Electrical incident investigation procedures

Electrocutions and electrically initiated fire incidents have the potential to seriously affect personnel, facilities and equipment in industrial operations. Personnel deaths or loss time, as well as facility downtime, loss of production and repair/rebuilding costs can lead to major disruptions and potentially serious financial liabilities. The potential for governmental regulatory action and expensive and disruptive litigation is also possible. Determination of the necessary safe work practices and procedures, required to prevent future similar electrical incidents, is also essential. This paper develops the systematic investigative procedures required to conduct a thorough investigation of any electrically related incident.