Surface – Limestone – A miner performing maintenance on a screening plant received a shock from a portable welder and suffered serious injuries. The accident occurred on July 20, 2017.
Best Practices
- Do not attach the return welding lead to the grounded metal frame of surface structures at the welder.
- Insulate yourself from the workpiece and ground yourself by wearing rubber soled shoes or stand on a dry insulated mat.
- Do not touch the ground with any other part of your body.
- Use fully insulated electrode holders.
- Wet working conditions should be avoided. Even a person’s perspiration can lower the body’s resistance to electrical shock.
- Water or perspiration may cause electrically hazardous conditions. Electrical shock may be prevented by the use of nonconductive clothing and shoes. Nonconductive gloves can be worn under welding gloves.
- Observe safe procedures at all times when working with equipment with voltages necessary for arc welding. Even mild shocks can cause involuntary muscular contractions.
Access the printable version of the MNM Serious Accident Alert here