ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Live Power

I posted some of the following in another forum.

I would really like to know how to figure out the real risks we are exposing ourselves to.

Here is what I am talking about.

I would like to know the real numbers of people working in our trade and the real number of accidents and fatalities caused by electricity to these and only these people.

Exclude all other accidents caused by faulty appliances and untrained persons etc.

With that we could find out a number, 1 death per 1000, per 10,000, per 100,000.

Now I could compare that to my risk riding in my car or the risk to a convenience store cashier (supposedly one of the most dangerous jobs)

I am in no way saying it can not happen to me, but most things safety related should have cost benefit analysis.

Look at the controversy with AFCIs

As Don would say we would be safer if we all drove tanks (I think he means unarmed ones ) but would the cost be worth it.

Yes anything can be shut off, but the conditions we meet in the field, mislabeled panels etc can make it very difficult.

Here is a great example, I was working on a fire alarm system and found this.



What do I do here? Many unmarked 480/277 and 208/120 circuits mixed with the fire alarm conductors.

How would we handle this, tell the building owners you must shut off the main to work on the fire alarm system?

Lets live in the real world, you would quickly run out of customers as there is always other ECs that will work on this.

I also feel the application of common sense is lacking in the OSHA rules, should you try to bolt "fingers" on a 1000 amp bus bar to add a 400 amp OCPD live hell no.

Should I be able to open a panel and take some amp or volt readings?

I always will.

I have a hard time with blindly following the OSHA rules if I do not know all the facts.

Yes I know some people who have been injured / burned by electricity most where doing something extraordinarily stupid.


Scott you are no more impervious to electricity then anyone else.

Sorry for the rant but it is a real world out there and I have not seen anyone that complies with these rules 100%.

Bob (Trying to stay alive and get the job done)



[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 02-15-2004).]