Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Transcription

1 Electrical Safety in the Workplace Increasing Electrical Safety in the Workplace through Purchasing and Procurement Robert Mitchell, Safety and Technical Safety Advisor Safety Risk, Policy and Innovation May 8, 2017

2 Agenda The Role of the Electrical Safety Authority The Ontario Electrical Safety Report Current Safety Initiatives Electrical Hazards Electrical Incidents Reasonable Precautions Working in Partnership 2

3 The Role of the Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority Corporate Values Mission An Ontario where people can live, work and play safe from electrical harm. Vision To improve electrical safety for the well being of the people of Ontario. 3

4 The Role of the Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority Who we are Operating as a Delegated Administrative Authority in accordance with the Electricity Act Accountable to a Board of Directors Financially self sustaining not for profit Administration of regulations that promote electrical safety 4

5 The Role of the Electrical Safety Authority The Electrical Safety Authority What We Do Identify and Target Ensuring compliance Promote awareness Education and training Collaborate with stakeholders 5

6 Ontario Electrical Safety Report Electrical Injury Statistics Occupational fatalities continue to outnumber nonoccupational deaths by a ratio of almost 3 to 1. Serious injuries to electrical trade are not decreasing 6

7 7 Electrical Safety in the Workplace

8 Construction Delivery Disassembling Farming Installation Moving Other Production Repair / Maintenance Utility Electrical Safety in the Workplace Percentage of Occupational Electrical-Related Fatalities by Type of Work in Ontario, and Construction Delivery Disassembling Farming Installation Moving Other Production Repair/Maintenance Utility 0 % 10 % 20 % 30 % 40 % 50 % 60 % % 0% 0% 0% 14% 0% 19% 0% 43% 10% % 0% 3.30% 7.10% 0% 3.30% 0% 3.30% 54% 0% Conclusion: Increase in percentage for utility, other, installation, and delivery. Source: ESA and Coroner s records 8

9 Probable Cause of Occupational Electrical-Related Fatalities in Ontario, Faulty Equipment Human Error Lack of Maintenance Aging Equipment Poor Design Improper Procedure Other/Unknown Probable Cause of Fatalities 0 % 10 % 20 % 30 % 40 % 50 % 60 % 70 % Faulty Equipment Human Error Lack of Maintenance Aging Equipment Poor Design Improper Procedure Other/ Unknown 2.00% 4.10% 2.30% 2.30% 2.30% 69% 18% Conclusion: Close to 70% are possibly due to improper procedures. Source: ESA and Coroner s records 9

10 The Ontario Electrical Safety Report Shock and Arc Fatalities and Critical Injuries Electrical workers account for 31% of all electrical fatalities between 2004 and Yearly there are at least four critical injuries to electricians. Incidents tend to be associated with unsafe work practices. Shock incidents are more prevalent than arc flash incidents Arc Flash Shock Unknown Total Fatalities Critical Injuries Non-Critical Injuries

11 The Ontario Electrical Safety Report Powerline contacts Collection of 10 years of reported data resulted in over 1400 overhead powerline contacts Same period of time there were 745 contacts with underground infrastructure As a result, a total of 24 fatalities have been from overhead powerline contacts 11

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13 Number of Events Electrical Safety in the Workplace Overhead Power line Contacts for Construction Sector by Activity, Aerial Lifting Excavation/Directional Bore/Auguring Haulage - Material/Waste Roof/Exterior of Building Work Tree Trimming/Removal/Planting Other

14 Current Safety Initiatives Worker Safety Outcomes for this initiative include: Significantly reduced incidents associated with unsafe work practices. OESC Support: No repairs or alterations on live equipment unless complete disconnection is not feasible. 14

15 Current Safety Initiatives Powerline Safety Outcomes for this initiative include: Significantly reduce incidents associated with high reach equipment around powerlines on public R.O.W. s and construction sites. 15

16 Electrical Hazards Shock Electrical current passing through the body Direct contact with energized electrical conductors Step and touch potential Arcing incident Electrical current passing through air Intense heat Explosive force 16

17 Electrical Hazards Step and Touch Potential Voltage Drops Potential Rise of Ground Grid 17

18 Electrical Hazards Step and Touch Potential Step Voltage Touch Voltage Potential Rise of Ground Grid 18

19 Electrical Hazards Arcing incidents 19

20 Case Study I Defining the problem Failure of the Internal Responsibility System 20

21 Case Study I Defining the problem Failure of the Internal Responsibility System 21

22 Case Study I Defining the problem Failure of the Internal Responsibility System 22

23 Case Study I Defining the problem - Case Study Specific findings in this incident All jobs were treated the same Supervisor had no electrical expertise No organizational ownership No Hazard assessment All did not participate in Lock-Out No communication between crews No test for energized conductors Limited understanding of hazards 23

24 Case Study I Common findings in investigations Workplace parties do not understand the consequence of asking an electrician to work energized. Electricians: Do not challenge requests to work energized Work live as not to inconvenience. Underestimate the danger of electricity. Employers will require de-energized work when the consequences of working energized are understood. 24

25 Case Study II Incident Details Pre-cast products delivered to site for sewer replacement. Boom swung into the direction of the powerlines Wire rope contacted the 4,800 V powerlines Victim succumbed to his injuries 25

26 Case Study II Causal Factors No designated drop zone on site Lack of attempt to control the hazard Unloading of materials continued despite unclear view of the powerlines 26

27 Case Study II Preventative Measures Documented procedure Designate a drop zone away from all electrical hazards. Dedicated competent signaler to warn operator if equipment or load may approach the minimum limits of approach. Job briefing document. 27

28 Reasonable Precautions Electrically safe work practices A standardized approach promotes; Organizational accountability for safety Documented policies and procedures Appropriate training and communications Ability for continuous improvement through audit Hazard identification and risk assessment Identification of adequate precautions 28

29 Electrical Safety Standards CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety A recognized standard for working on and near electricity. Uses a Safety Management System as its foundation; Measurable and meaningful outcomes. Integration with other standards. Prescriptive Offers methodology to accomplishing workplace electrical safety. 29

30 Electrical Safety Standards The Benefits of a Standardized Approach Potential of greatly reducing fatalities and critical injuries. Aligns with the Internal Responsibility System. Shared responsibility Promotes continuous improvement Necessity for audit Stresses necessity for maintenance Based on risk assessment. Defaults to de-energized work. 30

31 Electrical Safety Standards Equipment Labelling 31

32 Electrical Safety Standards Equipment Labelling 32

33 Potential influence to change RFP and pre-qualification documents Include wording to require contractors to implement electrically safe work practices. Occupational Health and Safety requirements Contractors to provide a documented process Ensure all workers are trained and qualified. Documented safety training to contractors. 33

34 Powerline Safety Materials Tree Trimming around powerlines Guideline provides information to landscapers, arborists, maintenance workers and homeowners Helps to identify potential hazards. 34

35 Powerline Safety Materials Planting under or around powerlines Guideline provides information where to plant trees which will become a concern to powerlines once the tree matures 35

36 Powerline Safety Materials Excavation guidelines Partnership with TSSA to provide information on safe digging practices 36

37 Powerline Safety Materials Best Practice for Dump Truck Operators Created for dump truck operators Principles apply to all high reach equipment Highlights overhead electrical hazards Method for location the hazards 37 3

38 Thank You Questions?