ELECTRICAL Safety,

Prevention OF
ACCIDENTS
&
FIRE FIGHTING
TECHNIQUES
1
 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
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
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.

4
Factors affecting the severity of the shock:
• Amount of current that has passed through the body:

Condition Resistance 250 Volts 500 Volts 11 kV

of body of body in Current Effect Current Effect Current Effect.
k.Ohms in mA in mA in A
Dry skin 10-600 About Mild shock About 5 Muscular About Death
2.5 contraction, 1
mild shock,
Wet skin About 1 About Strong About Burns, About Death
25 painful 50 muscular 10
shock, contraction,
stoppage of ventricular
breathing fibrillation,
and death stoppage of
breathing,
death
Wet skin A few More Ventricular More Ventricular More Death
making a hundred than 25 fibrillation, than 50 fibrillation, than 10
fair ohms stoppage of stoppage of
contract breathing, breathing,
with the muscular death
earth contraction,
death
5
• 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.

6
• 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.

7
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.

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

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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”.
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• 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.

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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
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.

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• 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.

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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
• 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

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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

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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 gloves
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– 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
• 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
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

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• 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
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• 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.

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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.

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Line Clear format:
• The approved line clear format should be used
and it should be available as a record.

25
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

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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

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• 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

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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
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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.
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• 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).

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• 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

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• 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.

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• 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.
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• 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
• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.
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• 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.

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• 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

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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

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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.
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• 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.

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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.

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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.
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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.

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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

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• 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
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.

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• 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 outside
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• 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.

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– 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.

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• 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.
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• 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.

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• 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
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• 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.
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• 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.

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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.

60
• 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.
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• 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.

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•

65
66
 Dry Powder Extinguisher
Foam Extinguisher

Halon Extinguisher
Carbon dioxide type Extingusher

67
Suggested Methodologies to improve the level
of safety and reduce accidents:
• To accomplish the objectives, certain aspects
are to be considered and implemented.

68
• 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

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

70
 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
• 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.
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• Investigation Kit:
• Investigation requires some basic equipment and
facilities.
• Kit should contain the basic equipment required
for carrying out investigation.

73
• 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

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• 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
• 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

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• 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 evidence
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• 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

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• 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
• 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.

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•  Paper Evidence
• Gather the following records/documents
– Training Records
– Maintenance Log books
– Schedules
– Job Procedures
– Job Briefing records
– Inspection Reports

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• 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.

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• 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

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• 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

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• 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.

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• 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

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• 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.

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

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• Prevention
– What needs to change or be improved to prevent
similar accidents in the future?
• Engineering Controls
• Administrative Controls
• Training Controls

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• 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)

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• Recommendations
• Action to remedy
– Basic causes
– Indirect causes
– Direct causes

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

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 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

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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.

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 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. 95
95
• 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.
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• Remove the patient to the care of a doctor as soon as possible. 96
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.

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Methods of Resuscitation:

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

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Mouth to mouth resuscitation

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

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Pole top resuscitation:
Done when the person gets shock on the Pole.

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