Electrician received electric shock from a bare cable
- Safety Flash
- Published on 30 October 2018
- Generated on 23 March 2026
- IMCA SF 24/18
- 2 minute read
An electrician received an electric shock whilst running a new cable through an existing cable tray.
What happened?
While retrieving the cable, his hand touched the bare end of live cable which was in the cable tray. As a precautionary measure, he had a medical evaluation at an onshore medical facility and received a full clearance to return to work.
What went wrong?
- The cable had apparently been installed and secured at the time of vessel construction and was found coiled and secured in the cable tray with plastic cable ties.
- The wire end of the cable was not covered; it was cut flush with cable jacket and was labelled ‘spare’.
What were the causes?
- A live or energised wire installed during the build phase was hidden from view in a cable tray.
- The wire was incorrectly labelled.
- The energised wire was installed and labelled as a heater in the electrical panel with the breaker engaged in the on or closed position, but the end of the wire marked as a ‘spare’.
What actions were taken? What lessons were learned?
- Our member conducted an onsite ‘Cable Verification Campaign’ – all accessible cable trays were checked. All spare cables and wires were tagged and identified.
- Ensure relevant checks are performed during the new build phase.
- Have a thorough pre-inspection of a work area where cables are present, and notify relevant personnel of any anomalies.
- Ensure relevant permit to work (PTW)/isolations are in place.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 15/18
20 July 2018
-
IMCA SF 05/13
4 April 2013
-
IMCA SF 06/12
25 June 2012
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.