causses of fatal and non-fatal accidents

44
CHAPTER – 1 SAFETY WHAT IS SAFETY? a. Safety means prevention of accidents which can result into injury or death to one, his fellow employee or the public, or damage to property of public or Wapda. b. Safety however is not just a matter of luck, nor it is a product of uncontrollable forces like the weather. c. It is the responsibility of every employee in the WAPDA / PEPCO to prevent accidents. POLICY OF WAPDA. Basic safety policy can be summed up as follows: “No operating conditions or urgency of service can ever justify endangering the life of any one” 1

Upload: jawad-amjad

Post on 27-Dec-2015

89 views

Category:

Documents


4 download

DESCRIPTION

Study

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CHAPTER – 1

SAFETY

WHAT IS SAFETY?

a. Safety means prevention of accidents which can result into injury or

death to one, his fellow employee or the public, or damage to property

of public or Wapda.

b. Safety however is not just a matter of luck, nor it is a product of

uncontrollable forces like the weather.

c. It is the responsibility of every employee in the WAPDA / PEPCO to

prevent accidents.

POLICY OF WAPDA.Basic safety policy can be summed up as follows:

“No operating conditions or urgency of service can ever justify

endangering the life of any one”

CHARACTER OF ORGANIZATION.An organization is judged best by the attitude and conduct of all of it,

employees. Since WAPDA is engaged in a vital public service, we have a

particular obligation to carry out this service efficiently, and with proper regard

for the safety of ourselves, our fellow workers, the public, and property. Safety

of line staff can be achieved only through intelligence, cooperation and

implementation of safety measures.

1

Page 2: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CHAPTER - 2

CAUSES OF FATAL AND NON-FATAL ACCIDENTS

We will discuss the causes of accidents in two ways i.e. causes of

accidents in general and causes of fatal and non-fatal accidents in WAPDA

distribution system.

The general causes of accidents are divided into:-

a. DIRECT CAUSES

b. INDIRECT CAUSES

c. IN- EFFICIENT SUPERVISION

DIRECT CAUSES

Direct causes can be classified into two general types.

Unsafe Acts

Unsafe Conditions

Accidents do not just happen but they are the natural result of

UNSAFE CONTIONS and UNSAFE ACTS or they are the

combination of both.

In fact Statistics shows that 90% of accidents are due to the

human elements such as failure to use safety devices and observe safety

rules and procedure or we can say that the accidents are caused mainly

due to unsafe act of workers. Whereas unsafe conditions are contributing

less than 10%. The unsafe conditions and unsafe acts are the direct

causes of accidents.

Let us have a glance over some Unsafe Conditions and unsafe acts.

2

Page 3: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

Unsafe Conditions

Unsafe conditions are substandard physical, chemical or mechanical

conditions in the work environments which can contribute to cause an accident.

Some examples of unsafe conditions which may cause accidents are:

1. Improper Guarding:

This includes

a. Unshielded moving parts of machineb. Unbarricaded floor openings and excavationsc. Unenclosed high voltage equipmentsd. Insufficient warning signs

2. Defective Material or Equipment

Such as a. Mushroomed chiselsb. Split handles c. Deteriorated polesd. Poorly constructed or weak equipments

3. Hazardous Arrangements

Which includesa. Poor house keeping at work locationb. Unsafe planning c. Inadequate working space

4. Insufficient Light

Such asa. Unsuitable location producing glareb. Objectionable shadows

5. Improper Ventilation

Such asa. Insufficient cross of airb. Presence of harmful vapors, dust or gas.

3

Page 4: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

6. Unsafe Clothing

For examplea. Lose clothing that can entangle in wires and machinery

b. Failure to use goggles

c. Failure to use proper shoes

d. Failure to use insulated gloves

7. Unsafe Design And Construction

Which are due to deviations from standard design and specifications and poor workmanships.

UNSAFE ACTS

The endless variety of things people do or don’t do, human actions or lack of action which can contribute to causing accidents.

Some examples of Unsafe acts which may cause accidents are:-

1. Operating without Authority or Warning

This includes

a. Closing switches without authority

b. Operating hoist and trucks without warning

c. Failure to place warning signs or signal mans where needed

d. Failure to block equipment against unexpected movement

e. Failure to observe work clearance procedure

2. Operating or Working at unsafe speed

They are

a. Driving too fast

b. Throwing material or tools to another worker

c. Jumping from vehicles or platforms4

Page 5: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

d. Running

3. Making safety devices Inoperative

This includes

a. Removing Guard from machines

b. Using over size fuses

c. Blocking safety valves

d. Blocking control interlocks

e. Isolating fire protections

4. Using unsafe equipment or Using Equipment Improperly

Such as

a. Using dull cutting tools

b. Using mushroom head chisels

c. Using pipe extensions on wrenches not designed for that job.

d. Using wrong tools for the job

e. Using hands instead of hand tools

5. Unsafe Loading

Such as

a. Over loading cranes and winches

b. Carrying too heavy loads

6. Unsafe Place or Mixing

For example

a. Leaving objects where they are likely to fall

b. Improper packing

5

Page 6: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

c. Combining chemicals to form dangerous mixture

7. Taking Unsafe Position or Posture

Such as

a. Working on live conductors from above instead of below

b. Walking under suspended loads or to close to openings

c. Lifting while in awkward position

d. Entering the areas where there are dangerous gases or fumes

e. Passing on curves of hills

f. Riding on running boards or other unsafe places on vehicles

8. Working on Equipment without Taking proper precautions

Such as

a. Cleaning, oiling or adjusting moving machinery

b. Working on or near live electrical equipment

9. Distracting, teasing or startling

Such as

a. Practical joking

b. Horseplay

c. Quarreling or annoying

10. Failure to use Safe Clothing or Protective Equipment

Such as

a. Failure to use insulated gloves

b. Failure to use Hard Hat

6

Page 7: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

c. Failure to use Goggles

Indirect Causes

* Indirect causes may be of people oriented or procedural related. There

are two key things to remember about indirect causes.

* Firstly they are harder to recognize than direct causes. Many times an

indirect cause is not even a part of accident scene.

* Second unless the indirect causes are found and eliminated, it is very

likely that the resulting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions will once again

begin occurring.

In-Efficient Supervision

It is the supervisor who gambles with the safety of his people,

equipment and facilities. The ineffective supervisor is not very much

concerned with the unsafe acts or unsafe conditions and most certainly

not with the indirect causes which may be behind them. Only the

supervisor is in the position to detect indirect causes by analyzing their

results, the unsafe acts and unsafe conditions and then working to correct

or eliminate them.

7

Page 8: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CHAPTER - 3FATAL / NON FATAL ACCIDENTS

FOR THE YEAR 2005 – 06COMPARISON WITH 2004 – 05

COMPANIES

Employees Public Men Animals

Fatal Non Fatal Fatal Non Fatal Fatal

PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV

LESCO 16 11 20 13 8 16 3 0 7 3

GEPCO 12 10 15 9 0 15 1 0 0 0

FESCO 13 4 21 20 28 24 3 4 9 5

IESCO 9 10 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0

MEPCO 10 7 11 7 9 4 1 0 0 1

PESCO 12 16 11 16 15 30 7 6 1 1

TESCO 2 3 0 2 0 1 0 1 0 0

HESCO 13 14 22 16 31 43 5 13 0 8

QESCO 1 3 4 5 0 1 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 88 78 105 91 91 134 20 24 17 18

FOR THE MONTH OF 06/2006AS COMPARISON WITH 06/2005

COMPANIES

Employees Public Men Animals

Fatal Non Fatal Fatal Non Fatal Fatal

PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV

LESCO 2 1 5 2 2 1 1 0 1 0

GEPCO 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

FESCO 2 1 2 4 4 4 2 1 0 0

IESCO 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

MEPCO 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

PESCO 1 3 2 3 1 3 1 0 0 0

TESCO 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HESCO 4 2 3 2 8 6 0 0 0 0

QESCO 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 15 11 14 14 16 14 4 1 1 0

8

Page 9: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

FATAL / NON FATAL ACCIDENTS

2006-07 Vs 2005-06

COMPANIES

Employees Public Men Animals

Fatal Non Fatal Fatal Non Fatal Fatal

PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV

LESCO 13 16 28 20 23 8 21 3 7 7

GEPCO 11 12 15 15 4 0 0 1 1 0

FESCO 16 13 23 21 38 28 12 3 14 9

IESCO 8 9 7 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

MEPCO 10 10 16 11 11 9 1 1 1 0

PESCO 9 12 8 11 16 15 6 7 0 1

TESCO 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HESCO 11 13 20 22 45 31 4 5 10 0

QESCO 5 1 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 85 88 122 105 138 91 44 20 33 17

06/2007 Vs 06/2006

COMPANIES

Employees Public Men Animals

Fatal Non Fatal Fatal Non Fatal Fatal

PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV

LESCO 2 2 1 5 0 2 0 1 0 1

GEPCO 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

FESCO 2 2 4 2 6 4 2 2 3 0

IESCO 1 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

MEPCO 1 0 2 0 3 1 0 0 0 0

PESCO 2 1 1 2 4 1 0 1 0 0

TESCO 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HESCO 1 4 4 3 3 8 0 0 1 0

QESCO 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 12 15 15 14 15 16 2 4 4 1

9

Page 10: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

FATAL / NON FATAL ACCIDENTS

2007-08 Vs 2006-07

COMPANIES

Employees Public Men Animals

Fatal Non Fatal Fatal Non Fatal Fatal

PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV

LESCO 17 13 20 28 1 23 2 21 4 7

GEPCO 9 11 10 15 2 4 0 0 0 1

FESCO 14 15 16 23 28 38 7 12 3 14

IESCO 7 8 11 7 0 1 0 0 0 0

MEPCO 11 10 10 16 12 11 2 1 0 1

PESCO 21 9 8 8 15 16 2 6 0 0

TESCO 4 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HESCO 19 11 18 20 37 45 5 4 0 10

QESCO 4 5 2 5 2 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 106 85 96 122 97 138 18 44 7 33

06/2006 Vs 06/2007

COMPANIES

Employees Public Men Animals

Fatal Non Fatal Fatal Non Fatal Fatal

PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV PRES PREV

LESCO 1 2 3 1 0 0 0 0 2 0

GEPCO 1 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

FESCO 0 2 1 4 3 6 0 2 0 3

IESCO 1 1 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

MEPCO 1 1 0 2 0 3 0 0 0 0

PESCO 3 2 1 1 3 4 0 0 0 0

TESCO 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

HESCO 2 1 4 4 2 3 0 0 0 1

QESCO 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0

TOTAL 9 12 17 15 10 16 0 2 2 4

10

Page 11: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CHAPTER - 4

SHORT COMMINGS IN SAFETY PRACTICES

Now returning to WAPDA Distribution system we can classify accidents as:-

1. Accidents due to Electricity / Electrical system

2. Accidents during Transportation

3. Accidents during handling of material, due to house keeping hazards and

during work in field

4. Failure to provide First Aid to the victim

If we consider the statistics of fatal and non- fatal accidents we will

conclude that the main cause of accidents (Fatal or Non-fatal) in our

system is electricity. So we will discuss this cause in detail and the

remaining in brief.

Accidents due to Electricity / Electrical system

Accidents may be fatal or non-fatal to WAPDA workers, public man,

animal or damage electrical equipments. There are so many causes of accidents.

These causes can be divided into four major heads.

11

Page 12: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

1. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS

2. BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS

3. TECHNICAL ASPECTS

4. MANAGERIAL ASPECTS

1. SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS

This includes:

LACK OF EDUCATION

The public does not know the proper use of appliances. They do

not adopt ordinary preventive measures to use these appliances such as

non-use of three pin shoes, rubber mat sleepers, particularly while

ironing, and non-switching off circuits before removing of plugs.

Generally it has been observed that whenever there is a break

down on lines, people are anxious to come to near live conductor and

even try to remove it off from the roads or try to cross it.

VIOLATION OF RIGHT OF WAY

It is commonly observed that people construct their houses

and balconies under or near the electric lines and as a result the less

clearance becomes a continuous hazard to accidents.

UN-AUTHORIZED USE/ STEALING OF ENERGY

It is usually seen that a number of accidents occur due to un-

authorized use or stealing of electricity. Such mishaps are frequent, due

to following illegal methods adopted by public.

a. Illegal illuminations at different ceremonies.

12

Page 13: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

b. Stealing of electricity by use of kundi system (hook methods).

c. Direct phase and separate earth method adopted to steal electricity

from the meter terminals

d. Illegal / un-authorized energization of transformers, particularly at

tube wells by crude methods, i.e. by use of roara fuses in place of D-

fittings and ordinary wooden sticks in place of D-operating roads.

KITE FLYING

It is observed that kite flying with metallic wire cause accidents,

not only to public men but also cause of damage to WAPDA installation.

ALTERNATE SOURCE OF SUPPLY –GENERATORS

During the load shedding and faults on feeder, some consumer use

alternate source of supply from another feeder or generator due to which

supply is fed back resulting in accidents.

2. BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTSThis includes:

ANIMALS TIED TO STAY WIRS / POLES

People are habitual of tying their animals with stay wires or electric

poles. The stay wires are pulled out by the animals, resulting in loosening of

poles / jumpers, causing short circuiting of poles. Leakage current passes

through poles and animals are electrocuted.

13

Page 14: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

OVER CONFIDENCE OF LINE STAFF

Majority of accidents to line staff occur due to over confidence,

negligence and carelessness. After their long service, they ignore the safety

instruction and start taking risks.

FAILURE TO USE SAFE CLOTHING OR P.P.E. (PERSONAL

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)

Dresses made of synthetic fiber or inflammable material, loose

shalwar kameez, and failure to use insulated gloves, safety belts etc., are the

general negligence on the part of workers which results in accidents.

TAKING UN-SAFE POSITIONS OR POSTURES

Working on live conductor from above instead of below, standing

on awkaward position or on unstable platforms can also cause accidents.

PHYSICAL UN-FITNESS

The physical un-fitness due to economic reason, mental tension or

narcotics addiction adversely affects the attention of the worker and become the

cause of accidents.

USE OF STEEL STRUCTURE AS A LADDER

Using of steel structure instead of ladder does not provide the stable

working position for the linemen and in-adequate working space causes the

accidents.

14

Page 15: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

DISRACTING, TEASING OR STARTLING

Un-attentive attitude of workers such as practical joking, horseplay,

quarreling or annoying may cause an accident.

3. TECHNICAL ASPECTS

Following are some technical aspects

DEFECTIVE EARTING / NON-GROUDING OF BOTH SIDES

Defective earthing is one of the major causes of accidents. Similarly,

many employees are electrocuted due to none earthing of the line on both side

of their working area.

CARRIER SERVICE WIRES

Some accidents have occurred when an injured service wire came in

contact with the carrier steel wire.

SUB STANDARD ELECTRICAL FITTINGS-WIRES

The plugs, switches etc. are usually made of substandard material. The

quality of these plugs, switches is very poor. This is one of the causes of electric

shock and house fire on account of loose connections. Defective, sub-standard

wiring, non utilization of three pin plugs, shoes is another cause of accidents.

USE OF IMPROPER FUSE

The use of over size fuse wire also becomes dangerous for not isolating

faulty section immediately and becomes a cause of fire in the circuit.

15

Page 16: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

OVER LOADING OF BRANCH CIRCUIT

Usually on account of low cost peoples use sub-standard wires, which are

not in accordance to load. These inferior quality wires do not have good

insulation and can be a cause of accident.

BACK FEEDING

Back feeding is mainly due to duplicate source of supply with out fool

proof change over switches. The duplicate source of supply may be from other

feeder, transformer or house generator.

STREET LIGHT PHASE

While carrying our maintenance work, replacement of bulbs, the street

light staff energizes the street light circuit. Due to miss understanding by

maintenance staff accident can occur.

USE OF OVER SIZE RORA FUSES AND IN-EFFICIENT

CIRCUIT BRAKERS

Normally in distribution field the linemen use over size roara fuses

instead of standard fuses. Which do not blow off in case of any short circuit and

break down occurs on the lines. Similarly, in case of abnormal plug setting of

circuit breaker at Grid Station, the earth fault as a result of are not promptly

sensed and in case of break down live the conductor lying on the ground may

cause accident.

16

Page 17: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

ISOLATION OF T-OFF LINE THROUGH DORP OUT LINKS WITHOUT WATCH AND WARD

It is usually observed that linemen start work on the section after

disconnecting D-links without leaving any member of the staff behind. Any

operation of D-links by complaint staff can cause accident.

UN-SAFE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Due to deviation from standard design and specification and poor

workman ship accidents can occur. Non-maintaining of minimum

required clearance of electric lines, particularly at road crossing is also a

cause of accidents.

NONDISCHARGING OF CAPACITORS

It has been observed that circuits where capacitors are installed the

workers do not discharge the capacitors before the start of work causing

an accident.

CAUTION NOTICE

After getting PTW the in-charge of Grid Station and supervisors of line

staffs do not care or bother to display the caution notice on the breaker or

isolator, which has been d-energized. The operation of these breakers or isolator

by mistake can cause an accident.

17

Page 18: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

4. MANAGERIAL ASPECTSManagerial aspects include:NON BRIEFING OF JOB

Normally it has been observed that supervisors do not brief the linemen

about the job. All of sudden they are boarded on the vehicle and taken to site.

They do not know:

What to do?

How to do?

And can not arrange proper T&P or material and are not mentally ready

for job. This haphazard arrangement can cause an accident.

NON-CONDUCTING OF T&P PARADE

In order to detect the defective, un-serviceable T&P/ PPE items, no

regular T&P/ PPE parade as per prescribed authority schedule are conducted in

the field by the supervisors. Inspection of T&P/ PPE items is not carried out

before the start of the work. This defective and unsafe T&P is a cause of an

accident.

LACK OF SUPERVISION

It has normally been observed that supervisors do not supervise the work

personally and the workers are not informed about the un-safe areas. The

workers are not stressed upon to adopt safety measures. Unauthorized un-

skilled persons are not restricted to work on live lines. No follow up action is

taken, by the supervisor, to check whether work has been carried out according

to standard specification an all un-necessary T&P material has been removed

form the site and all the workers have been collected. Instructions are not issued

to the linemen to keep away before energization of the line, which can result in

an accident.

18

Page 19: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

INSUFFICIENT COMPLAINT CENTERS / STAFF

Staff posted at the complaint office is some time over burdened ofwork in

far flung areas. They work day and night due to urgency and this over

burdening may cause an accident.

ACCIDENT DURING TRANSPOTATION

The accidents during transportation of employees generally occurr due to:

Driving the vehicle too fast

Not observing the traffic sign and signals

Overloading of vehicle

While carrying long poles not fastening of red indication on the portion of poles

out site the vehicle, for signal to other vehicles.

Sitting of workers traveling in open vehicle in improper way.

Driving of vehicle by peoples having no experience.

Parking of vehicle in improper manner.

ACCIDENT DURING HANDLING OF MATERIAL, DUE TO

POOR HOUSE KEEPING AND DURING WORK IN FIELD.

While handling and storing if proper safety measures are not taken they

may cause accidents or damage to material. Similarly in office slippery floors,

in-sufficient light, in-sufficient ventilation, etc may cause accidents. Also while

working in field extensive sunlight may cause sun-stroke in summer. Working

in areas where wild animals exists without taking safety measures is also

harmful to life.

FAILURE TO PROVIDE FIRST AID TO VICTIM

If in time first aid is not provided to victim it can result into conversion

of non-fatal accident to fatal accident. Or injured limbs may become dead for

life.

19

Page 20: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CHAPTER - 5

REMEDIAL MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

WAPDA Power Safety Code was issued long ago, but accidents could not

be controlled, and are increased at an alarming rate due to the following

unattended main reasons.

a. The safety procedure has not been followed properly.

b. There are some other causes still to be sorted out.

In accident Prevention, two of the most effective actions can be taken:-

I. First, become the sworn enemy of accident causes, seek them

and eliminate them out before they damage us.

II. Second, become a Sherlock Holmes, when an accident occurs,

investigation and analyze until you have answers as to how and

why it occurred.

Accident in WAPDA has now become a Chronic Disease, and

when a disease becomes Chronic the Doctors have to make

detailed laboratory tests and investigation. Similarly, if we want

to control accidents, we will have to sort out the real and root

causes of accidents. We will have to see:-

Whether we have equipped our linemen with intact T&P

Whether transport facilities are available for smooth running of field offices? And

Whether our worker is mentally satisfied with his job?

In addition to the above we can prevent accidents by just taking ordinary

measures. For example, the seriousness of a shock depends on the path of the

20

Page 21: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

current takes through the body and a small current passing through the heart is

much more critical than a current passing between two fingers of the same

hand. Testing for live current with one hand instead of two reduce the risk of a

dangerous shock by making current less likely to flow through the heart.

Accident Preventions have been divided into two parts:

1. GENERAL PREVENTION

2. PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED DURING PERFORMANCE OF JOB

1. GENERAL PREVENTIONS

Following are the General Preventions:-

AVAILABILITY OF T&P AND P.P.E.

One of the main problem being faced in the sub Division since long is the

extreme shortage of line T&P and personal protective equipment for example

rubber, protective gloves & insulated pliers etc. it is impossible to control

accidents unless & until we equip our linemen with intact T&P. All the field

officers right from LS up to Chief Executive have definite responsibilities as

regards availability & inspection of T&P and these responsibilities must be

fulfilled so that adequate and standard T&P may be made available to the line

staff.

REVISION OF YARDSTICK SUPERVISORY AS WELL AS

LINE STAFF

Due to non-creation of new sub Divisions the numbers of consumers

have increased manifold but yardstick has not been revised proportionally.

Most of the Sub Divisions are supplying electricity to more than 20,000

consumers. In some cases this figure is touching 30,000 but available

21

Page 22: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

strength of supervisory and line staff is the same as was at the time when the

sub division was established and numbers of consumers at that time were

only 5,000 to 8,000.

AVAILABILITY OF TRANSPORT

It has repeatedly been mentioned in WAPAD safety code that a

lineman should not climb up the structure without ladder, but there is no

facility in the complaint centers for shifting ladder to site of work. If a

lineman has to attend 20 complaints then how can we expect that he will

shift ladder to each site of work on his shoulders. We all admit that financial

condition of WAPDA is not good, but this problem can be solved by shifting

of vehicles from less important organizations.

AVOID UN-NECESSARY PRESSURE DURING EMERGENCIES

It is common practice that when lines are de-energized for

performing maintenance works or when supply is interrupted due to some

fault public makes hue & cry and starts exerting pressure through telephone

calls and officers put pressure on field staff for early restoration of supply.

Under these situations WAPDA basic safety policy must be kept in mind

that

“No operating condition or urgency of service can

ever justify endangering the life of anyone.”

22

Page 23: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

REHABILITATION OF DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

The deteriorated condition of distribution system needs immediate

re-habilitation. If financial constraints do not permit us to re-habilitate the

system, we can improve the situation by alternative measures.

MEETINGS

Safety meetings may be conducted for Supervisors, employees or

other group, but in every case the purpose is to stimulate or maintain

safety interest.

These meetings should be held between the Executives and

Supervisors to formulate policies, initiate a safety program or plan

special activities. Meeting of all employees, sometimes including

families, or even the entire community, to serve special purposes also to

discuss the specific accidents or to review safety instruction. It is also

advisable to show video drama prepared by WAPDA safety directorate

may be made available at sub division level for showing to staff members

and their families to educate them and arouse them to take safety measure

during the job.

SAFETY POSTERS

Posters are meant to reach large number of people on the move

with brief, simple message, designed to accomplish one or more missions to

convey information to change attitude or to change behavior. Safety posters

are one of the most visible evidence of accident prevention work.

23

Page 24: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

PURPOSE OF POSTERS

1. Posters properly used have great value in a safety program through their

influence on attitude & behavior.

2. To remind employees of common human traits that causes accident.

3. To impress people with the good sense of working safely.

4. To suggest behavior patterns that help prevent accidents.

5. To inspire a friendly interest in the company safety efforts.

6. To foster the attitude that accidents are mistakes and safety is a mark of

skill.

7. To remind employees of specific hazards.

PREVENTIVE MEASURE TO BE ADOPTED DURING

PERFORMANCE OF JOB

Following preventive measure should be adopted while performing

maintenances, repair and construction work on electric line and other

installation.

JOB BRIEFING

Experience has proved the importance of job briefing in prevention

of accidents. There fore job briefing shall be made a part of every job

regardless of its size. All the workers should be present during briefing.

Explain to workers.

a. What is to be done?

b. Why it is to be done?

c. Where it is to be done?

d. When it is to be done?

e. How it is to be done?

f. Who is to do it?

24

Page 25: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

DE-ENERGIZATION OF LINE

Before starting work the line should be de-energized if work is to

be done on 11 K.V line “permit to work” should be obtain by supervisor

from authorized person of Grid Station. L.S should ensure that trolley of

circuit breaker has been racked out and proper caution notice has been

placed on control panels. It is matter of experience that L.S’s avoid taking

PTW’s. Instead they dis-connect the supply from D-Fuses installed on

11 K.V feeders for making sections. It must be avoided. In case lengthy

feeder if it is unavoidable then D-fuse links must be removed and one person

should stay at D-fuse to ensure de-energization.

If work is to be carried out on L.T line then it should also be

de-energized from sub-station and staff members be deputed at the sub

station and street light switch. So that any other employee may not energize

LT line or street light phase during the execution of work.

EARTHING

It is the most important step. H.T and LT lines should be grounded

from both sides to avoid un-expected energization. Before starting the work

of earthing it should be ensured that line is dead. For this purpose high

voltage detector can be used. Authority has already issued strict instruction

on this issue and all the alternate sources of supply must be discounted with

out discrimination to avoid chances of feed back. Similarly the consumers of

big bazaars and shopping center must be made bound to install change over

switches, if they want to use generator as alternative supply.

25

Page 26: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

PHYSICAL FITNESS

Before deputing any line man to work on line it must be seen that

he is physically and mentally fit and is not under the influence of any drug or

addiction. His clothes are not too lose and he is free of metallic items

specially lockets and chains.

PROPER MAN FOR PROPER JOB

Proper man should be deputed for proper job. A.L.Ms should not

be allowed to work on line in any case.

USE OF PROPER LINE T&P

While performing the work, proper T & P should be used.

Lineman should not be allowed to climb up without ladder and safety belt

should be properly tied with structure or pole. Some linemen tie their safety

belt with cross arm, knee brace or conductor which should be avoided.

BEHAVIOR OF WORKER DURING EXECUTION OF JOB

While performing job employee should be alter, neither he should

be over confident nor confused. Practical joking or horse play must be

prohibited. No employee shall distract attention of other workers form their

job. A. L.M. should not leave lineman unattended.

FOLLOW UP

It is important that frequent checks be made as job progress to be

sure that:-

Plans are being followed and correct work methods are

being used.

26

Page 27: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

Workers are carrying out their assigned responsibilities.

All un-expected hazards have been recognized and are being

proper handled.

CARE BEFORE RE-ENERGIZATION OF LINE

After completion of job, the site should be cleared and no T& P item or

material should be left on line. Before cancellation of PTW and re-energization

of line the supervisor should ensure that the crew has gathered and no one is

missing and temporary earthing has been removed.

TRAINING OF LINE STAFF REGARDING FIRST AID

TECHNIQUES

The field staff should be trained regarding the techniques of first aid for

injured persons.

27

Page 28: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CHAPTER – 6

RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

Methodology and mechanism for the implementation of standard safety practices.

Accident prevention can be made possible only through wholehearted co-

operation or all members of the crew / organization. Neither management,

supervision, nor the Safety Code alone can prevent accidents without the help

of each employee (SE/XEN/ DO/ S/LM/ALM).

1. SDO should educate the line staff not to do work in hurry up condition

and not to be over confident and should ensure the non-working of un-

authorized ALMs on lines.

2. SDO should educate the ALMs to keep watch towards the un-safe acts of

LM when he is working on poles / lines and should emphasize the LM to

work safely using all safety measures. At lease one spot checking report

be carried out during one week under intimation to Dy. Manager

(Safety).

3. SDO / LS be made responsible to educate the line staff and not to do

work without ensuring the isolation of work place / provision of

temporary earthing at both sides of work place. XEN / SDO be made

responsible for non-use of PPE/T&P and non-observance of safety

measures by supervisory / line staff.

4. Job briefing should be made mandatory before start of any work. XEN

SS&T be made responsible for any negligence / illegal co-ordination of

28

Page 29: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

Grid Station staff with Operation staff to control the situation as many

accidents have been occurred due to this very reason.

5. Presence of supervisory staff on all major break downs / executions be

made obligatory. XEN should ensure the execution of work after

arrangement of PTW instead of availing benefit of Load Shedding time.

6. XEN should ensure the holding .of daily Morning Assembly and

PPE/T&P parade & safely lecture regularly on monthly basis by all

SDOs.

7. Total network needs to be surveyed, patrolled and all Safety Hazards to

be identified and removed so as to ensure safe working environment for

the field staff. XEN should ensure the removal of all defects existing in

distribution system to avoid accidents. Especially, he should check the

replacement of Rora fuses, deteriorated PC poles and naked joints in

service cables during his visit of S/Div. Indicators should be provided at

all feeders, both at Grid Stations and at diversion points to avoid any

mishap because of incorrect identification of feeders, some times resulted

Into occurrence of serious accidents.

8. Very important points of Safety code be prepared in Urdu version.

9. Exemplary punishment should be given to all delinquents held

responsible for violation of safety precautionary measures or held

responsible for .occurrence of fatal / non-fatal accidents. All officers, ,

those who are held responsible for accidents should also be dealt strictly.

10. Design deviation in construction of distribution system immediately be

stopped.

11. XEN/SDO be made responsible for the occurrence of accidents as it

shows their loose control and negligence.

12. Steps to be taken for economical satisfaction of line staff.

29

Page 30: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

13. All newly inducted SDOs / LSs / ALMs should be properly trained

regarding safety measures at Regional Training Centers before deputing

them for duty in field.

14. Performance of Safety Inspector (Safety Co-coordinators) deputed for

promotion of safety culture at Circle level have been assigned duties

other than safety. Some times Dy. Manager (Safety) is assigned

additional duties other than safety which is absolutely against the rule

hence no additional job be assigned to Dy. Manager (Safety).

15. It has been observed that some times only lineman attends the faults

single handedly. No ALM accompanies to assist the lineman. This

culture must be stopped.

30

Page 31: Causses of Fatal and Non-fatal Accidents

CONCLUSION

1. “The elimination of Unsafe Acts and Unsafe Condition is the

only sure way to minimize accidents.”

2. “No operating condition or urgency of service can ever justify

endangering the life of anyone.”

31