of the individuals working on them.
Such locks, signs, or preventative devices shall
be removed only by the person who installed them
or by authorized personnel.
57
(No Transcript)
58
(No Transcript)
59
(No Transcript)
60
30 CFR 75.515 Cables shall enter metal frames
of motors, splice boxes, and electric
compartments only through proper fittings. When
insulated wires other than cables pass through
metal frames, the holes shall be substantially
bushed with insulated bushings.
30 CFR 77.505 Cables shall enter metal frames
of motors, splice boxes, and electric
compartments only through proper fittings. When
insulated wires, other than cables, pass through
metal frames, the holes shall be substantially
bushed with insulated bushings.
30 CFR 56.12008 56.12008 Power wires and
cables shall be insulated adequately where they
pass into or out of electrical compartments.
Cables shall enter metal frames of motors, splice
boxes, and electrical compartments only through
proper fittings. When insulated wires, other than
cables, pass through metal frames, the holes
shall be substantially bushed with insulated
bushings.
61
(No Transcript)
62
Wire only one conductor covered by jacket . Can
be solid or stranded.
63
(No Transcript)
64
(No Transcript)
65
30 CFR 75.517 Power wires and cables, except
trolley wires, trolley feeder wires, and bare
signal wires, shall be insulated adequately and
fully protected.
30 CFR 77.502 Electric equipment shall be
frequently examined, tested, and properly
maintained by a qualified person to assure safe
operating conditions. When a potentially
dangerous condition is found on electric
equipment, such equipment shall be removed from
service until such condition is corrected. A
record of such examinations shall be kept.
30 CFR 56.12004 57.12004 Electrical
conductors shall be of a sufficient size and
current-carrying capacity to ensure that a rise
in temperature resulting from normal operations
will not damage the insulating materials.
Electrical conductors exposed to mechanical
damage shall be protected.
66
(No Transcript)
67
(No Transcript)
68
(No Transcript)
69
(No Transcript)
70
30 CFR 75.514 All electrical connections or
splices in conductors shall be mechanically and
electrically efficient, and suitable connectors
shall be used. All electrical connections or
splices in insulated wire shall be reinsulated at
least to the same degree of protection as the
remainder of the wire.
30 CFR 77.504 Electrical connections or
splices in electric conductors shall be
mechanically and electrically efficient, and
suitable connectors shall be used. All electrical
connections or splices in insulated wire shall be
reinsulated at least to the same degree of
protection as the remainder of the wire.
30 CFR 56.12013 Permanent splices and repairs
made in power cables, including the ground
conductor where provided, shall be (a)
Mechanically strong with electrical conductivity
as near as possible to that of the original (b)
Insulated to a degree at least equal to that of
the original, and sealed to exclude moisture
and (c) Provided with damage protection as near
as possible to that of the original, including
good bonding to the outer jacket.
71
75.514 All electrical connections or splices in
conductors shall be mechanically and electrically
efficient, and suitable connectors shall be used.
All electrical connections or splices in
insulated wire shall be reinsulated at least to
the same degree of protection as the remainder of
the wire. Policy
75.901 (a) Low- and medium-voltage three-phase
alternating-current circuits used underground
shall contain either a direct or derived neutral
which shall be grounded through a suitable
resistor at the power center, and a grounding
circuit, originating at the grounded side of the
grounding resistor, shall extend along with the
power conductors and serve as a grounding
conductor for the frames of all the electrical
equipment supplied power from that circuit, etc.
Policy
72
75.514 All electrical connections or splices in
conductors shall be mechanically and electrically
efficient, and suitable connectors shall be used.
All electrical connections or splices in
insulated wire shall be reinsulated at least to
the same degree of protection as the remainder of
the wire. Policy
75.517 Power wires and cables, except trolley
wires, trolley feeder wires, and bare signal
wires, shall be insulated adequately and fully
protected. Policy
75.810 In the case of high-voltage cables used
as trailing cables, temporary splices shall not
be used and all permanent splices shall be made
in accordance with 75.604. Terminations and
splices in all other high-voltage cables shall be
made in accordance with the manufacturer's
specifications. No policy
73
(No Transcript)
74
(No Transcript)