Electric shock after water ingress to switch
- Safety Flash
- Published on 16 July 2024
- Generated on 24 January 2026
- IMCA SF 14/24
- 1 minute read
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.
Appearance of electrical switch to visitor
Electrical switch showing clear sign of water ingress
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
-
IMCA SF 19/23
3 August 2023
-
-
IMCA SF 32/21
25 November 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 24/21
31 August 2021
-
-
IMCA SF 08/21
17 March 2021
-
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.