Crewman received 440V electric shock

A member has reported an incident in which an electrician received a 440V electric shock and sustained an electric burn on the left middle finger and an abrasion on the right palm.

Whilst undergoing refit works at a repair yard, an electrician was checking the electrical systems on the newly installed temporary living quarters (TLQ) when he saw that the power supply cable (4-pin-male plug) was disconnected from the socket/isolator. He attempted to plug in the supply cable and subsequently received a 440V electric shock. He was slightly injured and was attended by medical personnel onboard the vessel and ECG (electrocardiography) was administered. He was admitted to hospital for 24 hours and subsequently placed on light duties.

The company made the following observations:

• The electrical works including commissioning for electrical systems on the TLQs were already completed;
• Following this, the supply lead had been removed from the socket but the supply had not been isolated;
• The electrician was called to investigate why there was no power in the TLQs;
• There were a large number of sub-contractors working on the installation at the time of the incident;
• The 440V power supply was not isolated from the main switchboard prior to connection;
• TLQs were supplied with female sockets which resulted in the extension cable having a live male end.

The company made the following changes:

• The sockets on the three TLQs on board the installation were changed for male sockets such that the live supply wires have safer female plugs;
• The manufacturer of the TLQs was informed of this potentially hazardous arrangement of power supply sockets;
• The importance of rigorous lock-out tag out procedures was reinforced to crew and fleet.