Electrical Shock from Workover Tower Plug

Cause & Consequence

• Electricity, electrical discharge, short circuit or overload

Incident Location

Fixed Installation

Incident Activity

Maintenance

Incident Info Source

Scott Mitchell

Specific Incident Equipment

254v 16A 3-Pole Electrical Extension Plug; IP66

Lessons Identified

Lesson Learnt #1 - Increase awareness amongst personnel as to the dangers of working with electrical equipment in wet conditions and ensure that appropriate controls are implemented

·Lesson Learnt #2 – Despite the plug passing a Portable Appliance Test (PAT), it was found to have an internal fault. A more rigorous level of inspection may be prudent following a major change such as the skidding of a HWO Tower.

·Lesson Learnt #3 – Personnel carrying out fault finding of electrical equipment should verify by closer inspection that any external damage to electrical cable has affected the internal components.

Incident Recommendations

Recommendation #1 - Increased awareness amongst personnel as to electrical safety in wet conditions.

Recommendation #2 - Contact the plug supplier and review the electrical QC process. Additionally, seek assurances as to the actions being taken in order to prevent this type of occurrence from happening again.

Recommendation #3 - Use available Client Electrical PAT check sheet on initial Rig-Up and after skidding operation when re-connecting electrics.