causses of fatal and non-fatal accidents
DESCRIPTION
StudyTRANSCRIPT
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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.”
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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