Professional Documents
Culture Documents
By
Chief Electrical Inspector to Government,
Tamil Nadu Electrical Inspectorate,
Thiru.Vi.Ka. Industrial Estate,
Guindy, Chennai-600 032
Contents
1. E LECTRICAL E NERGY S CENARIO ................................................................. 5
1.1 S OCIAL ASPECTS ..................................................................................... 5
1.2 N ATURAL CALAMITIES AN D ELECTRICAL ACCIDEN TS . ...................................... 5
1.3 R IGHT TO LIVE ......................................................................................... 5
2. M ECHANISM OF E LECTRICAL A CCIDENT ....................................................... 8
2.1 D EFINITION : ............................................................................................ 8
2.2 N ON - LINEARITY OF HUMAN B ODY RESISTANCE ............................................... 8
2.3 V ARIATION OF BODY RES ISTANCE DUE TO VARIO US FACTORS ........................... 8
2.4 S AFE LET - THROUGH CURRENT ................................................................... 9
2.5 V ARIOUS MEANS OF CONT ACT ................................................................... 11
3. S TATISTICS ............................................................................................ 14
3.1 V ARIOUS LOCATIONS OF ACCIDENTS ........................................................... 14
3.2 V ARIOUS REASONS FOR T HE ACCIDENTS ..................................................... 14
4. M AJOR C AUSES ...................................................................................... 16
4.1 N ON - STANDARD ERECTION ....................................................................... 16
4.2 P OOR - MAINTENANCE ............................................................................... 16
4.3 H UMAN ERROR ....................................................................................... 16
5. C ASE S TUDY .......................................................................................... 18
5.1 N ON - STANDARD ERECTION ....................................................................... 18
5.2 I MPROPER MAINTENANCE ......................................................................... 18
5.3 N EGLIGENT ACT ...................................................................................... 19
6. S AFE W ORK A RRANGEMENTS T O A VOID H AZARDS ........................................ 20
6.1 E ARTHING ............................................................................................. 20
6.2 C LUSTER OF EARTH EL ECTRODES D E RATINGS .......................................... 22
6.3 H OW AN ELCB WORKS ............................................................................ 22
6.4 L IGHTNING ARRESTORS ............................................................................ 24
7. S AFE W ORK P RACTICES .......................................................................... 26
7.1 W ORKING S PACE AND ENVIRONMENT .......................................................... 26
7.2 C ONFINED S PACES .................................................................................. 26
7.3 L IGHTING .............................................................................................. 26
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2.1 Definition:
All the three modes of electric current are constituted in the body. They
are:
(i.) Electron flow through hemoglobin present in the blood,
(ii.) Semi-conducting current in view of membranes of the body
(iii.) Electrolysis through the fluids in the body.
Based on the curves showing the effect of let through current and its
duration, it has been determined that the safe let through current is
determined by the expression Ib= 0.116/t where I is current in Amps, t
is the duration of current flow in seconds. Magnitude and duration of current
flow beyond this value may lead to ventricular fibrillation, a phenomenon by
which fluttering of the heart from its usual co-coordinated beats occurs
resulting into death.
The following graph showing the safe let through current is self-
explanatory.
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During an earth fault, the earth potential rises due to the flow of
fault current through the impedances of earth return path. This
potential rise introduces hazard to persons who happen to touch
such exposed conductive part of the installation.
The remedy is either it has to be contained or it duration
restricted in such a way that it does not harm persons.
Based on this principle and normal body resistance, the safe touch
potential is expressed in the following table (considering a body resistance of
1000 ohms) as Estep (in volts) =Ib*1000
In both the above cases and locations like bath room, garage, polishing
section at granite industries etc. it is difficult to ensure personnel as well as
equipment protection unless the following measures are adopted:
a) Double pole isolation for the geyser etc. fitted external to the
bath room
b) RCB at the source end
c) Isolation transformer with separate earthing for this derived
source of supply (Isolation transformer)
d) Zero sequence earth sensor scheme is adopted by window type
single core balance CT for the feeders when source neutral earth
lead interconnection is not effective ( refer cl.9.2.3 of IS 3043)
e) Restricting the rating of the DBs to the fault clearing value at the
point of application which is dictated by the earth loop
impedance values for such portion of the installation.
(cl.39.2.4.4 of IS 3043)
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3. Statistics
The people who die in electrical contact accidents each year
arent statistics. Theyre family, friends, co-workers, and
schoolmates. Their absence leaves a void in the lives around them
that cant be filled. Theres no substitute for having the people we
care for with us.
NO. OF ACCIDENTS
Sl. LOCATION
No. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total
- - - - - - - - -
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2007 2008 2009 2010
1 Generating 0 3 0 0 2 0 5 1 2 13
Station
2 T & D lines - 11KV 129 151 139 69 142 111 144 143 163 1191
& above
3 T & D lines - 97 103 213 88 158 189 269 261 222 1600
below 11KV
4 Industrial 13 16 8 43 0 1 18 1 17 117
Installations -
Govt./semi Govt.
5 Industrial 7 5 9 105 21 1 2 9 16 175
Installations
Private
6 Other Installations 17 27 6 1 7 4 0 2 1 65
- Govt./ Semi
Govt.
7 Other Installations 54 37 58 39 68 43 0 0 25 324
Private
TOTAL 317 342 433 345 398 349 438 417 446 3485
a) Snapping of Conductors
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NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS
Sl.
No. REASON / CAUSE 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2006 2007 2008 2009 Total
- - - - - - - - -
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2007 2008 2009 2010
4 Defective 19 14 24 16 23 13 44 39 45 237
Appliances /
Apparatus / Tools
5 Inadequate /Lack of 20 12 22 11 16 12 3 5 20 121
Maintenance
6 Unauthorized work 4 15 34 11 28 12 19 23 8 154
TOTAL 317 342 433 345 398 349 438 417 446 3485
Table 3: Various causes for the accidents
It can be seen that the single major cause and location of the electrical
accidents is snapping of conductors in the Suppliers (Electricity Board)
installation.
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4. Major Causes
However the causes already explained, can be covered under the
following main categories:
(i) Non-standard erection
(ii) Poor maintenance
(iii) Human error
4.2 Poor-maintenance
Twenty percent of the electrical accidents occur out of the factor poor-
maintenance.
The reasons for inadequate or lack of maintenance are best known to
the utilities / owners of installations. However, we are aware that lack of
maintenance not only causes accidents but also results in prolonged
interruption of supply affecting thereby revenue generation. It has been
observed that organizations / utilities having a well-geared regular
maintenance mechanism have been able to maintain an almost accident free
record resulting in high morale of the operating personnel. The cost spent on
maintenance is easily compensated by the additional revenue and goodwill of
the consumers.
5. Case Study
5.1 Non-standard erection
In a typical case at the outskirts of Chennai, a PWD Civil contractor
undertook the work of providing huge compound wall around a prison. For
facilitating the workmen, PVC OH lines were erected to a distance of about
400m using reel insulators suspended through GI bearer wires (unearthed) on
casuarina pole (3m high) supports. These wires after prolonged (about four
months) exposure to the Sun and Rain in an open yard gave way for
deterioration of its insulation. It was also raining for two or three days prior to
the accident. When a workman put his wet towel after bath from a nearby
diesel pump set, he snatched the wires by instinct and got electrocuted. The
lines were erected without maintaining earth clearance. A standard means of
erection using UG armoured cable to such a lengthy circuit would have
eliminated such an accident.
Fig.3 Leakage of electric current through the metallic structure of the building
and the water pipe line leading to the first floor.
Shock current
Local sub-station passes through
the body to
earth in the
Earth electrode absence of the
at sub-station earth
connection
provided for the
appliance
Multiplying factor ' F' 1.16 1.29 1.36 1.68 1.8 1.92 2
Earth leakage circuit breaker is one of such a life saving device and it
has to be utilized at the appropriate locations. The principle of operation of
this device is explained below:
breaker cannot provide this kind of protection. The fuse or circuit breaker will
trip or open the circuit only if a line-to-line or line-to-earth fault occurs that is
greater than the circuit protection device rating.
ELCB-protected circuits is one way of providing protection of personnel
using electric hand tools on construction sites, damp locations individual
houses etc.
The earth flat should not have any bend so as to avoid increased
reactance and to achieve minimum length.
7.3 Lighting
Temporary lights shall not be suspended by their electr ic cords
unless cords and lights are designed for this means of suspension.
Wiring installed in conduit shall have bushings at all outlets and
terminals to prevent abrasion and damage to the insulation.
7.8 Capacitors
1. Capacitors may store and accumulate a dangerous residual charge
after the equipment has been de -energized. Hence a hazard exists
when a capacitor is subjected to high currents that may cause
heating and explosion. When capacitors are used to store large
amounts of energy, internal failure of one capacitor in a bank
frequently results in explosion when all other capaci tors in the bank
discharge into the fault.
2. High-voltage cables should be treated as capacitors since they
have the capability to store energy.
3. The liquid dielectric and combustion products of liquid dielectric in
capacitors may be toxic.
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8.4 Responsibilities
8.4.1 Management
Management is responsible to provide a workp lace that is free
from recognized hazards that might cause injury, illness, or death
and to comply with the specific safety standards.
Operations/Maintenance managers are responsible for
implementing the Shut Down Works Programmeme by providing safe
work procedures and permits for the electrical work as required.
They also provide and implement other critical procedures such as
lockout/tagout, testing, and safety -related work practices.
8.4.2 Supervisors
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8.4.3 Workers
Before work begins, the qualified worker should ensure that the
job to be done is in compliance with instructions pertaining to the
electrical work.
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9.12 Tapes And Rulers- Workers should not use metal measuring
tapes or tapes having metal strands woven into the fabric, brass
bound rules, or metal scales when working near electrical equipment
or conductors.
9.13 Metal Fasteners- Workers shall not wear articles such as lo ose
chains, keys, watches, or rings if such articles increase the hazards
associated with inadvertent contact with energized parts or can
become caught under or snagged while climbing off or on structures,
equipment or vehicles.
Lifting Heads
Rundowns
Work
Equalize
Reading
Voltage
Battery
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Clamp Ammeter X
Approved Multimeter X
Description
Fuse Puller
Voltage,
Reading
Current
Probing
Work
Insulated protective x x x x x X
Equipment
Protective
Other Approved x X
Equipment
Clamp Ammeter
Instrumentation x
Approved Multi meter x X
Test
Fuses at no load
Current Reading
Breakers In/Out
Energized MCCs
Pulling/Insertin
Fuses or Power
Pulling Control
on Energized
Description
Other Work-
devices on
Energized
Voltage ,
g Plug-in
Circuits
Probing
Jacking
Work
MCCs
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Gloves
Personal
Tagout and X
Lockout
Face Shield X
Safety Glasses X X X X
X
Hot Stick 5-ft X
Tools
Minimum
Breaker Jacking X
Tools
Other Approved X
Equipment
Instrumentation
High-Volt Detector X
Test
Glowtester X
Pulling Fuses
High pointing
De-energized
Description
Equipment
Equipment
Energized
In/Out on
Breakers
No Load
Reading
Voltage
Jacking
Work
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Pole Inspection x
Confined Space or Safe
x x x x
Work Permit
Insulted or Ground Surface x x x x x
Sleeves x
H.V. Gloves / Leather
Protec. x x x x x x
Head Protection x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Leather Gloves x
Face Shields x
Safety Glasses x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x
Tagout and Lockout x x x x x x x x x x
Re-closure off x x
Live-Line Tools x
Reliable Communications x x x
Nonconductive Rope x x x x x
Hot Stick 3-ft Minimum x
Tools
x x
Traveling Ground x x
High-Voltage Fuse Puller x
Tree-Climbing Equipment
Breaker Jacking Tools x
Other Instrumentation as x
Approved by Electrical x x x x
Equipme
Foreman
High-Volt. Detector x
Test
nt
Glow tester x x x x
Operate Disconnect Switch
Energized Equipment
Work Description
Interrupter Switch
Voltage Readings
Dangerous Work
Energized Work
Series Lighting
Tree Trimming
Enter Manhole
Operate Load
Equipment
Climbing
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9.17 Training
Employees shall not be permitted to work in an area where they
are likely to encounter an electrical hazard unless they have been
trained to recognize and avoid these hazards. Refresher training is
recommended at intervals not to exceed three years to pro vide an
update on new regulations and electrical safety criteria. The training
shall be on-the-job and/or classroom type. The degree of training
provided shall be determined by the risk to the employee. This
training shall be documented. Employe es shall be trained and
familiar with, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Safety-related work practices, including proper selection and use
of PPE to their respective job assignments.
2. Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live par ts
from other parts of electrical equipment.
3. Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage
of exposed live parts, clearance distances, and the corresponding
voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed.
4. Procedures on how to perform their jobs safely and properly.
5. How to lockout/tagout energized electrical circuits and equipment
safely
6. The skills and techniques necessary to determine the minimum
approach distances corresponding to the voltages to which they are
exposed.
7. The proper use of the special precautionary techniques,
personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials,
and insulated tools for working on or near exposed energized parts
of electrical equipment.
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10.12 Re Energizing
The following requirements shall be met before circuits or equipment
are reenergized, even temporarily:
Tests And Visual Inspections- A qualified worker shall
conduct tests and visual inspections to verify that all personnel
have actually cleared their works and that all tools, electrical
jumpers, earths, and other such devices have be en removed so
that the circuits and equipment can be safely energized.
Warning Employees- Employees exposed to the hazards
associated with reenergizing the circuit or equipment shall be
warned to stay clear of circuits and equipment.
Removing Lock And Tag- Each lock and tag shall be removed
by observing the principles explained above .
Name of the
Organization...........................................................................
.......................................................
Switches................................... ...............................
Isolators............................................................. .....
Links................................................................. ......
Fuses................................................................. .....
(Designation)........................
.....
________________________________________________________
Time.............................. Date...........................
I................................................................................confir m
that I have been issued this permit by.....................................
(name of the permit issuing officer) and have been placed in direct
and continuous charge of the work mentione d in para (3) and accept
the responsibility of carrying out the said work taking all necessary
safety precautions to avoid danger and no attempt will be made
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(Designation)..........................
who will now be responsible for carrying out all the works mentioned
in para (3) on the reverse.
........................................
(Signature of the person transferring the permit)
(Designation)
........................................
(Signature of the person receiving the permit)
(Designation)..............................
Time.......................................... Date............................
(Designation)...................
________________________________________________________
Time..................
Date..................
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The work mentioned in para (3 ) on the reverse has been carried out;
all earths made for the purpose have been removed and danger
notice plates put aside. The following switches/isolators/links/fuses
have been closed and apparatus put back into service. Entry has
been made in the Log Sheet/Log Book.
Switches.................................... .....................................
Isolators.........................................................................
Links......................................... ................................
Fuses................................................ .........................
12.1 Erection
(i) Statutory provisions specifying clearances to building from OH lines in rule
77 to 83 of IER1956 should be duly observed during the stage of
construction itself.
(v) Shrouding live supply parts and keeping live parts out of reach are to be
observed as per the provisions of rule 50(1)(f), 64, and 68 of IER 1956.
(vii) The object of providing earth electrodes in a solid neutral earthing system
for personal protection is to offer an optimum value of earth resistance
which is low enough to produce a required earth fault current for actuating
protective devices used in the system. Such devices could be relays in the
main breaker, HRC fuses in the down stream panel boards, etc.
(ix) In the earth electrodes, the various earth flats are sometimes
terminated to the common bolts fastened to an insufficient size of
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(x) Any earth pipe projecting above the level of masonry trough and
exposed may be driven to a depth of not less than 0.3m below the
earth level so as to reduce the voltage gradient around th e earth
electrode/earth trough. (cl.11 .2 of IS 3043)
Compartmentalization
Large opening available between the Incomer switch gear
chamber and the adjacent outgoing cable chamber
Cable chamber communicating with the feeder control chambers.
Bus bars and controls
Meet the nominal as well as fault requirements
Lower sized bus bars tapped off for the vertical runs from the
horizontal bus bars
Observe settings, de-rated fuses so that discrimination with the
downstream controls and circuits can be achieved.
Safe working
Electrical Accidents-
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The outgoing cables availed from the short bus bars extended
from the controls into the cable chamber
Avoid using contactors for achieving the neutral break
Relevant degree of protection against ingress of moisture and
dust
Type test certificate of CPRI/NABL accredited laboratory
Site inspection before procurement
(xiv) Most of the outgoing controls from the switch boards and DBs
are not co-ordinated to afford protection to the cables against
overload and earth fault conditions. The settings of the MCCBs
and the rating of the MCBs should be selected in such a way that
the following conditions are satisfied:
i. The current causing effective operation of the
protective device does not exceed 1.45 times the curre nt
carrying capacity of the cable.
ii. The fault clearance time of the protective device shall
not result in the admissible limiting temperature of the
cable under short circuit and earth fault conditions being
exceeded.
(xv) Building structural parts earthing is essential and it has to be done at the
construction stage itself since it offers a reduction in combined value of
resistance to the earth besides maintaining an equipotential equipment
frames within the building in order to eliminate the harm (esp.to sensitive
computer equipments) which is likely to arise out of strong electric field
during thunder cloud and during the construction in proximity to EHV
irrespective of the observance of requisite clearances.
(xvi) Reinforced metallic flexible hose offers very high inductive earth return
coupling during earth fault. Supplement it with bare earth lead inside the
hose.
(xvii) In the welding sets the return circuit is sometimes availed using MS flats.
Heavily insulated flexible cables alone may be advised to be used for the
holder as well as the return circuits of the welding set to avoid arcing
caused by the flow of current through structural members.
(xix) Protecting circuits against overload, short circuit and earth leakage at the
circuit origin are essential as per rule 50(1)(c), 29,61A of IER 1956 and IS
732.
(xx) Proper termination of supply leads and cables and mechanical protection
of supply and earth leads are to be carried out as per Rule 50 of IER 1956.
(xxi) Supply to portable welding sets etc. should be availed using Metal clad
plug (lockable type) and so cket arrangement.
12 kV 2.6m
36 kV 2.8m
72.5 kV 3.1m
145 kV 3.7m
245 kV 4.3m
Note:1.The above values are valid for altitude not exceeding 1000metres. A
correction factor of 1.25% per 100m is to be applied for increasing the clearance for
altitudes more than 1000m and up to 3000m.
2. The above safety working clearances are based on an insulation height of 2.44m
which is the height of lower point on the insulator (where it meets the earthed metal)
from the ground.
Provided that in the case of OH lines carrying low and medium voltage conductors,
when erected in, over, along or across any street, the interval shall not, without the
consent in writing of the Inspector, exceed 65 metres
12.2 Maintenance
(i) Periodical calibration and testing of instruments and safety devices should
be carried out.
14. Post Accident Measures
14.1 Measures to be adopted
The measures to be adopted prior to an accident are outlined in the
foregoing section. It is also important to follow up certain other measures
during and after the occurrence of the accident. These include the rescue
procedures, resuscitation, and first aid methods to the persons who met with
such accidents. They should be empowered with inspirational and positive
attitudes to the effect that they would be all right soon. The first few
minutes of the victim are important in an electrical accident and there is a
likelihood of revival if treated properly.
Though the post accident measures cannot prevent accidents they can
minimize losses. The difference could be injury to death, complaint to lawsuit
and business interruption to business closing.
A crisis management team should be formed in major organizations
under the guidance of top management and union representatives to perform
the following activities:
(2) For the intimation of the accident, telephone numbers, fax numbers and
addresses of Chief Electrical Inspector or Electrical Inspectors, District
Magistrate, police station, Fire Brigade and nearest hospital shall be displayed
at the conspicuous place in the generating station, sub-station, enclosed sub-
station/switching station and maintained in the Office of the in-charge/owner
of the Medium Voltage (MV)/High Voltage (HV)/Extra High Voltage (EHV)
installations.
The following form has to be used in connection with reporting
of an electrical accident:
14.4 FORM FOR REPORTING ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS
Form A
2. Place of accident.
(Village/Town, Tehsil/Thana, District and State).
6. Details of victim(s):
(a) Human
Sl.No Name Fathers Sex of Full Approxi Fatal/n
1 2 Name victim Postal mate on-fatal
3 4 address age 7
5 6
(b) Animal
10. (a) Describe fully the nature and extent of injuries, e.g. ,
fatal/disablement (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
informed 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 or used by the person(s) who met
with this accident (e.g. rubber gloves, rubber mats, safety belts and ladders
etc.)?
Electrical Accidents-
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18. Whether the work on the live lines was undertaken by authorised
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.
Signature
Place: Name
Time: Designation
Date: Address of the person reporting
Electrical Accidents-
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15. Conclusion
References:
13. The psychology of mental lapses and every day errors, Prentice- Hall, 1982 by
J.Reason and K.Mycielsk.
Capacitors 26
Compensation claims control 60
Confined Spaces 25
Liability claims 60
Lighting 25, 26
Lightning strikes on personnel, equipment and structures 19
Lock And Tag 42,43,44,45
Lockout/Tagout Procedure 42
Management 29, 32
Mechanism of Electrical Accident 7
Electrical noise interference in instrumentation systems 19
Machine receiving supply will appear dead but give shock 11
Measurement of Earth loop impedance without using spikes 56
Re Energizing 45
Rehabilitation of injured personnel 60
Respirators 33
Rubber Gloves 32
T.V. antenna 70
Training 29, 39