1

ELECTRICAL Safety,

Prevention OF ACCIDENTS

& FIRE FIGHTING TECHNIQUES

1

2

Background:• Importance of personnel safety

• It has been the endeavor of every organization to• Save lives of • Personnel engaged in the work

» Self» Colleagues

• General public • Animals.

• Protect the property• Departmental• Public

• Reduce the Loss of revenue.• Reduce the Loss of service due to non availability of

• Men• Machines • Service

• Reduce the Loss due to reduction in productivity – Due to loss of man-hours etc.– Due to equipment failures

• Discharge the social commitment of a responsible industrial house. 2

3

Facts about Electricity:• “Electricity is a loyal servant but never excuses” • Operating conditions in an electricity supply undertaking

– Possess a potential danger – Pose a larger scope for accidents

3

4

Electric Shock:

• It is a sudden agitation of the nervous system of a body due to the passage of electric current.

• When electric current pass through the body, it causes a sudden jerk and paralyses the nerve centers, stops breathing and upsets normal heart functions.

• Its effects are sudden and extremely painful.• Victim may become unconscious and even die.

5

250 Volts 500 Volts 11 kV Condition of body

Resistance of body in k.Ohms

Current in mA

Effect Current in mA

Effect Current in A

Effect.

Dry skin 10-600 About 2.5

Mild shock About 5 Muscular contraction, mild shock,

About 1

Death

Wet skin About 1 About 25

Strong painful shock, stoppage of breathing and death

About 50

Burns, muscular contraction, ventricular fibrillation, stoppage of breathing, death

About 10

Death

Wet skin making a fair contract with the earth

A few hundred ohms

More than 25

Ventricular fibrillation, stoppage of breathing, muscular contraction, death

More than 50

Ventricular fibrillation, stoppage of breathing, death

More than 10

Death

• Amount of current that has passed through the body:

Factors affecting the severity of the shock:

6

• Path of the current through the body:– A strong current passing to the ground through the lower limbs of the

body may be less dangerous than a much weaker current crossing the chest.

• Length of time the current flowing through the body:– A moderate amount of current passing for a fraction of a second is

used to treat mental and other patients whereas a very mild current passing for a long period can prove dangerous.

• Frequency of the current: – Higher frequency currents cause high frequency burns and possibility

of tissue damage. – Higher frequency currents are tend to run along the skin rather than

penetrating and touching vital organs such as the heart. – There will be severe burn damage at higher voltages and may not be

normally fatal.

7

• Physical and psychological conditions of the person:– Physical conditions like ailment, anemic, physical weakness will have

more severe effects.– Psychological status like mood, mental illness, mental depression etc

have an effect on the severity of the shock.

8

Effects of Electric shock on Human Body:

• Asphyxia: – It is the state of stoppage of breathing and deprival of

oxygen to the brain. • Burns:

– May result in severe and deep burns. • Ventricular Fibrillation:

– May disturb the natural rhythm of the heartbeat. – Pulse stops and causing a serious condition.

• Muscle spasms: – May cause irregular movement of muscles. – This may lead to stoppage of breathing. – Can also cause the victim to remain in contact with the live

line.

9

• Accidents are grouped into two categories• Accidents that happened due to “unsafe

conditions”• Accidents that happened due to “unsafe acts”

9

10

Unsafe conditions:• Every activity has certain inherent potential for

accidents. • Unless the care is taken the accidents are bound to

happen• To avoid accidents steps are to be taken, such as

• Follow the defined procedures, • Use the recommended safety gadgets • Adhere to the safety instructions.

• In spite of adhering to the above, accidents may occur due to uncontrollable reasons and are beyond the controls of the operator.

• Such accidents are said to be due to ‘Unsafe Conditions”.

10

11

• Examples of unsafe conditions:• Working at elevated places.• Improper earthing • Working on lines without taking proper safety

precautions. • Unguarded floor openings, and excavations • Exposed live wires.• Improper illumination• Constrained location. • Unsafe design and construction such as poor

scaffolding, structures, platforms. • Working on transmission lines.• Emergency works leading to hurried working.

11

12

Unsafe Acts:• These are due to the fault of the persons engaged in the work. • They occur due to

– Non-adherence of the safety rules – Non usage of proper safety gadgets.

• The accidents due to unsafe acts can be avoided by strictly observing – Laid down working procedures– Laid down Instructions – Using necessary safety gadgets, – Being attentive and concentrating on the work.

• In some cases unsafe acts of a co-worker may cause damage or injury to another person.

12

13

Examples of unsafe acts:• Energizing an electric line without ensuring that all the persons working

on it have reported back.• Working without taking proper line clear. • Replacing fuses or closing breakers without knowing the reason for

keeping it open• Opening and closing of switches without authority or warning.• Failure to place warning signs or signals where they are needed.• Working unsafely such as

• Throwing materials or tools at another worker • Riding on running boards or other unsafe places of vehicles• Jumping from vehicles and platforms • Unnecessary haste in working • Operating hoists and trucks without proper communication.

13

14

• Making safety devices inoperative• Using unsafe equipment, wrong tools for the job or using

hands instead of right tools.• Over confidence like working on live electrical equipment that

could be conveniently de-energized.• Taking unsafe position or posture too close to openings and

lifting in an unstable position,• Distracting, teasing, joking, quarreling, annoying.• Failure to use recommended safety protective equipment.

14

15

General Observation:• The accidents that have taken place, when analyzed have

revealed very serious and alarming information. Some the important observations are as follows:– Accidents are caused and they do not happen. – If proper attention is given to the safety aspects and the laid

down procedures, majority of the accidents and consequential damages to the persons and property can be avoided.

– Safety is studied at the start of the training and forgotten subsequently.

– Safe work practices have not been accepted to be a force of habit.

– Laxity on the part of the personnel actually engaged in the work – Not following safety instructions – Complacent approach of the supervisory personnel – Non availability and improper maintenance of safety gadgets.

15

16

• Seven Common Causes for Accident: • Taking shortcuts• Being over confident (It’ll never happen to me)• Starting a task with incomplete instructions• Poor housekeeping (creating hazardous situations)• Ignoring safety procedures• Mental distractions from work• Failure to pre-plan the work (conduct a job

briefing) – PLAN YOUR WORK and then WORK THE PLAN

1616

17

Reasons for accidents:• During the analysis of the accidents certain very common

reasons that are responsible for the loss of life or damage to property are: – Lack of knowledge– Lack of planning– Breaking safety rules or instructions.– Failure to use protective devices.– Use of Defective tools, materials and machines.– Carelessness on the part of the persons.– Working in a hurry.– Lack of concentration.– Lack of common sense.– Overconfidence etc.– Un-authorized working on lines– Wrong line clears

17

18

General safety gadgets used in Electric work:• The general safety devices that are recommended

for majority of the works– Rubber Hand gloves

• Should be used when – While earthing – Opening of GOS, – Operating the Breakers

– Rubber mats• Inside the stations around the control panels. • The operation of the breakers should be done standing on the

mat and not on the floor.

– Safety belts• While working above 3 mtrs. is a must.

– Protective gloves18

19

– Ropes– Hand tools like insulated cutting pliers, insulated

screw drivers, line testers both LT and HT– Safety goggles– Hard Helmets– Chargeable Hand torches– Rain coats– Telescopic Earthing rods– Fibre ladders– GOS Rods

19

20

• Important points to be noted regarding rubber items:• Should be tested and certified for use in the system

voltage in which they are supposed to be used. • They must be subjected to such tests at frequent

intervals. • Rubber items have shelf life and lose their quality if

stored beyond this period. • Such items are not supposed to be used as safety

gadgets. • Safety devices should be in good condition.

20

21

Operations where potential for accidents persist:• Opening of GOS for replacement of fuse.• Opening circuit on load.• Climbing of pole/structure without identification of

feeding.• Working without providing safety zones.• Not observing the safety precautions• Not wearing the safety gadgets• Not confirming the back feeding either from

alternative sources

21

22

• Climbing of structure/pole without confirming – Strength at the bottom of the pole/structure– Proper line clear– Proper guy in case of dead end pole– Slant angle of the ladder etc.,

• Failure to discharge cables/capacitors after insulation test.

• Not providing appropriate guys for the end pole• Not breaking the guy wire.• Not erecting poles in the ground to its 1/5th of the

length

22

23

• Felling of big tree branches on the lines.• Working without proper instructions from his

superiors• Wrong instruction from the person who

received the line clear• Not keeping the clearances as per standards.

23

24

Precautions to avoid accidents• Line clear procedures:

– Line clear shall be issued/ received by the authorized person only.– Line clear should be obtained from all the required sources.– Without proper line clear and grounding the line,s no work shall be

commenced– The AE/JE of concerned O & M unit or a senior person among the

group shall always be present at work spot– Clear identity should be obtained with necessary confirmation when

line clear is availed over phone– During Line clear all the possible sources of supply should be

disconnected to the section requested.– Ensure all the blades of GOS / breaker contacts are isolated from

supply– Discharge the line / equipment using earth rod by wearing safety

gadgets– When two or more 11 KV feeders are housed on same support, line

clear for all the feeders should be availed.

24

25

Line Clear format: • The approved line clear format should be used

and it should be available as a record.

25

26

Procedure while returning line clear • The same person who obtains the LC should return

it.• Ensure line/equipment is clear of all men, materials

& earthing before returning the Line Clear.• Inform colleagues and workmen about returning the

LC indicating that it is not safer to work on that line/equipment.

• Person receiving back Line Clear shall ensure no more Line Clears are pending for return

• Entire team of workmen shall stay back till the line/equipment is recharged & checked for the supply

26

27

Grounding Practices: • Ensure that line/equipment is not live to start the grounding.• Connection to the ground should be made first and the other

end should be attached next.• While disconnecting the connection, the line connection

should be removed first followed by the ground connection.• All the conductors should be treated as live till they are

properly grounded.• Ensure that the insulated wire does not touch the body while

earthing.• The person who is earthing the line shall be in lower level

than the line / equipment being earthed.• Other workmen shall be 6 Mts. away while earthing.• Earthing should not be removed till the work is completed

and cleared of men and materials

27

28

• In 3ph. 4 wire/ 5 wire system in secondary or in HT line all the wires/phases shall be earthed

• Ground connection should never be made or removed by bare hands.

• Rubber gloves shall be worn by person providing the temporary earth

• Do not ground any circuit supposed to be dead without actually making sure that it is dead.

• Only authorized persons shall provide temporary earth.• Ensure wire firmly connects the earth electrode• Earth wires shall not be close to live wires• Provide temporary earthing on both the sides • The temporary earthing should be as close to the

working area as possible

28

29

Training: • People must be given training on the correct

use of safety belts like wearing and removing. • Persons should be educated for correct

method of climbing and coming down the structures/poles.

• Proper training should be given on safety aspects for the people engaged to work.

• Basic training should be given on first aid in case of accidents

29

30

Best practices for Safe working: • Always be careful and think before acting. • Always be alert with presence of mind and

concentration.• Plan the work properly wherever possible • Use good judgment and intelligent supervision.• Avoid complacency.• Avoid resorting for slip shot methods/ temporary

repairs. • Do study the safety manual and the specific safety

procedures to be followed.• Familiarize with the system.

30

31

• Do respect and obey the safety instructions given by the person in charge.

• Get the doubts clarified before starting the work.• Immediately bring to the knowledge of the superiors

about any unsafe conditions that is observed. • Do report every accidents immediately, to the

person in-charge. • Treat all the lines as live till Line clear is received and

they are earthed.• Hang danger boards at all strategic places (Tag Out).

31

32

• Restrict the entry of unauthorized persons.• Explain the area which is safe to work and ensure the

entire team has understood the same.• Nominate one among the team exclusively for close

watch during the work

32

33

• Create Safety Zone for carrying out the work.– Creating safety zone is not only for line work . – Any equipment taken up for repair/check up or

for any other purpose should be attended only after ensuring the safety zone is created by proper method explained.

• No person with alcoholic influence shall be allowed to work.

• Do not wear costumes that can hinder the movements and free working.

33

• Do not wear loose dress/ dress with metal buttons / chappals / shoes with nails etc.

• Items made of metal like chains of wrist watch, key bunches, rings, bracelets shall not be used during working on lines.

• Adequate distance should be ensured between line taken for line clear and live lines.

• It should be particularly taken care when double lines are run on single structure.

• Possibility of tools or limbs coming into contact with the live lines above the working level or on the side during working should be avoided fully.

34

• Tools/wires etc. should not be thrown which may fall on the lines or persons working and cause accidents.

• While working in height, others should keep away and keep a proper watch on the work being carried out to avoid hurt on drop of material.

• With the GOS opened, inspect the entire line before closing

• Ensure the hands & clothes are not wet• Do not take chance to check the line in bare hand

whether live or dead.35

36

• No work men should climb structure/pole /work on line/ equipment unless he is specifically authorized.

• Avoid working on the live lines as far as possible. • If working on live lines or apparatus is inevitable it

should be done with due permission from the competent authority and under the supervision of an officer.

• Before supplying mains to any equipment, check that the equipment is in perfect working order and it is properly earthed.

• Use rubber gloves, rubber boots, aprons and safety helmets, goggles etc. when operating circuit breakers, GOS, outdoor switch gears etc.

36

37

• Wherever possible keep the switches locked in open position and remove the fuse holders before starting the work. (Lock Out)

• Ensure that the insulated sheets are spread in front of the switchgear panels and stand on it whenever the switchgears are operated.

• So called “Hand Trip” of breakers should never be practiced for carrying out the urgent work.

• The breakers should be drawn out after switch off and safety zone should be created before such works are taken up.

• There are good chances of confusion in opening the GOS when multiple feeders are emanating from single Breaker.

37

• CT secondary circuit should never be opened for any repair.

• Neutral or earthing should never be opened without protective equipments like hand gloves, goggles etc. as there is a chance that there may be a current in that line and when disrupted, may create a heavy spark. Sometimes tightening of connections etc are taken up on a routine manner and it may lead to accidents.

• Whenever working in HT installations, do not carry out the work singly. Always take a co-worker.

38

39

• Use proper hand tools for doing work and maintain all them in good condition.

• Repair or throw away defective tools so that they will not find their use again even by oversight,

• Properly position and secure the ladder first and then start climbing on it. It should be at 70 degrees to horizontal.

• Metal ladders should be avoided for electrical work.• Do not close the opened switch/GOS/breaker or

replace a fuse, without the complete knowledge of the circuit and the reason for keeping it open or its tripping/blowing off.

39

40

• Do not make safety gadgets inoperative or disconnect earthing connection

• Avoid seeing the electric arc by moving the face away whenever it occurs.

• Good housekeeping is essential to safe operations in any set up.

• Never work when you are impaired. • Resist the urge to touch and feel.• Do not talk to anyone while you are working. Stop

working and discuss if it is inevitable.• If you cannot do a job safely with the facility available

do insist for the correct ones. • When working with hand tools, always secure the

work in a mechanical vice. 40

41

• Do not bring food or snacks into the working areas like control room, switching yard etc.

• Use proper pulley block and rope slings for lifting and removing heavy loads since incorrect and careless handling of heavy loads may cause accidents.

• Position in the correct and stable posture while working.

• Live wires should never be left exposed, instead should be connected through a switch.

• Do use correct size and quality of fuse wire while replacing the blown out fuses.

• Do not use substandard materials• Always ensure that all blades of GOS are opened.

41

42

• In case of HT UG cables before starting the work ensure that the cable is discharged

• In case of UG cable loop system, the cables shall be identified with source and destination paint to cable rising pipes

42

43

Check list before working on line• Are you aware of the safety aspects of the work

being undertaken• Have you isolated the in-feeding supply• Have you provided temporary earthing at work spot

and created a safety zone• Have you taken precautions to wear safety gadgets • Are you confident of climbing the pole/structure or

of working at elevated places• Did you ensure that all other workmen in the team

are working with all safety precautions

43

44

Safety aspects while using Hand Tools:• Use the hand tools and do not abuse them.• Use correct tool for the job. • Makeshift arrangements should be avoided • Overloading a wrench by using a pipe extension on the handle

are not good practices. • Objects should not be held by hand, or under the arm or on

the lap when being worked on with a screwdriver.• Insulated screwdrivers are not the primary protection against

electrical shock. • Only rubber sheathed cords, which meet the requirements of

the National Electrical Safety Code, will be used on portable electric tools and extension lamps.

44

45

• All power cables should include a ground wire in addition to the power wires.

• Special type of cords (rubber covered or plastic) will be used in areas where oils or solvents may have to be encountered.

• Electric powered hand tools should not be used near flammable materials or in explosive atmospheres

• Before using, check them for proper earthing. • Keep long shirtsleeves rolled up above your elbows during

working.

45

46

Six Tips to reduce Personal injuries: • Maintain the equipments in good conditions.• Operate correctly.• Train the operators.• Comply with safety rules.• Develop safety standards.• Make Safe work practices into habits.

46

47

Instructions to be displayed for information:

• Network diagrams. • Safety instructions, Safety precautions for the

protection from electric shock pertaining to that particular equipment or area.

• First aid instructions,• First aid facilities including stretchers, • Fire extinguishers, exit routes• Important contact telephone numbers of the

officers, hospitals, doctors, fire services etc at the critical and required places.

• Artificial respiration chart.

Safety aspects in Battery Maintenance shop:• Room should be airy and lighted.• Room should be away from the fire or the flames.• To prepare an electrolyte, pour the acid gently into

the water, not the water to the acid.• A fire caused due to an electric spark should be

extinguished with dry sand and carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher.

• Safety equipments like apron, gum boots, hand groves, goggles should be used while handling electrolyte and acid.

• Thimbles or protective pastes should be used for fingers while handling the lids of the cells.

48

49

Electricity as a cause of fire:• Electricity may cause a fire due to following

reasons:• Loose joints in the electric lines.• Flow of high current in the low capacity wires. • Use of high current capacity fuse in comparison

to the load.• Use of ordinary wire fuses which cause spark or

fire during blowing off.• Short circuit in the live wires.• Overheating of an electrical apparatus

49

• Electrical accidents can also cause fire leading to fire accidents.

• To avoid loss of life and property proper safety aspects should be considered

• Continuous and unobstructed way of exit travel from any point in a building or structure to public way to be ensured.

50

51

Safety precautions in case of electric fire:• Switch off the main switch.• Extinguish the fire by throwing dry sand.• Before using a fire extinguisher, make sure

that is not out-dated and it is of carbon dioxide type or carbon tetra chloride type and meant for electric fires.

• Do not us water to extinguish the fire if the main line is live.

51

• Fire alarms are required if a fire could start without providing adequate warning to occupants

• Adequate and reliable illumination must be provided for all exit facilities

• OSHA specifies the minimum width for the exit route to be 28 inches and height to be 7.5 feet.

• Exit routes should not be kept locked• Doors of exit routes should be hinged and

with opening outside52

• Exit routes should be kept clean without any obstruction

• Exit routes should be properly marked• Exhibit floor plans, emergency exit routes,• Fire extinguishers kept in good conditions• Fire extinguishers with markings for the

specific class of fires.

53

– The carelessness of the people near the inflammable materials, electric short circuits etc.

– It is very important to avoid the reasons for fire break out.

– However, in the event of a fire outbreak, it must be controlled and contained without allowing to spread and extinguished by immediate corrective action.

– For burning to take place following three factors should be available.

54

• Fuel: – This is the substance which will burn. It can be solid,

liquid or gas. The fuel in combination with the oxygen and temperature will start burning.

• Heat: – Every fuel will start burning at certain temperature.

The temperature at which a substance will start burning will be different for different materials.

• Oxygen: – Usually exists in the atmosphere in sufficient

quantity. The supply of oxygen keeps the fire burning continuously.

55

• Concept of extinguishing the fire:– Basically, the removal of any one of the above

three factors which are required for fire to continue, will stop aggravation of the fire and eventually extinguish the fire.

56

• There are basically three ways of doing this:• Starving:

– In this the removal of the fuel is the one which extinguishes the fire.

• Smothering:– Here the supply of oxygen is prevented by some

means like blanketing the fire with sand, foam or carbon dioxide.

• Cooling:– In this method the temperature which is the

responsible for burning is lowered down by spraying water

57

• Extinguishing fires:– Fires are classified into four types of fires depending

on the nature of the fuel involved in the fire. – Each type of fire calls for different extinguishing

agents and different type of approach. – Extinguishing agent is the material used to retard the

fire and finally extinguish it completely. – Wrong extinguishing agent may not control the fire

effectively instead may make the things worse. – Normally the fire extinguishers emanate and spray

the type of substance with the release of a mechanism, which extinguishes the fire.

58

• Fire and Fire Extinguishers:– Fire is the burning of combustible materials. Fire

can cause damage to personnel, material and property.

– The injury to the persons can be mild to severe even leading to death of the person.

– The cause of fire can be anything from unwanted accumulation of material, carelessness on the part of the people handling the materials, including inflammable materials.

59

60

Fire extinguishers:

• Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher: – Contains liquid carbon dioxide. – When released the carbon dioxide forms flakes that

vaporize and blanket the fire. – Used for electric fire.

• Carbon tetrachloride extinguisher:– It comprises a cylindrical metal container containing

carbon tetrachloride liquid. When released, it turns into a vapour that is heavier than air and thus settles over the fire Used for electrical fires. Not used in enclosed places, as the vapour is poisonous.

• Class ‘A’ Fire:– The fuel involved here is generally paper, wood,

cloth etc. – The cooling media used in this case is water. Jet of

water sprayed on to the fire base and then to the top would eventually contain and control the fire.

61

• Class ‘B’ Fire:– The fuel in this case is generally the flammable

liquid and liquefiable solids. – In this case smothering the fire is the most

effective way. – The entire surface of the burning liquid is covered

thereby cutting off the supply of the oxygen. – Water should never be used for burning liquids.

Foam, dry powder or CO2 may be used for this type of fire.

62

• Class ‘C’ Fire:– The fire due to the liquefied gas is categorized

under this class. – The supply of gas should be stopped immediately. – There is every chance of explosion of the container. – There is also a danger of this fire spreading to the

larger area nearby and poses a dangerous situation. – Dry powder extinguishers are suitable for this type

of fire. – However, handling of this type of fire required

extreme care and expertise and it is better to call for the expert service in such occasions.

63

• Class ‘D’ Fire:– This type of fire is due to metals. – This is also the case of electrical fire. – Ordinary types of extinguishing agents are

inadequate to deal with such type of fires. – The general type of extinguishers used in such

cases is Carbon Dioxide type, dry powder and vaporizing liquid (CTC) type, Halon type.

– Foam and liquid type (water) should not be used in such cases as this may spread electric shock to the persons handling these extinguishers.

64

•

65

66

67

Foam Extinguisher

Dry Powder Extinguisher

Carbon dioxide type Extingusher

Halon Extinguisher

68

Suggested Methodologies to improve the level of safety and reduce accidents:

• To accomplish the objectives, certain aspects are to be considered and implemented.

68

69

• Systems and procedures– Procedures for line clears and return of line clears– Grounding procedures– Renovations of dilapidated lines and structures:– Provision of Safety gadgets– Work permit systems– Accident information system– Accident analysis system– Corrective action to prevent recurrence of similar

accidents

69

70

• Implementation of the systems.– Organization– Responsibility.– Authority– Training:– Safety awareness:

70

71

Accident Investigating Procedures:• Accident is an unplanned event that results in various losses.• Causes of most of the accidents are failure of

– People, – Equipment, – Supplies – Surroundings

• Investigation of the accidents reveal the cause of accidents and helps to prevent similar or more disastrous accidents.

• The approach for accident investigation should be of ‘FACT FINDING’, and not ‘FAULT FINDING’.

• Accidents require skilled investigations to arrive at the cause of accidents.

71

72

• Near Miss accidents:• Accidents which could have caused serious damages but

missed narrowly. • Though there is no damage, the potential for a serious

accident is quite obvious and calls for investigation and remedial measures.

• Purpose of an Accident Investigation is to determine the CHANGE OR DEVIATION that produced an ERROR which caused accident.

• By uncovering the reasons for the accident, subsequent accidents of similar or more serious in nature may be prevented by– Improving the mechanical systems– Better supervision – Employee training – Public awareness programs.

72

73

• Investigation Kit:• Investigation requires some basic equipment and

facilities. • Kit should contain the basic equipment required

for carrying out investigation.

73

74

• Some of the important items that are needed for successful investigation are as follows:• Camera• Tape recorder• Telephone or any mode of communication• Codes/Standards for operation such as Indian Standards,

Indian Electricity Rules, Standard procedure laid down by the competent agencies engaged in such activities, International standards relevant to area of operation such as OSHA, NEC.

• Personal protection equipment (PPE) (hard hat, safety glasses, hand gloves etc.)

• Warning signs• Caution tapes

74

75

• Lighting (flashlight, portable lights, etc.)• Compass • First Aid kits• Hammer, other tools as needed• Measuring tapes• Various types of tapes• Marking paint/chalk• Evidence containers (small & large zip-lock bags and/or manila

envelopes)• Indentifying tags/stickers• Pens, pencils, colored markers, etc.• Clipboard(s)• Sketch pad (graph paper), note pad Company forms• Reporting formats• Straight edge & protractor 75

76

• Pre-requisites for investigating team:• Make sure that it is safe to enter the accident scene. • Necessary care should be availed if needed in such cases

• Investigation generally involves four Steps:• Controlling the Scene• Gathering the Data• Analyzing the Data• Writing the Report

76

77

• Control the Scene:• The area gets crowded by unconcerned people causing

• Poses hurdles in providing assistance for the injured • May destroy the necessary data that may be available at

accident site which are vital for accident investigation. • Provide medical care for injured

– First Aid– On Scene Evaluation– Transport for Medical Care– Isolate the scene by means signs, cones, barriers, caution tape, etc. to

prevent entry of unauthorized persons and preserve of evidences.

• Control existing hazards– Prevent further injuries– Get more help if needed

• Preserve evidence77

78

• Gather Data• Photos of accident scene• Drawings & sketches & measurements• Data collection

– Persons involved– Date, time, location– Activities at time of accident– Equipment involved– List of witnesses

78

79

• The contributing factors to be noted like • weather conditions, • noise levels, • lighting, • housekeeping, • safety equipment used or lack of them, • PPE being used or not

• The statements from the victims should be recorded if possible

• Information and statements from witnesses are also should be recorded.

79

80

• Close observations should be carried out on the parts, tools or equipments involved in the accident by looking for wear, missing pieces, misalignment or out of adjustment, or any previous damage.

• All safety devices like guards etc. are to be observed whether they are in place and functional or not.

• All loose evidences should be gathered and tagged and date, time and location are to be recorded on the bag or tag.

• All the evidence should be kept in one location till the findings are made and concluded.

80

81

• Paper Evidence• Gather the following records/documents

– Training Records– Maintenance Log books– Schedules– Job Procedures– Job Briefing records– Inspection Reports

81

82

• Information Interviews• Collecting the information directly from the persons

who were available at the scene at the time of the accident.

• Gather just the facts… make no judgments or statements

• Conduct interviews one on one• Be friendly but professional• Conduct interviews near the scene in private• Interview all supervisors• The interviews with witnesses should be carried out

as soon as possible, while the details of the incident are fresh in their minds.

82

83

• Details of the witnesses:– Name, address, phone number– What did you see– What did you hear– Where were you standing/sitting– What do you think caused the accident– Was there anything different today

83

84

• Interview with Supervisors:– What is normal procedure for activities involved in

the accident– What type of training persons involved in accident

have had.– What, if anything was different today– What they think caused the accident– What could have prevented the accident

84

85

• Analyze Data• Gather all photos, drawings, interview material

and other information collected at the scene.• Determine a clear picture of what happened • Formally document sequence of events• The analysis of facts concerning accidents and

identify the cause of accident from the data gathered.

• Classify the accident facts (causal factors) and develop recommendations for changes to prevent re-occurrence of the accident in the future.

85

86

• Basic Analysis and Causes:• Unsafe Acts – what activities contributed to the

accident• Unsafe conditions – what material conditions,

environmental conditions and equipment conditions contributed to the accident

86

87

• Analysis about the Contribution of Safety Controls such as• Engineering Controls - machine guards, safety

controls, isolation of hazardous areas, monitoring devices, etc.

• Administrative Controls - procedures, assessments, inspection, records to monitor and ensure safe practices and environments are maintained.

• Training Controls - initial new hire safety orientation, job specific safety training and periodic refresher training.

87

88

• Unsafe Acts• List all unsafe acts involved in the accident

• Unsafe conditions• List all unsafe conditions involved in the accident

88

89

• Prevention– What needs to change or be improved to prevent

similar accidents in the future?• Engineering Controls• Administrative Controls• Training Controls

89

90

• Report Causes• Analysis of the Accident – HOW & WHY

– Direct causes (energy sources; hazardous materials)

– Indirect causes (unsafe acts and conditions) – Basic causes (management policies;

personal or environmental factors)

90

91

• Recommendations• Action to remedy

–Basic causes –Indirect causes –Direct causes

91

92

• Recommendations - as a result of the findings what are the changes to be made: –Employee training –Work Stations Design –Policies or procedures

92

93

Some of the important recommendations of CEA on Safety:

• Formulation of Policy on Safety• Defining and documenting responsibilities for all levels of

functionaries• Preparing safety manuals• Establishing procedures to identify hazards• Providing adequate resources • Providing training for accident reporting, analysis, investigation and

recommendation of corrective actions• Establishing system for proper communication, documentation and

record management • Establishing procedure for auditing of safety system• Establishing system for periodic monitoring and review of the safety

system by the management • Overseeing the performance of Contractors

93

9494

First Aid:

• Accidents can happen in spite of all the precautions.• It is necessary to provide first aid to the injured person. • Proper and timely first aid may save life of the injured and

reduce suffering. Elementary first Aid:• Switch off the main switch immediately when a person gets a

electric shock• Release the victims of electric shock. • If the main switch is not in easy approach then use dry wood

or any other insulating material to release the victim.

9595

General procedure of giving first aid :• Do not to be panic. • Shift the person to a comfortable position simultaneously calling

a doctor or an ambulance.• Do not crowd round the patient, as fresh air is essential. • Close observation on breathing, hemorrhage, burns , fracture and

wounds of the patient should be done • Start giving artificial respiration immediately if breathing has

stopped.• Bleeding due to a cut of artery is serious and can cause sufficient

loss of blood. – By applying pressure to the correct point using a kerchief or

some other cloth the bleeding can be stopped.• Burns caused by electric flashes, hot liquids and flames should be

covered with sterile dressing and then bandaged.

9696

• Acid and alkali burns should be washed with a large quantity of water as soon as possible and then a sterile dressing and bandage may be applied.

• Fractures should be handled carefully. – No attempt should be made to straighten the fractured part.

• Wounds with scratches and abrasions are minor injuries. – These should first be washed and then covered with a sterile

dressing when dry.• Puncture wounds, caused by pointed objects such as nails and ends of

wires should be covered with a sterile dressing.• Never give water or any other liquid to an unconscious person, but if the

injured person is conscious and has sustained no abdominal injury, water, tea or coffee may be given to drink.

• In severe case, do not let the patient know that he is badly hurt or let him see his own injury.

• Do not attempt to do too much, do the minimum that is essential.• Do not remove that patient’s clothes unless essential.• Remove the patient to the care of a doctor as soon as possible.

9797

Resuscitation/Artificial respiration:

• It is an important part of First Aid.• This is the act of restoring consciousness or life of

the victim. • Electric shock victims with abnormal working of

heart, disappeared pulse and no breathing can be considered almost dead.

• In such cases proper resuscitation can revive many victims.

• Artificial respiration is the main action of the resuscitation process.

9898

Methods of Resuscitation:

• Prone resuscitation– This is also called Back Pressure arm lift method or Holger

Nielsen method.

9999

100100

Mouth to mouth resuscitation

101101

102102

• Mouth to nose resuscitation– Close the mouth and blow the air through the

nose.

103103

Pole top resuscitation:

Done when the person gets shock on the Pole.