Defective Isolator Panel
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
TITLE
Defective Isolator Panel
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN
WHAT HAPPENED
2 Contractors were instructed to conduct work on filters within the EA conveyor tunnel. In the process of doing so,
in line with LOTOTO (Lockout, Tagout and Tryout ) principles they isolated the drives as defined within the procedure and then proceeded to “try out” by starting the local panel start button. The unit is a Socomec 40A 660V unit interrupter Sirco on load isolator, 6 pole. In essence although the isolator indicated, “power off” it was in fact still live.
ACCIDENT / INCIDENT IMAGES
Click image to enlarge
SER Isolator 1
Click image to enlarge
SER Isolator 2
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
Initial Notification: Work ceased immediately and the electrical department was informed. A near miss was raised and entered on the database.
Defect on Panel: A defect was discovered within the panel concerned, it was not visible externally to the unit but the isolating handle was not attached to the switching mechanism. In essence although the isolator indicated “power off” it was in fact still live.
Initial Defect Resolution: The panel defect was corrected and the unit returned to service.
Further Action:The works team inspected panels of the same design and manufacture. In the process of doing so a further two panels were discovered with an identical defect. A decision was made to replace all three with another design as a preventive measure.
Learning & Sharing The detail of the failure has been communicated to ALL UK company operations and safequarry.
LEARNING POINTS / ACTIONS IMAGES
ACTIVITY:
MAINTENANCE & HOUSEKEEPING
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