Electrocution

[Al_The_Man]

Westario Power Inc., a Walkerton power distribution company, was fined $110,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed.

On September 21, 2010, there was a severe thunderstorm in the Port Elgin area and the power went out at the company's Port Elgin substation. Workers went to the substation to restore power. They attempted to de-energize its equipment so that they could replace a damaged insulator. However, some of the equipment was still energized when a worker started replacing the insulator. The worker came into contact with the energized equipment and was electrocuted.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the substation did not have a current single line diagram to assist workers in developing a work plan, identifying hazards and fully de-energizing the equipment. As a consequence, the workers did not have the information they needed to perform their work in a safe manner.

Westario Power Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to provide the information, instruction and supervision required to protect the health and safety of a worker.

The fine was imposed by Justice George Brophy. In addition to the fine, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act

[underthetire]

This should be a heads up to those shop owners as well. LOTO is required for not just electrical work, but any stored energy, including compressed air, and gravity. Those unsafe electrical hookups, doors open, and no LOTO can put you out of business really quick.

Thanks for sharing Al.

[txcncman]

LOTO = Lock Out Tag Out for those unfamiliar. It is a good, safe habit to get into even for one-man shops.

[Iloerika]

To avoid this happening shop owners should take some full proof precautions to just not only save their lives but their customers lives as well.

[ifixcnc]

fined $110,000 for a violation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was killed.
Seems low for killing a worker!

[DM007]

Yes, I would add that for the bigger CNC equipment that I am buying, a separate route to ground is advised. This is typically either a large gauge insulated wire to either the cold water supply or to a copper rod buried 4-6' into the soil. Remember, in addition to turning the machine off at the switch to either unplug it, or turn the breaker off.

[underthetire]

Yes, I would add that for the bigger CNC equipment that I am buying, a separate route to ground is advised. This is typically either a large gauge insulated wire to either the cold water supply or to a copper rod buried 4-6' into the soil. Remember, in addition to turning the machine off at the switch to either unplug it, or turn the breaker off.

You must either buss ground back to the utility company supplied ground, or a known good ground. Not both. A 4-6' rod will not ground properly in most areas, it should typically be between 8-12' and checked between a good known ground source. Grounding in 2 separate places can create a floating ground, this condition can be more dangerous than a weak ground.

[bill south]

Thanks Al!
Reminders are always welcome! What we play with is dangerous if not done safely!
Bill

[DM007]

Yes, just checked my notes for the set up of antennas and you are correct 8' is better.