Electrical and Arc Flash Safety » Public Electrical Safety

Arc Flash in Grocery Store in Old Lyme, CT December 08, 2011

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:23:29 +0000

Another grocery store arc flash. This is very sad and the lack of understanding is even worse. It was a definitely arc flash but also a possible shock. So many don’t realize the energy in 480V electrical systems in just about EVERY electrical room. Grocery stores, malls etc.

http://www.theday.com/article/20111208/NWS04/111209555/1047/nws

Copper Thieves Costly And Dangerous

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:45:33 +0000

As copper increases in value, so does copper theft. Copper is typically stolen from vacant or abandoned homes or work sites, but in rural areas it is typically stolen from utility companies. Thieves who break into electrical sub-stations risk their lives as they venture near high voltage and could cause a power surge to customers and harm utility employees. The US DOE estimates that copper thefts cost $1 billion per year.

Click here to read more about copper thefts.

Young Teen Electrocuted While Playing Hide and Seek

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:44:51 +0000

A 14 year-old boy was fatally shocked when he apparently touched electrical wires while hiding behind a clothes dryer and wall during game of Hide and Seek. First responers perfomed life supprt and transported him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An investigation is underway due to the accidental electrocution.

Click here to read more about fatal accident

Indiana Teenager Electrocuted in Home Accident

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 17:42:36 +0000

A teenager from Muncie was electrocuted when a camper behind his home became charged after an electrical wire was run from the house to the camper. The teen was electrocuted when he stepped from the wet ground to the metal camper step.

Click here to read more about Indiana fatality

Two Iowa Field Workers Electrocuted

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:28:59 +0000

Two teenage workers detasseling corn were electrocuted when they came into contact with the irrigation system. Both victims were 14 year old females. Two other nearby workers were shocked. One was airlifted from the scene and the other was treated at the hospital.

Click here to read more about the electrocutions in Iowa

Illinois Man Electocuted While Painting Barn

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:27:28 +0000

The 20-year-old man was electrocuted when the bucket he was using to paint a barn came into contact with an overhead electrical wire. He was flown to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. An investigation of the incident is pending.

Click here to read more about Illinois electrocution

Kansas Man Electrocuted While Working on Water Line

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:26:34 +0000

A 70-year old man from Kansas was electrocuted while working on a water line under his porch. His wrench touched an old insulator on an electric line and the shock was fatal. The man’s 12 year old son felt a minor shock but did not require treatment.

Click here to read about Kansas electrocution

Malaysian Energy Commission Finds Students Make Up 23% of Those Involved in Electrical Accidents

Hugh Hoagland — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 13:26:09 +0000

Based on statistics from the Energy Commission in Malaysia, it was determined that students were involved 405 electrical accidents or 23% of Malaysian electrical accidents that occurred between 2005 and 2010.

Click here to read more about Student Electrical Accidents

Omaha man arrested for stealing copper wiring after burns sustained in resulting arc flash lead authorities to him

Hugh Hoagland — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:07:01 +0000

After an explosion at an office building alerted authorities, circuit breakers were found open and over $350K of copper wire was discovered missing. Investigators believe the suspect cut the copper from the area were the main electrical feed enters the building created an arc flash explosion. Investigators checked the hospital for suspects and identified only one arc flash burn victim in the area at the time. The suspect is a journeyman electrician. Authorities charged him with the crime after finding hundreds of pounds of copper and cutting tools in his possession.

Click here to read more about arc flash incident.

Bangalore man electrocuted- Grabbed electric pole to keep from slipping

Hugh Hoagland — Thu, 19 May 2011 19:01:09 +0000

The 28 year old man was fatally electrocuted when he grabbed an electric pole to prevent himself from slipping. The entire pole was found to be charged when it was switched on. An investigation is pending.

Click here to read more about fatal electrical incident in Bangalore