Fatal Electrocution 23MAY2003

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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Mr. Pulikkal Prabhakaran Baiju Bavara 44 years
oldRig ElectricianMarriedwith 2 children
Dead
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
The rig electrician was requested to repair the
microwave oven by the catering staff. He then
removed the cover of the unit to begin his fault
finding, and removed the wires from the magnetron
going to the high voltage transformer. He
switched on the power, and tried to check the
voltage on the secondary side (high voltage
side).
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
The High Voltage transformer secondary voltage
exceeds 2000V. Even if the unit is switched
off, HV capacitors needs to be dischargedas they
store energy. The rig electrician was using a
voltmeter that had a range of only 600V, and the
probes of the meter were only good for 1kV. The
rig electrician connected the two probes to the
output of the high voltage transformer and the
lead going into the magnetron. This action
connected the electrician to a potential voltage
of 2000V and above
Connections checked with voltmeter
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
The Rig Electrician ignored all three high
voltage warning signs!
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
While installing the probes into the leads, it is
assumed that the electricians fingers may have
slipped and touched the metal portion of the
voltmeter probe. Or since Voltage is high enough,
it could bridge an air gap at close proximity.
This may have created a short circuit through
his body.
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
The rig electrician received a shock (minimum
2000V), dropped the test meter leads and fell to
the floor. He tried to get up, but reclined
against the mess-room door. Camp Boss and Chief
went to the assistance of the rig electrician,
initial indications/statements were that Baju was
breathing, but with difficulty. Camp boss
initiated CPR with the heart massage. One of the
catering crew, unplugged the microwave. Within
15 minutes of the incident, the IP was
transported and arrived at the nearby Halliburton
Saih Rawl Clinic. Upon arrival at the
Halliburton SR base (distance 3 km). The Medic
examined the IP and found no pulse, no
breathing, and his eyes were dilated.
Immediately gave him an injection of adrenaline,
and initiated CPR with oxygen. The Halliburton
male nurse was in continual contact with the PDO
Fahud doctor. After 30 minutes of CPR, and still
no vital signs (no pulse and no breathing) the
Fahud doctor requested the IP to be transported
to Qarn Alam, where the IP was declared deceased.
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003

•     Immediate causes
• Procedures not documented
• PTW rules/procedures do not address this type of
  work and other procedures were not in place (i.e
  diagnostics of certain types of electrical
  household equipment)
• Failure to heed safety warnings
• The microwave oven was clearly labelled with
  respect to the presence of HV components outside
  and inside and the need to isolate before
  commencing any work.
• Electrician Competency Standards
• Competency of electrician doubtful, as wrong
  procedure was followed in testing faults in micro
  oven ( e.g. using test meter rated 0-600v range
  to test secondary side 2000v while live).
  Microwave oven transformers are very dangerous
  due to their high voltage. Touching the high
  voltage side results in death or severe injury.
  Also the voltage is high enough to jump an air
  gap!

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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Underlying Causes Improper motivation The
deceased was highly motivated to complete the
task, to the point at which his actions could be
considered reckless. Inadequate
knowledge/skill The work practise indicated a
lack of skill/knowledge to perform this type of
job (fault diagnosis) safely. Inadequate
procedure, work standard or communications of A
written instruction, procedure, policy on fault
diagnostics for electrical equipment was not
available. Inadequate supervision/communication D
aily job listing/activities were not recorded
and/or discussed in enough detail to enable
effective supervision of potential hazardous jobs.
   
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003

• Electrical Equipment
• Some of these contains High Voltage transformers,
  HV capacitors and inductors. Hence, they have
  hidden dangers which requires specialist trouble
  shooting skills.
• Microwave ovens
• Satellite TV Receivers,
• Television sets
• Insect O Cutors
• Laser equipment ( DVD players, CD Players)
• Fax Machines
• Personal Computer Monitors.
• Photo Copiers

Prohibition of Site Repair Henceforth, it is
prohibited to repair these equipment on
site. Micro wave oven must be repaired by the
approved dealer only. Others on the list by
dealer or an approved third party contractor, in
accordance with actual equipment requirements. If
in doubt, pls contact TTE or CSM.
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Other Hazards specific to Microwave Ovens
Microwave Energy The microwave operates at over
2400MHz, and any microwave leakage could affect
human body/organs. NEVER tamper with Safety
Interlocks on the equipment. Door Locks Ensure
door closes and locks properly. Do NOT use the
oven if any defect signs, misalignment of door
components/seals, loose hinges or corrosion are
observed. Operation of Microwave Oven Do not
operate oven it is empty, or while door is open.
Do not put any metallic item inside the
oven. Damaged Oven Do not operate any damaged
microwave oven. If equipment mistakenly falls
down, or is inadvertently damaged, send it to the
authorised dealer .
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Fatal Electrocution 23/MAY/2003
Discuss in your teamIf you were the Camp Boss
- How could you have prevented this accident
?- Should you STOP/Question the rig
electrician? If you were the Cook - How
could you have prevented this accident ?If you
were the supervisor/manager of the rig
electrician- How could you have prevented this
accident ? Why did the Rig Electrician ignore
all three of the high voltage warning signs ?Are
there other similar hidden hazards on your
worksite ? Pls, discuss these.
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