Electrician received electric shock from a bare cable
- Safety Flash
- Published on 30 October 2018
- Generated on 10 December 2025
- 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
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IMCA SF 15/18
20 July 2018
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IMCA SF 05/13
4 April 2013
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IMCA SF 06/12
25 June 2012
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