Marine Accident Investigation Branch Safety Digest 2/2005 Case 13

A Cook, Live Electrical Wires, a Wet Galley Deck - all the Ingredients Needed for a Shocking Day

Narrative
The galley deck on a ro-ro vehicle and passenger ferry was renewed during the vessel’s last period in dry dock. Pending full removal of the compactor, the electrical supply was isolated and the wire ends taped over.

During subsequent routine washing down of the galley deck, the cook noticed the wires and, assuming they were isolated from the supply, he lifted them clear of the deck. He immediately received an electric shock to his left hand and arm.

The cook was landed ashore for hospital treatment. Luckily, he suffered no long-term effects.

It was later found that the power supply had been reinstated without any checks being made.

The Lessons
1. All bare electrical cables pose a threat to life and must be treated as though they are live until proven otherwise by a competent person.
2. Part of the equipment removal process and work specification should include instructions for the isolation, removal (where appropriate) of power supplies and correct termination requirements. The ship’s drawings should also accurately reflect these changes.
3. Before restoring any electrical supplies, checks should be made to ensure that the end user equipment is not being worked on. Ship’s staff should be especially vigilant when work is being undertaken by contractors, to ensure that the correct controls are in place.