NIOSHTIC-2 Publications Search
Service technician electrocuted while repairing air conditioning unit.
Authors
Missouri Department of Health
Source
Morgantown, WV: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, FACE 94MO110, 1994 Dec; :1-3
NIOSHTIC No.
20026243
Abstract
On June 17, 1994, a 33-year-old service technician was electrocuted by 220 volts A.C. while repairing a central air condenser unit located outside a residence. The victim had repaired a leak in the condenser coil and was preparing to check for electrical faults. He was kneeling on moist ground in front of the open side of the unit and was in contact with the case on the side of his abdomen. Later testing of the unit revealed that the compressor unit had an internal short, subsequently electrifying the case. The ground wire to the casing had been removed by the victim, and when the compressor shorted out, the victim provided the path-to-ground and suffered a fatal electrical shock. The MO FACE Investigator concluded that in order to prevent similar occurrences, employers should: 1. require that all electrical equipment be de-energized before any repairs are performed; 2. provide employees with education and training in the recognition and avoidance of electrical hazards; 3. ensure that electrical equipment is installed to meet the manufacturers specifications, and ensure that equipment is restored to the manufacturers specifications before any work is begun.
Keywords
Accident-analysis; Accident-potential; Accident-prevention; Accidents; Injuries; Injury-prevention; Traumatic-injuries; Safety-education; Safety-practices; Safety-programs; Refrigeration-equipment; Region-7; Electric-properties; Electrical-charge; Electrical-conductivity; Electrical-equipment; Electrical-hazards; Electrical-insulation; Electrical-properties; Electrical-safety; Electrocutions
Publication Date
19941217
Document Type
Field Studies; Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation
Funding Type
Cooperative Agreement
Fiscal Year
1995
NTIS Accession No.
PB2007-110206
NTIS Price
A02
Identifying No.
FACE-94MO110; Cooperative-Agreement-Number-U60-CCU-707084
SIC Code
NAICS-23
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
MO; WV
Performing Organization
Missouri Department of Health
Page last reviewed: May 11, 2023
Content source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Education and Information Division