Electric shock after water ingress to switch
- Safety Flash
- Published on 16 July 2024
- Generated on 5 December 2024
- IMCA SF 14/24
- 1 minute read
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Electric shock after touching an electrical switch in the steering room.
What happened?
A shore representative visiting the vessel experienced an electric shock after touching an electrical switch in the steering room. Stop the Work authority was exercised; the electrical switch was immediately isolated and subsequently removed for investigation.
What went wrong?
- The switch had been removed from the wall, but not re-installed, during maintenance.
- There had subsequently been engine room washing following major repairs, and the water ingress arose at that time.
- The switch had been unprotected and remained live, not isolated, during the engine room washing.
Lessons learned
- Ensure maintenance work is fully completed before returning equipment or systems to service.
- Arrange appropriate isolation and protection of electrical connections and switches during any washing or cleaning of an area.
- Ensure all parts of the vessel electrical systems and equipment are regularly inspected and tested by a Competent Person and the results recorded in the Planned Maintenance System.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 19/23
3 August 2023
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IMCA SF 24/21
31 August 2021
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IMCA SF 08/21
17 March 2021
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IMCA SF 32/21
25 November 2021
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