Electrical Safety and

Disaster Management

In the previous unit, you have learnt about the Indian Electricity Rules, the
safety procedures that need to be practised in all work related to electric
supply and the earthing practices that ensure safety while working with
electricity.

In this unit, we elaborate on the accidents that may occur if the safety
procedures are not followed strictly. We describe the causes of accidents and
discuss the general measures that can be taken for preventing and handling
them. Personnel working in power utilities can safeguard themselves by
following these measures. We focus on cases of electric shock and fire − the
most serious kind of accidents that can take place in power utilities. Finally, we
acquaint you with the first aid techniques. Some of these may be
demonstrated in video-conferencing sessions so that you could assist the
accident victims, if any such situation arises in your surroundings. We have
put some safety slogans given in the DRUM material at various places in this
unit. Pay attention to them. In fact, you could coin your own slogans and put
them up in your work place!

In the next unit, we take up disaster management for the handling of graver
situations that may arise in the face of natural disasters and calamities.

You will agree that ensuring safety at your work place is a critical dimension of
your responsibilities. Accidents can change the lives of the victims and their
families. Moreover, they can lead to heavy losses of lives and equipment, and
prove to be costly and time consuming for you and your utility. From time to
time, we all make mistakes, but when life and limb are at risk, it is inexcusable
to take chances. It would be very sad to go through the rest of one’s life
knowing that some one had been killed or injured due to one’s own
negligence.

Fortunately, most accidents in electrical installations can be avoided with a

little care and caution. You only need to follow certain basic guidelines and
procedures to prevent and reduce the incidence of accidents.

Electrical accidents, unlike most other industrial accidents, quite often happen
to professional and supervisory staff. In fact, in some situations, they may be
at greater risk than the manual staff. Although the apparatus and working
practices are undergoing change, many of the old problems persist, and we
witness the same electrical accidents time and again. Therefore, we need to
be more vigilant and careful.

Let us begin the discussion by considering this question: What kinds of

accidents take place in electrical installations? These are listed in Box 7.1.
42
 Box 7.1: Types of Accidents Accident
Prevention and
Protection
• ELECTRIC SHOCK
• ELECTROCUTION
• BURNS (ELECTRICAL OR THERMAL CONTACT)
• FIRES
• EXPLOSIONS
• INJURY FROM A FALL, FROM CUTS, OR FROM
FRACTURES

Some points to be noted about electrical accidents are given below. Study
them and then answer SAQ 1.

• A very large proportion of accidents to electrical staff do not involve electric

shock but are caused by flash and arc burns due to incorrect way of
working on live exposed conductors. Too much work is done live, and by
persons with inadequate training in live work.
• Most electrical fatalities are due to electric shocks at the lowest distribution
voltage of 240 V (415 V, 3 phase). Contrary to some commonly held
beliefs, 240 V is a very dangerous voltage.
• Nearly all electric shocks, even at 240 V are potentially lethal. For every
fatality, there have been many narrow escapes and far greater number of
minor shocks and tingles. It depends crucially on whether the victim is able
to ‘let go’ of the live conductors or not. Mostly the answer is yes, hence
the large number of lucky escapes.

!"

Find out the number of accidents that have taken place in your utility in the
last 5 years. Classify them into various categories listed in Box 7.1.

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………

In order to prevent accidents in electrical installations, you first need to

understand why accidents take place.

7.2.1 Causes of Accidents

Let us begin by considering an example of how an accident can take place
when a technician is working to rectify a fault. Suddenly, the rung of the ladder
he is standing on breaks down, and he falls on the ground. His arm is
fractured but luckily he does not sustain any serious head injury.
43
Electrical Safety and The question before us is –”Why did this happen?“
Disaster Management
There could be many reasons for such an accident, some related to
equipment and others related to safety procedures. Consider the following
questions that may help you in arriving at a suitable answer:

• How do we design our ladders or other relevant equipment such as access

stairs and platforms?

• How do we purchase ladders? Do we buy the cheapest available?

• Are they checked on arrival, for suitability?

• Are ladders stored in a controlled manner?

• Have we included ladders in our maintenance programme?

Questions related to safety procedure would be:

• Do we have safety rules for using ladders and working at heights?

• Have people been trained in those safety rules?

• Are ladders properly marked and identified?

• Do we have any sort of an inventory control of ladders?

• Are people adequately supervised, particularly when performing risky

tasks?

The reason for this accident could stem from any one of the following factors:

• The issue of ladder safety is one of the least important in the safety
management system.

• Ladder safety may be addressed but the standard of performance is

inadequate.

• Standards may be defined but there is no compliance.

This example is a pointer to the causes of accidents, which may be broadly

divided into two categories: Direct and Indirect.

Direct Causes of Accidents

Accidents occur due to both unsafe acts of workforce and unsafe working
conditions.

• Unsafe acts refer to the violation of commonly accepted safe procedures

of working.

• Unsafe conditions refer to the conditions with potential of causing injury

to a person or damage to the equipment.

In Table 7.1, we give examples of both kinds of accidents.

44
Table 7.1: Examples of Accidents Arising from Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Accident
Conditions Prevention and
Protection

EXAMPLES OF UNSAFE ACTS

Operating without authority or unauthorized persons working on

lines/ equipment.

Failure to ensure safety, e.g., due to violation/ neglect of safety

measures/ lack of supervision, following unsafe procedures and
working without using safety appliances, etc.

Bypassing safety devices.

Use of unsafe tools/tackles.

Unsafe loading and placing.

Working on moving machinery/equipment.

Working without obtaining proper line clear.

Working without proper instructions from superiors.

Wrong instructions from person who received the line clear.

Lack of knowledge on feeding arrangements.

And above all, negligence, carelessness, haste and

overconfidence.

EXAMPLES OF UNSAFE CONDITIONS

Unguarded or defective machines.

Unsafe design/construction.

Improper illumination.

Poor house-keeping.

Lack of proper tools.

Slippery floor.

Snapping of conductors.

Accidental contact with live electric wire/equipment.

Defective appliances/apparatus/ tools.

Inadequate maintenance or lack of maintenance.

Unauthorized work, etc.

45
Electrical Safety and
Disaster Management

Fig. 7.1: Some Direct Causes of Accidents

Indirect Causes of Accidents

These comprise all such factors that give rise to direct causes. These
include lack of knowledge and skills, physiological/anatomical
deficiencies and inappropriate psychological traits of workers.

• Lack of knowledge and skills is marked by incorrect knowledge,

incomplete knowledge, low degree of skill or lack of skill and
misunderstanding of job instructions.

• Inappropriate physiological/anatomical deficiencies refer to poor eye-

sight, hearing defects, lack of fitness, illness, allergies, etc.

• Inappropriate psychological traits characterize workers who are

arrogant, lazy, fearful, careless, nervous, egoistical, absent-minded and
over-confident.

Fig. 7.2: Avoid Indirect Causes of Accidents − Acquire Knowledge and Skills,
Adopt the Right Attitude and Overcome Deficiencies

REMEMBER: INTOXICATION AT WORK CAN LEAD TO

SERIOUS ACCIDENTS AND SHOULD NEVER BE
PERMITTED.
46
At this stage, you may like to bring your own experiences into the discussion. Accident
Prevention and
Protection
# !"

Recall an accident that occurred in your workplace or at another electrical

installation. What were the causes of the accident? List them and classify
them as direct and indirect.

………………………………………………………………………………………
If any accident occurs
……………………………………………………………………………………… in connection with the
generation,
……………………………………………………………………………………… transmission, supply
or use of energy in or
… in connection with,
any part of the electric
7.2.2 Accident Reporting and Investigation supply lines or other
works of any person
Accident records are essential aids for prevention of accidents. They give us and the accident
results in or is likely to
information about the type of accidents most frequently encountered, where have resulted in loss
they occur and their relative severity. A study of these records reveals of human or animal
common hazards and leads to a better understanding of the causes of life or in any injury to a
human being or an
accidents and most effective methods of preventing them. animal, such person
or any authorized
All accidents should be promptly reported, whether they result in injury or person of the State
not. Many injury-free accidents, which are not reported, recur with Electricity Board /
serious injuries. All accidents to the public involving company personnel, Supplier, not below
the rank of a Junior
equipment or property should also be reported promptly. You have learnt Engineer or equivalent
about Rule 44A of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 pertaining to the should send to the
intimation of an accident. It is stated again in the margin for ready reference. Inspector a
telegraphic report
As per the rule the report should be submitted in a prescribed form, which is within 24 hours of the
knowledge of the
given in the Appendix 1. You must understand that the occurrence of electrical occurrence of the fatal
accident has to be reported with all seriousness: It helps in ascertaining the accident and a written
causes of electrical accidents. Besides, immediate steps can also be taken for report in the
prescribed proforma
administering first-aid, medical attendance, preserving the evidence, etc. A
within 48 hours of the
thorough review can be done on how the accident occurred, pinpoint lapses knowledge of
and fix responsibilities. Measures can then be taken so that it does not recur. occurrence of fatal or
Of course, it needs to be ensured that the remedial measures are all other accidents.
Where practicable a
implemented properly. telephonic message
should also be given
For breach of Rule 44A, there is penalty under Rule 138A of I.E. Rules, 1956 to the Inspector
under which if any person responsible for the generation, transformation, immediately after the
transmission, conversion, distribution, supply or use of energy fails to report to accident comes to the
knowledge of the
the Inspector and other authorities concerned, the occurrence of the authorized officer of
accidents, s/he should be punishable. the State Electricity
Board / Supplier or
Every accident should be investigated to determine the cause and the other person
steps needed to prevent its recurrence. It should be the responsibility of concerned.
the person in charge of the work to get complete details of the accident as
soon as possible after it occurs. Depending upon the seriousness of the 47
Electrical Safety and accident, apart from any statutory investigation of the accident, the
Disaster Management management may like to have internal investigation conducted for the
following purposes:

• arriving at factual information leading to corrective action;

• fact finding and not fault finding;

• identification of principal source of accident;

• indicating the need for engineering revision in various types of equipment

and materials; and

• disclosure of inefficiencies in operating processes and procedures.

However, it must be ensured that the investigating individual should not

be involved with any disciplinary proceedings.

7.2.3 Cost of Accidents

All injury cases, whether minor or major, result in financial loss to the
organization in addition to irreparable loss for the family members in case of a
fatal accident. The cost of accidents comprises two components: Direct cost
and Indirect cost.

• Direct costs include the

− cost of medical treatment; and

MEDICAL
− compensation for loss of earning capacity/permanent disability/fatality

• Indirect costs pertain to:

− production loss and time loss of co-workers;

− idle time of machine and damage to equipment;
− loss of morale of workers in the unit;

LEGAL − loss of time of supervisory personnel in submitting report/accident

analysis;
− loss of efficiency of injured persons after reporting for duty;
− transportation charges;
− administrative and legal expenses;
− company’s reputation being at stake;
− cost of training the substitute employee;
PERSONAL
− business interruption and failure to meet schedule; and
Fig. 7.3: Some Costs − investigation by statutory authorities and penalties imposed by them.
of Accidents
Indirect costs usually vary from 5 to 11 times that of direct cost.

48
 Accident
$ !"% %
"!&'!( "& " ! ! " Prevention and
Protection

Obtain the details of an accident that occurred in an electrical installation.

Evaluate the accident reporting and investigation procedures followed and
determine the costs involved in the light of the information given to you.

$ ) *
The art of electrical accident prevention has been founded primarily on the
investigation of accidents by professionally qualified engineers. The science of
accident prevention is based on a logical analysis of their reports. It takes
great skill and determination to steer an organization into a safer regime. At
the very least it requires the best possible information feedback from the
workplace where the hazards exist. This requires attention to be paid to
various audit and management information controls.

A utility should have a contingent plan and system for dealing with any
emergency. It should clearly spell out the purpose and scope, and the
activities to be undertaken in case of emergencies (Box 7.2).

Box 7.2: Emergency Preparedness and Response

PURPOSE
Establishing a system for dealing with emergency situations to minimize hazards to
human health and safety.
SCOPE
Applicable to any fire, explosion or other disaster leading to emergency situation,
which means, any significant on-routine situation, which endangers the personnel,
property, other interested parties or surrounding environment. These may arise as
a result of explosion, fire, etc. For personnel injuries/ medical emergencies,
separate procedures need to be followed.
ACTIVITIES

• Identify potential accident conditioned emergency situations for the activities in

different departments in consultation with the concerned supervisor/Head of
Team.
• Make all concerned personnel aware of the significant risk attached to their
area of work that may lead to emergency situation.
• Discuss the situations with concerned team head and make emergency plans.
• Check the emergency preparedness and response to such situations and
clearly identify responsibilities while preparing emergency plans.
• Provide controls for and mitigate the safety hazards associated with the
activity.
• Train the personnel in dealing with emergency situations as per the
emergency plan − by carrying out periodic drills, i.e., mock-drills/fire drills, etc.
(at least once a year), creating emergency situations and keeping records.
49
Electrical Safety and One particularly useful management tool is to collect and analyze data on all
Disaster Management ‘near miss’ incidents. There are many more of these than there will be of
actual accidents. Provided that one can get those involved to be forthcoming
about these incidents, a great deal of useful information can be gathered
about an organization’s robustness and fitness to prevent accidents. It is likely
to be much more revealing than trying to identify the weaknesses after the
accidents themselves.

The prevention of accidents is actually much more important than the

technical discipline of identifying risk and adopting the right technical solutions
to counter those hazards. It is also important from the point of view of the
costs involved.

You may also like to know: What can you do as an individual?

You have studied about many safety procedures in Unit 6. You may like to
quickly review them before studying further. You will agree that the best
method of prevention of accidents is training, retraining and more training. We
now spell out some measures that can help in the prevention of electrical
accidents.

One of the best ways to prevent an accident is to think ahead. As you

plan your job, take a moment to identify any potential hazards. Are you
working near overhead lines? Could there be cables buried nearby? Are your
tools in good condition? Taking the necessary time to plan a job may help
avoid later problems caused by an accident. This approach supplemented by
observing safe practices should go a long way in preventing accidents.

We now describe some good housekeeping precautions that can help

prevent accidents.

7.3.1 General Measures for Preventing Accidents

Workmen are frequently injured due to stumbling, stepping on, or bumping into
tools, material and other objects left lying around, or by objects falling from
above. Such incidents can be prevented by observing the following measures:

• walks, staircases, fire escapes and all other passages should be kept free
Fig. 7.4: Keep Passages
of all obstructions (Fig. 7.4);
Clear!
• tools and materials should not be placed where they may cause tripping or
stumbling hazards or where they may fall and strike anyone below;

• puddles of oil and water create slipping hazards and should be cleaned up
promptly;

• nails in boards (such as those removed from scaffolds, forms and packing
boxes) constitute hazards. These should be removed and the boards
should be carefully stacked or stored; and

• dirty and oily waste rags should be deposited in approved containers and
disposed off as soon as practicable to avoid fire hazard.
50
 Accident
Prevention and
Protection

Fig. 7.5: Some Possible Sources of Injury and Preventive Measures

Other general housekeeping measures that need to be taken are as follows:

• broken light bulbs, glass metal and scrap and other sharp objects should
be disposed off properly in containers provided specially for them;

• discarded fluorescent and other gas filled tubes should be disposed off
safely;

• places where persons work or pass in emergencies, should be provided

during time of use with adequate lighting (natural/artificial/or both) for
operations or special type of work performed;

• general lighting should be of a uniform level widely distributed;

• emergency lighting should be provided in big installations/offices; and

• adequate ventilation should be provided in work places by natural/artificial

means.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Devices

The utility should provide adequate and approved PPE for various jobs
depending upon the hazard. Protective gears such as helmets, safety shoes, Fig. 7.6: Good
safety “Rassi-Zolis” should be issued to linesmen, jointers, supervisors etc. Housekeeping
is a STRAIGHT
and their usage should be monitored. It is the responsibility of the supervisor Line to Safety
to ensure the usage of PPE. You have learnt in Unit 6 that personnel have to
use suitable protective equipment, like rubber gloves, mats, safety glasses,
etc., wherever required as per instructions or wherever it provides greater
safety.

51
Electrical Safety and In addition, the following rules should be observed for the use and care of
Disaster Management PPE:

• use the appropriate PPE for the work being performed and the
environment in which you are working;

• visually inspect and/or test PPE before use. Any defective or damaged
PPE should be repaired or discarded and replaced;

• wear a protective outer covering (such as leather) in cases where the

insulating capabilities of the PPE may be damaged during the work;

• wear non-conductive head protection wherever there is a danger of injury

from electrical burns or shock caused by contact with exposed, energized
parts;

• wear protective eye/face equipment whenever there is a danger from

electrical arcs or flashes, or from flying objects as a result of an electrical
explosion;

• do not carry/store PPE with tools or other objects to avoid damage to

them;

Fig. 7.7: Some Examples • any employee working on height above 8 feet from ground except working
of PPE on platform should use Safety Belts / Rassi;

• use only approved type of operating rods;

• keep operating rods as dry as possible. These should not be dropped / left
lying on ground.

Fig. 7.8: Use PPE

7.3.2 Proper Handling of Equipment

Many accidents can be prevented if the instructions for proper handling of
tools and appliances, ladders, earthing devices, etc. are followed. We
describe these, in brief.
52
Tools and Appliances Accident
Prevention and
Many accidents result from improper use of tools as well as use of defective Protection
tools and equipment. Employees should use only those tools and equipment,
which are in good condition, and only for the purpose for which they are
designed. Where proper and safe tools are not available for the work at hand,
employees should report the fact to their supervisor. The following
instructions should be followed:

• use proper tool for proper job. Ensure that every tool or appliance (e.g.,
slings, pulleys, chain block, etc.) is in good working condition;
• discard all non-working tools / appliances, damaged pipes, spanners,
hammers, etc.; and
• remove tools, which develop defects while in use, from the service, tag
them and do not use them until they are brought back in good condition.

DO NOT USE

• impact tools such as chisels, drills, hammers and wedges with mushroom
heads until they have been reconditioned;
• hammers, axes, shovel and similar tools if handles are loose, cracked or
Fig. 7.9: Use Proper Tools
splintered;
• defective wrenches such as open end and adjustable wrenches with
spread jaws or pipe wrenches with dull teeth, as they are likely to slip; and
• pipes or other extensions on a wrench handle to increase the leverage
unless the wrench is specifically designed for such an extension.

INSPECT ALL TOOLS

CARRIED ON TRUCKS
EACH MONTH AND
REPAIR/REPLACE
DEFECTIVE TOOLS.

Ladders

The following safety measures need to be taken while using ladders:

• inspect the ladder before use;

• secure the ladder at top or station a person at its foot;
• ensure that ladders are used with a slope of about 75 degrees or position
ladder 30 cm (1 foot) out at base for every 1.2 m (4 feet) of vertical height;
• ensure that the ladder rises 3 feet above landing point; Fig. 7.10: Use Ladders
Properly
• face the ladder when climbing or descending and use both hands; 53
Electrical Safety and • avoid make-shift arrangement in lieu of ladder;
Disaster Management
• ensure that there are rubber shoes at both arms and at each terminal, i.e.,
at each end of the ladder;
• before fixing the ladder, confirm that no electrically charged conductor is
passing nearby; and
• ensure that only one person uses the ladder at a time and another person
keeps a watch on the ladder position.

Earthing Devices

Make sure that

• only approved earthing devices are used in all work;

• care is taken to maintain earthing by ensuring condition of clamps;
• neon line tester is used to check the bus bar area, cables, overhead
conductors and it is ensured that the tester is in good condition.

PROTECTIVE BARRIER (TEMPORARY)

When the work is conducted along public streets
or highways, pedestrian and vehicular traffic
should be warned by signs and flags by day and
red lights or flares by night. Wherever necessary,
signalmen should be provided.

Adequate steps should be taken for public safety.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC

Every effort should be made to protect the public at all times where the
company’s work is in progress by the use of signs, barricades or
personal warning.

When working on customer premises or public property, every effort

should be made to avoid hazards to persons or unnecessary property
damage.

Barriers should be placed around all open manholes, exposed open

ditches and excavations.

Authorized visitors should not be left to find their own way.

Public should be encouraged to report dangerous situations which may

come to their notice.

Visitors should be provided proper personnel protective equipments

wherever required.

54
 Accident
+ !" %( !" ! Prevention and
Protection

Refer to the details of the accident you have described in SAQ 3. How
could the accident have been prevented using the general measures
described in this section?

………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….

We now highlight best practices for personal safety while working in electrical
installations. As a supervisor or a manager, it is your responsibility to make
sure that these are strictly observed.

BEST PRACTICES FOR PERSONAL SAFETY

DOs

• Use proper tools for each job.

• Use rubber gloves / gauntlets only when
− line voltage is 5 kV or lower;
− carrying out earthing;
− opening AB switches;
− using portable telephones; and
− working on street light fittings.

• Maintain minimum distances as follows while working:

LT 0.9 m (3 feet)

11 kV 2.5 m (8 feet 6 inches)

33 kV 2.7 m (9 feet)

66 kV 3.0 m (10 feet)

132 kV 3.5 m (11 feet)

220 kV 4 m (14 feet)

While earthing 3.5 to 4.5 m (12 to 15 feet)

• Use safety belts while working on poles / platforms above 3 m height and
learn the

− proper way of using and removing the belt; and

− proper way to get up or get down the pole and also the way to change
direction.

• Always use insulated pliers and screw drivers (and only on LT).
55
Electrical Safety and • Treat all electrical conductors and apparatus always as live and
Disaster Management consequently dangerous to human life unless it is positively known to be
dead and properly earthed and take precautions accordingly.

• Keep safe distance from rotating equipment. Do not attempt to handle

them while working.

• While working on live conductors, do not roll-up sleeves as dry cloth gives
some protection against shocks.

• When more than one Low Tension (LT) circuit is laid from a transformer,
ensure that street light circuits are also separate. It is better to take line
clear on both Current Transformer (CT) circuits.

• When loads on one transformer are transferred on to another, note it in the

log book and intimate the duty staff.

• Ensure all three blades of AB Switches are open before working.

• Remember that loose connections can cause fires.

• Maintain discipline and the right attitude.

• Avoid haste while working.

• Avoid joking while working.

• Mind your personal safety and do not depend on others.

DON’Ts

• Do not wear loose dresses or dresses having metal buttons.

• Do not use shoes with metal nails etc. Shoes should preferably have
rubber soles.

• Do not use items made of metal like chains of wrist watch, key bunches,
rings, bracelets, etc. while on work as these might come in close proximity
to live parts and cause serious, if not fatal, injury.

• Do not throw tools at each other while at work.

• Do not work if you feel exhausted.

• Do not use rubber gloves / gauntlets should not be used for works of
voltage class 33 kV and above.

+ , -

Electric shock and fire are two major hazards in electrical installations and we
would like to deal with them in some detail. We begin by taking up the
56 prevention and handling of electric shock.
7.4.1 Prevention and Handling of Electric Shock Accident
Prevention and
You have learnt in Unit 6 that electricity always attempts to travel to the Protection
ground and will follow the path of least resistance to get there. If a conductor
of electricity becomes available, electric current will follow that path to ground.
The tools and equipment you use and even your own body, which is
Electricity travels at
approximately 70% water, are excellent conductors. Becoming part of the path
very high speeds, at
to ground can damage your equipment and can cause serious personal injury which you don't get
including severe burns and even death (Box 7.3). a warning. There is
no time to react. This
is why it is important
Box 7.3: Some Facts about Electric Shock
to RESPECT
ELECTRICITY each
People suffer from electric shock when they touch an electrically charged and every time you
object while in contact with another surface capable of conducting electricity use it or work
to the ground. The current then flows through them. The severity of the around it.
shock depends on the amperage, duration of contact and resistance of the All voltages are
pathway through the body. For example, damp skin is less resistant to dangerous. Even low
current flow and permits greater current to flow through. For this reason, you voltage shock may
should work in a dry environment while handling electrical equipment. be fatal.

The seriousness of a shock also depends on the path the current takes
through the body. For example, a small current passing through the heart is
much more critical than current passing between two fingers of the same
hand.

Testing for live current with one hand

instead of two reduces the risk of a
dangerous shock by making current
less likely to flow through the heart.
In a serious shock accident, the path
that the electric current takes through
the body gets very hot. Burns occur all
along that path, including the places on
the skin where the current enters and
leaves the body.

People can feel electrical currents at levels as low as approximately 1

milliampere (mA) current, which produces a slight tingling sensation.
Increasing current levels above the 5 mA "let go" threshold can cause loss of
muscular control, irregular heart rhythm and, finally, cardiac arrest. Five mA
is only a small fraction of the current needed to power a 60-watt bulb, which
draws about 1/2 amp, or 500 mA. Electrocutions can occur even if actual
contact is not made with the line. The greater the line voltage, the farther
electricity is able to "jump" to a ground conductor.

Personnel working in power utilities can safeguard themselves by following

the practices described in this section.

In Table 7.2, we outline the measures that can be taken to prevent and handle
electric shock. Technicians who work on electrical installations and equipment
can prevent accidents by following these general instructions.
57
Electrical Safety and Table 7.2: Preventing and Handling Electric shock
Disaster Management
DOs
Place yourself in a safe and
secure position to avoid
slipping, stumbling, or moving
backward against live
conductors or apparatus.
Stop all out-doors work on
electrical system in the event of
near approach of a lighting
storm.
Disconnect the supply
immediately in case of fire near
electrical apparatus.
Remove the casualty from the
cause, render first-aid and
send for doctor and take the
casualty to a hospital or
dispensary.
Study carefully and practice
first-aid treatment for injured
persons such as the
instructions for resuscitation
(artificial respiration) after
electric shock, displayed at
every major electrical
installation.
Report all accidents, whether
minor or major, non-fatal or
fatal, immediately to the
person in-charge.
58
DON’Ts
Do not rely for protection
upon the care assumed to be
exercised by others.
Do not take unnecessary risk
with electricity. Low voltage,
under certain circumstances,
can be more dangerous than
high voltage.
Do not leave the casualty in
contact with live apparatus.
SWITCH OFF CURRENT
IMMEDIATELY.
Do not discontinue artificial
respiration until recovery or
death is certified by doctor.
It may take even more than
2 to 3 hours for recovery.
Do not attempt to disengage
a person in contact with a
live apparatus which cannot
be switched OFF
immediately. Insulate
yourself from earth by
standing on rubber-mat or
dry-board before attempting
to get him/her clear. Do not
touch his/her body. Pull
him/her by clothes if they
are dry or push him/her
clear with a piece of dry
wood.
Do not remove the body
without the permission of
the Police even after
certification of death by
doctor.
Some additional precautions are given below: Accident
Prevention and
• persons other than utility employees should not try to replace street lights Protection
or set right service wires;

• the nearest utility office should be informed if loose or hanging wires are
noticed;

• take extra precautions when working in abnormally damp areas;

• when, either accidentally or otherwise, live mains and apparatus constitute

a danger to persons in a public place, a person should be detailed to
stand-by and personally warn the public until the danger has been
removed;

• all portable electrical apparatus should be regularly examined, tested and

maintained to ensure that the apparatus and leads are in good order;

• all loose wiring, such as flexible cables for portable lamps, tools and
trailing cables and other portable and transportable apparatus, should be
inspected and tested regularly at frequent intervals to ensure safety;

• while drilling bore wells it should be ensured that the casing pipes do not
touch live wires while they are being lifted up;

• unauthorized persons should not

− go near the distribution transformers;

− attempt replacement of transformer fuses;
− touch low lying or snapped conductors;
− lean against electric poles; and
− stand beneath overhead lines while heavy winds are blowing.

Precautions to be taken before providing Temporary Earth

• Ensure that the line / equipment are not live.

• Allow only authorized person to provide temporary earth or remove it.

• Firmly connect insulated wires (for providing earthing) to earth electrode

before touching any equipment.

• Take care that the earth wire is not close to other live wires.

• Provide temporary earth on both sides of work spot.

• While disconnecting, first disconnect the earth rods from line / equipment.

• Ensure that the person providing the temporary earth wears rubber gloves/
gauntlets.

• Ensure that the person providing the earthing procedure is at a lower level
than the line / equipment being earthed and other workmen are 6 metres
away while earthing.
59
Electrical Safety and • Do not allow the earthing to be disconnected until the whole work is
Disaster Management completed and cleared of people and materials.

• Make sure that while work is being done on a 3 phase line, all conductors
are earthed even if work is being done only on one phase.

• Ensure that while one or more workmen are working at a height, others are
away so that if tools or materials are dropped accidentally, they are not
hurt.

• Every employee should watch his/her counterparts that safety procedures

are being followed.

• Whenever a switch is found open, check up why it is kept open, examine

the parts of lines and equipment it is controlling and ensure that it is safe to
recluse before doing so.

• Ensure that your hands or clothes are not wet while earthing / working. It is
unsafe to check whether a line is live or dead with bare hands or other
methods.

. )%( !" ! / "

% 0 1

Recall an accident due to electric shock at your work place. How was the
case handled? What more could have been done? How could the accident
have been prevented using the measures described in this section?

………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….

7.4.2 Line Clears and Precautions

In the course of your work, you would be supervising technical personnel
working on various electric lines. Therefore, you should be aware of the
associated precautions. We begin with safety around overhead lines.

Safety around Overhead Lines

Overhead power lines are not insulated and looks can be deceiving. What
may appear as insulation is weatherproofing material. Wires should not be
touched under ANY circumstances.

There is a minimum safe distance which should be maintained when working

near energized power lines and you have read about it in the previous section.
Note that the minimum safe distance increases as the voltage increases. Safe
distances also can be affected by weather conditions and other factors.
Additional minimum safe distances for various voltages are shown in
Table 7.3.

60
 Table 7.3: Minimum Safe Distances around Overhead Power Lines Accident
Prevention and
Protection
Line voltage Minimum safe distance

Up to 50 kV 3 m (10 feet)

50k to 200 kV 5 m (15 feet)

200to 350 kV 7 m (20 feet)

350to 500 kV 8 m (25 feet)

500 to 750 kV 12 m (35 feet)

750 to 1,000 kV 15 m (45 feet)

We now describe the other safety precautions that need to be observed.

• Till a Line Clear (LC) is received from all sources every line or equipment
should be treated as live. No person should get up a pole or work on any
lines or equipment unless s/he is specifically authorized to do so. Line
clears can be issued or received only by authorized persons. When it is
not possible to receive or return line clear in person, the same can be done
over telephone but clear identity by way of voice and also a code should
be followed. Adequate clearance between lines on which work is being
done and other live wires should be ensured or line clears taken on those
lines also.

• While issuing line clear

− switch off supply and ensure that the work spot where LC is
requisitioned is disconnected from all possible sources of supply;
− ensure personally that all blades of all operating switches are open;
and
− discharge the line / equipment using properly earthed discharge rods
and by wearing rubber gloves / gauntlets.

• While returning line clear

− only the person who obtained the line clear can return the same;
− the person returning the line clear should ensure that the line /
equipment is clear of all people, materials and earthing;
− inform all colleagues that the LC is being returned and that it is no
more safe to work on that line/equipment;
− person receiving back the LC should ensure that no more LCs are
pending return; and
61
Electrical Safety and − the entire team of personnel should stay back until such time as the
Disaster Management line/equipment is recharged and leave the work spot only after re-
charging.

You may like to go through the following check list before you permit your
technicians to work on electric lines.

CHECKLIST BEFORE WORKING ON ELECTRIC LINES

• Have you undergone safety training?

• Have you opened the A B Switch feeding supply?
• Are the LT fuses removed?
• Are cables at Dn box away and not touching it?
• Have you provided temporary earths at work spot?
• Are you wearing gloves?
• Did you check the earth rod in place?
• Are you wearing helmet?
• Have you taken the safety belt with you?
• Are you confident of getting up the pole?
• Did you ensure that all other members in your team are following all
safety precautions?

An LC Form (see format in Appendix 2) needs to be filled up and signed by an

authorized person.

7.4.3 Fire Prevention and Protection

Fire can be a major safety hazard in electrical installations and you must know
the safety procedures in case of a fire breaking out or to prevent fire. Every
substation should train its employees in fire fighting. It should form its own fire
fighting team. Teams should be given frequent mock drills. The duty of each
member of the fire fighting team should be written and circulated among the
staff. A list of all employees with their contact numbers and home addresses
should be displayed in the substation.

62 Fig. 7.11: Fire − a Major Hazard in Electrical Utilities

First and foremost, you should be aware of the factors that feed fire so that Accident
you can prevent it by eliminating them. This is the basic principle of fire- Prevention and
Protection
fighting. Then, you should know certain general guidelines for preventing fire
in your workplace, which should be followed at the organisational level.

PRINCIPLE OF FIRE-FIGHTING

Eliminate one of the three factors that cause fire:

HEAT: By cooling water, etc.

OXYGEN: By smothering and

excluding air.

FUEL: By segregation, cooling or

smothering.

REMEMBER: JUST BREAK THE FIRE TRIANGLE! PREVENT FIRE!

Box 7.4: General Guidelines for Preventing Fire

Eliminate potential sources of fire.

Select adequately rated equipments for normal and abnormal

duties.

Install, operate and maintain the equipment within the limit of

design.

Prevent Hot Spots: Overloading should not be done as it causes

insulation failure and fire. Heat detector alarm system and
protective relay should be used to alert and disconnect equipment
before preset temperature is reached due to overload.

Adopt arrangements necessary to limit the spread of fire as well as

its control.

All oil filled equipment such as transformers and switchgears

should be located outdoors. Indoor transformers and switchgears
should be dry type.

In a substation, switchgears and transformers should be kept in

separate areas. Auxiliary room, Battery room and Control room
should be separate and located away from main power equipments.
Two exits should be provided in the rooms where operating
personnel work.

It is a statutory requirement that the company’s and consumers’

switch gears should be separated by fire proof wall.
63
Electrical Safety and Preventing Fire and Explosions at the Individual Level
Disaster Management
Here are some Dos and Don’ts, which will help you to prevent fire breaking out
or spreading in an electrical installation. Pay special attention to these
instructions as fire can be devastating.

DOs

• Organize precautionary fire-drill and check fire-fighting apparatus

periodically.

• Have sufficient number of fire extinguishers located in strategic positions,

so that they may be available for immediate use in various areas.

• Wipe up oil as soon as possible; use sand to cover oil spots.

• Keep flammable material only in special containers and fire-proof rooms.

Keep flammable liquids in approved safety cans and identify them by
proper labels. Varnish, paints, lacquers and thinners are highly
inflammable and should be stored away from all open flames or possible
sources of ignition. Matches and open flames should not be used where
varnish paint or lacquer is being applied with a spray gun.

• Disconnect the supply immediately in case of fire near an electrical

apparatus.

• Make sure, when using water hose that the jet of water does not come into
contact with live apparatus.

• Be sure that the personnel are familiar with the location and proper use of
fire extinguishers in their work area.

DON’Ts

• Do not allow waste paper, rags and other combustible material to

accumulate.

• Do not allow open flames and smoking in all such areas where
inflammable liquids or gases are stored or being used. Such areas should
be posted with appropriate warning signs.

• No employee should smoke or use matches or open flames on customer’s

premises unless it is positively known that such action does not conflict
with the customer’s rules.

• Do not use fire extinguishers or electrical equipment unless they are

clearly marked as suitable for that purpose. Use sand blanket instead.

• Do not throw water on live electrical equipment. It is dangerous to you.

You may need to use fire extinguishers when fire breaks out. In order to be
able to use various classes of fire extinguishers, you should know about
different types of fire that is categorised according to the materials that are on
64 fire.
 Accident
TYPES OF FIRE Prevention and
Protection
1. Class A – Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics, solid combustible
materials that are not metals
2. Class B – Flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, grease,
acetone, any non-metal in a liquid state
3. Class C – Flammable gases such as propane, butane,
acetylene
4. Class D – Metals like potassium, sodium, aluminium,
magnesium

You may like to know: What should you do if fire breaks out in spite of all
precautions?

HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Simply remember: P-A-S-S

P – PULL THE PIN

• Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher

A – AIM THE NOZZLE LOW

• Aim the nozzle or the outlet towards the

base of the fire and then release the hose
and point. Some hose assemblies are
clipped to the body of the extinguisher.

Fig. 7.12: Different Types

of Fire
S – SQUEEZE THE HANDLE, LEVER Extinguishers

• Squeeze the handle, lever to release the

extinguishing agent. In some cases valves
are present. Before approaching the fire try
a short burst.

S – SWEEP We will try and show

you a video film on
• Sweep from side to side at the base of the how to use fire
fire until it is out. After fire is out watch for extinguishers in one
of our video-
the smouldering hot spots and possible re- conferencing
flash. Put off the fire completely. sessions.

65
 Electrical Safety and Extinguishing Fires
Disaster Management
Fire buckets, extinguishers and emulsifiers are the means of fighting fire in
power electrical installations. Fire Buckets are of 9litres capacity and filled with
sand. These are painted white from inside and post office red colour from
outside with “FIRE” written on it. Some fire extinguishers are shown in
Fig. 7.12. If you wish to learn some more details of fire-fighting in electrical
installations, you may read Appendix 3. Of course, you and your workforce
should know how to use fire extinguishers.

Before studying further, you may like to recapitulate what you have learnt in
this section.

2 % %( !" !

List the steps you would take for preventing fire.

.………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………….

.
First Aid means what you should do to reduce the suffering of the patient
after an accident until the doctor arrives. It is very important that you be
TRAINED in administering first aid as it may give life to a dying person. The
first and foremost rule is to BE PREPARED. In fact, the rule is very clear in
this respect.

INSPECTION OF FIRST AID EQUIPMENT AND BOX

All first aid equipment and box in grid station, substations and vans
should be checked periodically by an authorized person who will sign
the format F08 (COR – P-12) placed therein together with the date on
which the check was carried out.

7.5.1 First Aid Instructions

You must take the following steps immediately in the event of injury due to an
accident:
Fig. 7.13: Contents of the
• Remove the patient from the source of accident / remove the cause of
First Aid Box;
injury.
(Source:
www.safetyquest • Keep the injured person lying down in a comfortable position.
online.com) • If the breathing has ceased, take artificial respiration measures
immediately to restore it (see Sec. 7.5.2).
66
 Accident
• If the patient has received burns, attend to them as explained below.
Prevention and
• When the patient has fractured a bone, do not attempt to move him/her. Protection

• Send for medical help.

• Treat the patient for shock.
• Keep the patient warm.
• Never give water to patient.
• Keep away from the patient as per prescribed standard distances.

We now spell out the first aid measures for victims of electric shock, fire and
other injuries in the boxes given below.

Box 7.5: First Aid Treatment for Electric Shock

RELEASE FROM CONTACT

Switch off the electric supply immediately or send someone to do so. Do

not attempt to remove a person from contact with high voltages unless
suitable articles insulated for the system voltages are used for the
purposes. When attempting to free a person from contact with low or
medium voltage, use rubber gloves, shoes, mat, cardboard, plastic, wood
or insulated stick, but if these are not available use a loop of rope, cap or
coat to drag the person free. WHATEVER IS USED SHOULD BE DRY AND
NON-CONDUCTING.

AFTER RELEASE

As soon as the victim is clear off the conductor, check the person's breathing
and pulse. Rapidly feel with your finger in his/her mouth and throat and
remove any foreign matter (tobacco, false teeth etc.). If either pulse or
breathing has stopped or seems dangerously slow or shallow, begin artificial
respiration immediately. Do not stop to loosen the victim’s clothing now;
every moment of delay is serious. Keep the patient warm.

If the person is faint or pale or shows other signs of shock, lay the person
down with the head slightly lower than the trunk of his or her body and the
legs elevated.

Treat any major burns as per instructions in Box 7.6.

PHYSICAL SHOCK

In addition to suffering from electric shock it is also probable that the patient
is suffering from physical shock, and it is important that this condition also be
treated simultaneously. Keep the patient warm with blankets or coats, and if
available, apply hot water bottles on the feet.

67
Electrical Safety and Box 7.6: Burns
Disaster Management
BURNS

First distinguish a MINOR BURN from a SERIOUS BURN. These three

classifications will help you determine emergency care:

First-degree: The least serious burns are those in which only the outer
layer of skin (epidermis) is burned. Treat this as a minor burn unless it
involves substantial portions of the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks or
a major joint.

Second-degree: When the first layer of skin has been burned through and
the second layer of skin (dermis) also is burned, the injury is termed
second-degree burn. Blisters develop and the skin takes on an intensely
reddened, splotchy appearance. Second-degree burns produce severe
pain and swelling. If the second-degree burn is no larger than 2 to 3
inches in diameter, treat it as a minor burn. If the burnt area is larger or if
the burn is on the hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks or over a major joint,
GET MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY.

Third-degree: The most serious burns are painless and involve all layers
of the skin. Fat, muscle and even bone may be affected. Areas may be
charred black or appear dry and white. Difficulty inhaling and exhaling,
carbon monoxide poisoning or other toxic effects may occur if smoke
inhalation accompanies the burn.

For minor burns, including second-degree burns limited to an area no

larger than 2 to 3 inches in diameter, take the following action:

Cool the burn. Hold the burned area under cold running water for 15
minutes or immerse it in cold water or cool it with cold compresses.
DON'T PUT ICE ON THE BURN.

Once a burn is completely cooled, apply an aloe vera lotion, a triple

antibiotic ointment or a moisturizer. Cover the burn with a sterile gauze
bandage. Don't use fluffy cotton, which may irritate the skin. Wrap the
gauze loosely to avoid putting pressure on burned skin. Give an over-the-
counter pain reliever.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE ICE. PUTTING ICE DIRECTLY ON A BURN CAN

CAUSE FROSTBITE, FURTHER DAMAGING YOUR SKIN.

For major burns, call for emergency medical assistance. Until an

emergency unit arrives, follow these steps:
• DO NOT REMOVE BURNT CLOTHING. However, do make sure the
victim is no longer in contact with smouldering materials or exposed
to smoke or heat.
• Make sure that the victim is breathing. If breathing has stopped or you
suspect that the person's airway is blocked, try to clear the airway
and, if necessary, carry out artificial respiration. COVER THE AREA
OF THE BURN. Use a cool, moist sterile bandage or clean cloth.

68
 Box 7.7: Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion Accident
Prevention and
Protection
HEAT STROKE

Hot and humid atmosphere and inadequate intake of water can lead to a
heat stroke. It is a serious and often fatal condition. Heat stroke is an
entirely different reaction in the human body, to the same conditions,
which give rise to heat exhaustion. The victim shows mental excitement,
restlessness, vomiting, muscular cramps and high temperature.

CARE AND TREATMENT

• Wrap the patient up completely in cold water soaked bed sheet.

• Fan vigorously.

• Send for doctor.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion occurs among workers in stuffy atmosphere or in

overheated, poorly ventilated rooms. The person may feel giddy or faint.
The skin of the victim is always cold and moisture retention by wearing
loose clothing, drinking large quantities of water is possible.

ACTIVE FIRST AID TREATMENT FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Remove patient to cooler conditions in the fresh air.

• Lay him/her down and loosen all clothing around neck.

• Fan him/her vigorously.

• Dash cold water on the neck and head to stimulate the victim.

There are scientifically approved methods to resurrect a person who has met
with an electrical accident and we indicate some of them in this section.
69
Electrical Safety and THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION AND AWARENESS. PLEASE DO NOT
Disaster Management TRY THESE TECHNIQUES UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED IN THEM.

7.5.2 Artificial Respiration and Chest Compression

Artificial respiration involves a combination of mouth-to-mouth rescue
breathing and chest compression (Fig.7.14). It keeps oxygenated blood
flowing to the brain and other vital organs until appropriate medical treatment
can restore a normal heart rhythm.

Breathing: Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is the quickest way to get

oxygen into a person' s lungs. However, if you are not trained in emergency
procedures, doctors recommend skipping mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing
and proceeding directly to chest compression. The reason is that if you are
distracted by trying to perform unfamiliar breathing techniques, valuable
lifesaving minutes might be lost for the person who needs help. The most
important thing you can do is to proceed directly to chest compression to
move blood to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. If you are trained
in emergency procedures, it is important to do both mouth-to-mouth rescue
breathing and chest compression.

Chest compression: Chest compressions replace the heartbeat when it has

stopped. Compressions help maintain some blood flow to the brain, lungs and
heart. You must perform rescue breathing anytime you perform chest
compressions.

Before starting artificial respiration, assess the situation:

• Is the person conscious or unconscious?

• If the person appears unconscious, tap or shake his or her shoulder

and ask loudly, "Are you OK?"

• If the person doesn't respond, follow the steps below and get help by
calling for emergency medical assistance. If you cannot leave the
scene, have someone else call.

To perform mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and chest compression:

• Position the person so you can check for signs of life by laying the
person flat on their back on a firm surface and extending the neck.

• Open the person'

s mouth and airway by lifting the chin forward.

• Determine whether the person is breathing by simultaneously listening

for breathing sounds, feeling for air motion on your cheek and ear, and
looking for chest motion.

• If the person is not breathing, pinch his or her nostrils closed, make a
seal around the mouth and breathe into his or her mouth twice. Give
one breath every five seconds — 12 breaths each minute — and
completely refill your lungs after each breath.
70
 Accident
Prevention and
Protection

(a)
(d)

(b)

(e)
(c)

Fig. 7.14: Artificial Respiration in Basic Life Support. a) The Victim should be
Flat on His/Her Back and His/Her Mouth should be Checked for Debris;
b) If the Victim is Unconscious, Open Airway, Lift Neck, and Tilt Head
Back; c) If Victim is not Breathing, begin Artificial Breathing with Four
Quick Full Breaths; d) Check for Carotid Pulse; e) If Pulse is Absent,
Begin Artificial Circulation by Depressing Sternum (Source:
www.surgeryencyclopedia.com)

If there are no signs of life — no response, movement or breathing — begin

chest compressions (Fig. 7.15):

• Place your hands over the lower part of the breastbone, keep your elbows
straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands to make the
best use of your weight.
• Push down 1 ½ to 2 inches at a rate of 80 to 100 times a minute. The
Fig. 7.15: Chest
pushing down and letting up phase of each cycle should be equal in Compression
duration. Do not jab down and relax. After 15 compressions, breathe into
the person's mouth twice.
• After every four cycles of 15 compressions and two breaths, recheck for
signs of life. Continue the rescue manoeuvres as long as there are no
signs of life.

Continue the artificial respiration without interruption, until natural breathing is

restored, or until the physician arrives. A brief return to natural respiration is
not a certain indication for stopping the resuscitation. The patient must be
71
Electrical Safety and watched, and if natural breathing stops, artificial respiration be resumed at
Disaster Management once. In carrying out resuscitation it may be necessary to change the operator.
This change must be made without losing the rhythm of respiration. By this
procedure no confusion results at the time of change of operator and a regular
rhythm is kept up.

If patient recovers before the medical assistance arrives, regulate your

artificial respiration to the rate of the patient’s breathing, and when s/he has
sufficiently recovered make her/him comfortable and give hot tea. Do not allow
patient to exert even by walking until a doctor has seen her/him as the shock
may have affected his heart.

On this note, we would like to end the unit and summarise what you have
studied.

2 3

• In this unit, we have dealt with various aspects of accident prevention,

handling and protection.
• We have presented general information about direct and indirect causes of
accidents, accident reporting procedures and investigation and the costs of
accidents.
• We have discussed various general measures that can be taken to prevent
accidents including good housekeeping and training of personnel for
upgrading their skills and maintaining the correct attitude towards
accidents.
• We have focused on cases of electric shock and fire. The safety
precautions and simple methods for handling such cases have been
presented.
• We have also discussed some preliminary first aid measures for cases of
electric shock, burns and other physical injuries. We have presented some
elementary techniques of providing artificial respiration to revive accident
victims.

1. Discuss the causes of accidents in power utilities.

2. What accident reporting and investigation procedures are followed in your

utility?

3. Suppose an accident occurs in your utility due to any of the following

factors:

a) Snapping of conductors
b) Accidental contact with live electric wire / equipment
72
 c) Violation / neglect of safety measures / lack of supervision Accident
d) Defective appliances / apparatus / tools Prevention and
Protection
e) Inadequate / lack of maintenance
f) Unauthorized work

How will you manage the situation after an accident has occurred?

4. Discuss the measures that should be taken for preventing and handling
cases of electric shock.

5. Explain the major causes for fire outbreaks in a power utility. What
techniques can be used for handling and preventing such fires?

6. Describe the first aid measures to help the victims of

a) electric shock,
b) burns,
c) physical shock,
d) heat exhaustion, and
e) heat stroke.

73
Electrical Safety and
Disaster Management )) 4 )

1. Date and time of Accident.

2. Place of accident.( Village/Town, Tehsil/Thana, District and State).

3. System and voltage of supply. (Whether EHV/HV/LV Line, sub-station/ generating

station/ consumer’s installations/ service lines/ other installations).

4. Designation of officer in charge of the supplier in whose jurisdiction the accident

occurred.

5. Name of owner / user of energy in whose premises the accident occurred.

6. Details of victim(s):

a) Human:

Sl. Name Father’s Sex of Full Postal Approximate Fatal /

No. Name Victim Address Age Non
fatal

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

b) Animal:

Sl. Description of Numbers Name(s) of Address(es) of Fatal /

No. Animal(s) Owner(s) Owner(s) Non-fatal

1 2 3 4 5 6

7. In case the victim(s) is / are employee(s) of supplier

a) Designation of such person(s).

b) Brief description of job undertaken if any.
c) Whether such person / persons was / were allowed to work on the job.

8. In case the victim(s) is an employee(s) of a licensed contractor:-

a) did the victim(s) possess any electric workmen’s permit(s), supervisor’s

certificate of competency issued under Rule 45?

If yes, give number and date of issue and the name of issuing authority.

b) name and designation of the person who assigned the duties of the victim(s).
74
9. In case of accident in the supplier’s system, was the permit to work (PTW) taken? Accident
Prevention and
10. a) Describe fully the nature and extent of injuries, e.g. fatal / disablement Protection
(permanent or temporary) of any portion of the body or burns or other injuries.

b) In case of fatal accident, was the post-mortem performed?

11. Detailed causes leading to the accident.

(to be given in a separate sheet annexed to this form)

12. Action taken regarding first-aid, medical attendance, etc. immediately after the
occurrence of the accident (give details).

13. Whether the District Magistrate and Police Station concerned have been notified
of the accident (if so, give details).

14. Steps taken to preserve the evidence in connection with the accident to extent
possible.

15. Name and designation(s) of the person(s) assisting, supervising the person(s)
killed or injured.

16. What safety equipments were given to and used by the person(s) who met with
this accident (e.g. rubber gloves, rubber mats, safety belts and ladders etc).

17. Whether isolating switches and other sectionalizing devices were employed to
deaden the sections for working on the same? Whether working section was
earthed at the site of work?

18. Whether the work on live lines was undertaken by authorized person(s). If so, the
name and the designation of such person(s) may be given.

19. Whether artificial resuscitation treatment was given to the person(s) who met with
the electric accident? If yes, how long was it continued before its abandonment?

20. Names and designations of persons present at and witnessed the accident.

21. Any other information / remarks.

Signature

Place:
Name………………..

Time:
Designation…………

Date: Address of the person reporting

75
Electrical Safety and
Disaster Management )) 4

1. I hereby declare that the following line / equipment is made dead and that it is
cleared from all possible sources of supply.

2. I have switched off all points of supply under my control which can energize the
line / equipment

3. I have fixed “MEN ON LINE Boards” indicating that line clear is issued at all
such points.

4. Please obtain similar LC from other sources if the line / equipment can be
charged from alternate sources other than mine
“Line / equipment on which LC is issued”

5. All other parts are live and dangerous. Discharging rods are connected at the
following points at the source side

6. Please ensure that the temporary earths is provided on either side of the
workspot before proceeding with the work

7. Name, designation, date & time of issue

Sd/ ………..

8. Received the above line clear

Name, designation, date and time

Sd/………….

9. Return of line clear

I hereby declare that the above line / equipment is cleared of all men, materials
and temporary earths and that I have alerted all men that it is no more safe to
work on the live / equipment

Sd/-
Name, designation, date & time

10. All earths / discharge rods removed at source end, men online boards
removed, ensured no more line clears are pending hence LC is cancelled

Sd/-
Name, designation, date & time

11. Line / equipment recharged on (date) at Hrs… mts..

Sd/-
Name, designation, date & time

76
 )) 4$ ) * Accident
Prevention and
) Protection

5
Electricity is a clean form of energy, which can be transported from the source
of supply to the place of usage. This inherent property of electricity is
advantageous in minimizing the risk of fire. It has been accepted at large-scale
This material has
even in potentially hazardous areas. Measures adopted for reliable operation been adapted from
invariably reduce the risk of fire. Therefore all possible precautions should be the Article by
taken at the time of design. Shri Jagmohan
Vaid of Unique
Elimination of Electric Fire Hazards Complete Safety
Solution presented
Electrical faults caused by failure of insulation, improper earthing or any other in the DRUM
materials.
snag in the system can ignite fire. The design approach should eliminate/
minimize these causes. Insulation damage is caused by thermal stress,
mechanical stress, moisture, dirt, and high voltage. The following measures
would help in tackling insulation damage:

• To avoid thermal stress, we should choose equipment of suitable rating for

expected duty.
• To minimize mechanical vibrations, equipment should be installed on
properly designed foundation.
• Idle equipment in humid areas should be kept warm by use of heaters.
• Lightning arrestors should be installed to prevent high voltage search.
• To ensure the system is maintained within the desired limit of operation,
automatic voltage regulators should be used. Over voltage relays are used
to isolate the equipment, which are subjected to excessive voltage than
permitted.
• Guards are provided on transmission lines to prevent fault due to birds.
• Vermin proof enclosures should be used for indoor switchgears.

Insulation failure results in dissipation of large magnitudes of fault current at

the place of fault. Therefore effective steps should be taken to limit the
magnitude of fault currents as well as its duration. Reactors should be used in
the power system network at places where fault levels are to be restricted.
Protective relays, circuit breakers and adequately rated fuses should be used
to minimize fire during fault. Protective relays provide the first line of defence.
These relays are backed up by “Back Up” relays. Reliability measures are built
in to ensure correct operation when required.

Grounding

The ohmic value of the grounding main of electrical installation should be as

low as possible. It is necessary to connect all ground points in the area grid by
duplicate earth connections. Segregated non-current carrying metallic parts
should be electrically bonded. Since improper grounding may give rise to
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Electrical Safety and voltage surges, which cause fire, it is necessary to keep a record of the
Disaster Management ground resistance value as well as the physical condition of the grounding
mail.

Maintenance Operating Procedures

Besides following the routine maintenance practices prescribed for the

equipment, special diagnostic tests should be connected to detect incipient
faults. High voltage testers, timing test, contact and insulation resistance
measurements are some tests, which could be carried out. Monitoring the
trend of the results of tests will enable you to take out equipment and rectify
the faults before they develop into serious troubles.

In polluted areas, the insulators require frequent cleanings. Silicon grease is

applied to insulators to reduce pollution deposits. Operating instructions
should be written taking into account all anticipated normal and abnormal
operating conditions. The safety tagging system should be adopted. Interlocks
must form part of the equipment designed to ensure that electrical equipment
is put in and taken out in the correct manner.

Arrangements to Limit Spread of Fire

Switch Gears: Switchgear cubicles should be divided into high and low
voltage parts with complete separation. In addition, fire barrier should be
provided between cable box compartments, bus bars and the circuit breakers.
Each cubicle should be completely isolated from the other by metallic partition.
The bus bar turning should also have fire barrier between compartments. The
bus bars should be covered with insulating sleeves to avoid fault. When a fault
interrupts, gas products are debited away from the electrically live parts.

Cable Trenches: The power cables and control cables should not be run in
the same trenches. Alternating and direct current control cables should be
separate. Armoured control cables are to be preferred as they minimize short
circuits due to mechanical damage. The station grounding conductors should
not be run in the control cable trench. The cable trenches should be skirted
and covered to avoid water collection in the trench.

Transformers: Fault inside oil filled transformers, particularly at the bushing is

a serious fire hazard. The following measures should be taken to prevent the
spread of fire to other areas:

• Soak pits should be made below the transformer tank and should be filled
up with rubbles. The soak pit should be connected to a brunt oil tank
located away from all the equipments to contain the excess oil in the soak
pit.
• The transformers should be segregated in separate enclosures preferably
with fire resisting barriers.
• The cable trenches should be blocked near transformers to prevent hot
burning finding its way through the trenches to neighbouring equipment.
Transformers should be provided with automatic fire suppression system,
i.e. emulsification.
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Fire Extinguishers of the following types should be available at all electrical Accident
installations: Prevention and
Protection
• Mechanical Foam Fire Extinguisher used on class ‘B’ type of fire.
• Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher (Sodium bi Carbonate) used
on ‘B’ & ‘C’ type of fire. It is especially suitable for fire due to oil and
electrical faults.
• Dry Chemical Powder Fire Extinguisher (Ammonium Phosphate) used
on ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and electrical fire.
• CO2 Fire Extinguisher used on all types of fire.

Emulsifier is a system of application of water at a particular angle on burning

transformer oil. The system contains water tank and a pump room having
water pumping system, i.e., main pump and jockey pump. The system is set at
°
auto mode at pre determined temperature - normally 67 C. Emulsifier points
automatically water spray at a particular angle on burning transformer oil.
Thus, fire gets extinguished.

Requirement of Fire Extinguishers as per TAC Recommendation

One 9 litres fire bucket should be provided for every 100 m of floor area or part
there of.

One 9 litres mechanical foam fire extinguisher / 5kg Dry powder fire
extinguisher / 4.5 kg CO2 Fire Extinguisher should be provided to six buckets
or part thereof with minimum of one fire extinguisher and two buckets per
compartment. Buckets may be dispensed with provided the supply of
extinguisher is one and a half times as indicated here above.

Fire Hazards in Transformers

Transformers carry current and generate heat due to a variety of energy

losses. They need to be cooled by dissipating the heat. Transformers can be
classified into three types depending upon the heat dissipation facility and
insulation used: Dry Type Transformer, Askarel Insulated Type, and Oil
Insulated Type.

Fires in dry type transformers occur due to insulation failures of windings.

Askarel-insulated transformer is very safe as the liquid used for insulation are
non flammable in nature. The cost of these transformers, however, is very
high compared to other types. Oil insulated type transformer are the most
common and present the greatest fire hazard. Although during normal
operation, the heat is efficiently dissipated, fires in oil insulated transformers
can result due to abnormal condition caused by:

• Overload during switching or through lightning’s surges.

• Gradual deteriorations of insulation, transformer oil etc.
• Low oil level itself
• Failure of insulating bushings
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Electrical Safety and An arcing that follows an electrical breakdown can burn through the case or
Disaster Management vaporize the oil, creating pressure sufficient to force off the cover or rupture
the casing. Considerable burning oil may then be expelled and an intense
fire/explosion may follow.

Table 1: Use of Fire Extinguishers

Type of Class A Class B Class C General

Extinguisher
Carbon Suitable for Suitable. Suitable. In these
Even if premises are dioxide small Does not Non extinguishers, liquid
equipped with an surface leave conductor CO2 contained in a
automatic sprinkler fires only. residue or and does strong cylinder is
installation, it is affect not damage released by the valve
necessary to have equipment equipment. or trigger and sends
portable fire or food out a shower of gas or
extinguishers as these stuff. “snow” which both
may enable an outbreak cools and stops fire.
to be extinguished Dry Chemical Suitable for Suitable. Suitable.
before the automatic small Chemical Chemical is
sprinkler comes into surface releases a non-
operation. Portable fires only. smothering conductor,
foam, soda acid or water gas and fog ordinary
fire fighting equipment is fog and chemical
intended for non- shields shields the
electrical fires and operation operator
should not be used on from heat. from heat.
electrical apparatus fires
unless such apparatus Foam Suitable. Suitable. Unsuitable. Fire is extinguished is
has been made dead. Has both Smotherin Foam being by blanketing or
smothering g blanket a conductor smothering with a
and wetting does not should not heavy layer of a
action. dissipate, be used on foamy substance
floats on live consisting of largely of
top of equipment. tiny bubbles of CO2.
spilled
liquid.
Water Suitable. Unsuitable. Unsuitable.
Water Water will Water being
saturates spread and conductor
material not put it should not
and out. be used on
prevents live electric
rekindling equipment.
Carbon tetra- Suitable. Suitable. Suitable. These are available in
chloride To a limited Releases Non- one quart size and
extent on heavy conductor above and are of the
Class ‘A’ smothering and will not pump or pressure
Fires. gas on damage type. The liquid is
fires. equipment. pumped on to the fire
and extinguishes the
fire by smothering it.
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Safe Practices Accident
Prevention and
Many fires, which frequently occur on transformers in operation all over the Protection
country, can be prevented easily if established safe practices are followed by
generating stations and owners of such equipment. Such safe practices are
stipulated in the Indian Standards, the rules of the TAC and in other codes of
practice. The important safety precautions are the following:

• As far as possible, transformers should be installed in separate fire

resistant compartments.

• Automatic water spray systems to protect both outdoor and indoor

transformers should be provided.

• Periodic checks for purity, breakdown voltage, acidity and ageing of

products in the insulating oil must be carried out as per the manufacturers’
instructions or the relevant Indian standards.

Protection System

Modern transformers are very expensive and warrant special fire protection
systems. There is sufficient value in the thousands of gallons of oil and
external attachments (e.g., fans, controls, tap changing equipment,
instruments bushings, lighting arrestor) to justify some type of fixed fire
extinguishing equipment. Fixed water spray systems are normally
recommended for safeguarding transformers against fire hazards.

Water Spray System: A solid stream of water discharged from a hose will not
extinguish an oil fire as water, being heavier than oil, sinks to the bottom of the
oil surface and, in fact, agitates the flame thus intensifying the fire. It was
discovered in the year 1932 that water released in fine drops and directed at
the surface of an oil fire at an optimum velocity produces an emulsion of oil in
water which will float and extinguish fire. As a result the emulsifier or water
spray system came into use during 1933-36. Basically, the system consists of
a number of nozzles located around the transformer on pipe headers charged
with water under pressure. A detection system that automatically detects the
fire also activates the spray system to release fine droplets of water all over
the surface of the transformer.

The practical location of the piping and nozzles with respect to the surface to
which the spray is to be applied, or to the zone in which the spray is to be
effective, is determined by the physical arrangement and protection needs.
Once the criteria are established, the size (rate of discharge) of nozzles to be
used, the angle of the nozzle discharge cone, and the water pressure needed
can be determined. Once the type of nozzle has been selected and the
location and spacing to give the desired area coverage has been determined,
hydraulic calculations are made to establish the appropriate pipe sizes and
water supply requirement.

When water spray is to be used for fire protection of oil filled electrical
equipment such as transformers and large switch gear, special care must be 81
Electrical Safety and taken to provide safe electrical clearance. Many factors govern the size of a
Disaster Management water spray system, including the nature of hazards or combustibles involved,
amount of type of equipment to be protected, adequacy of other protection,
and the size of the area which could be involved in a single fire. Because most
water spray systems must perform as deluge type systems with all nozzles or
devices open and because a high density of water discharge is needed there
is a heavy demand for water. Each hazard should be protected by its own
system which should be adequate for dependable protection.

Water Supplies: Fixed spray systems are usually supplied from one or more
of the following:

• Connections from reliable water- work system of adequate capacity and

pressure.

• Automatic fire pumps having reliable power and a water supply of

adequate capacity and reliability.

• An elevated (gravity) tank of adequate capacity and elevation.

The capacity of pressure tanks generally is inadequate to supply water spray

systems. Such tanks, however, may be accepted as water supplies to small
systems.

Maintenance: It is important that fixed water spray systems be inspected and

maintained on a regularly scheduled program. Items such as strainers, piping,
control valves, heat actuated device and the spray nozzles should be included
in the schedule for regular check and maintenance.

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