SAFETY ALERT CONTACT WITH OVERHEAD LINE EQUIPMENT (OLE) – SERIOUS INJURY
OVERVIEW
On the 14 May 2021 at 00:38, a technician working in a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) basket came into contact with live OLE. He suffered serious injuries and is now in hospital.
The MEWP operator also sustained a minor injury requiring hospital treatment and has now been discharged.
The team were undertaking routine planned work on overhead line adjustments for the Central Rail System Alliance.
The investigation has commenced and is being led by the BTP. We are co-operating with them along with RAIB and ORR.
The investigations are on-going to establish the key facts but in the meantime all staff are reminded to:
- Know and understand what your task is and how to keep yourself safe.
- Have a clear understanding of the worksite and isolation limits for the work being undertaken.
- Apply test before touch in accordance with the electrical lifesaving rules.
- Retest if you move beyond any inline OLE feature, move to different track or work on a different conductor.
DISCUSSION POINTS
- How do you clearly identify / mark the limits of worksites and isolations?
- What do you do if something is different to your understanding?
- How do you reach a clear and common understanding with others regarding the limits of the worksite and isolation?
- Have you got the right PPE? Arc Flash PPE may be appropriate. Please speak to your supervisor about this.
- How and where do you test before you touch electrification asset