Fatality Narrative: Painter Electrocuted When Elevating Boom Manlift Contacts Powerline
Summary Statement
Washington State Department of Labor narrative of a fatal accident when a painter in an aerial lift touched power lines, was electrocuted, and fell.
2003
| Industry: Painting | Release Date: January 9, 2003 |
| Occupation: Painter | Case No.: 02WA04601 |
| Task: Operating elevating boom manlift | SHARP Report No.: 71-7-2003 |
| Type of Incident: Electrocution/Fall |
On August 4, 2002, a painter was killed when he fell from the bucket of an elevating boom type manlift after suffering electrocution when he came in contact with an energized overhead powerline. The 48-year-old worker was on his second day on the job with his employer, a painting contractor. The job involved painting the exterior of a multi-story, multi-unit condominium. He was hired on for the duration of the job. Prior to the incident, a supervisor had given the worker a fall protection harness. He was not given any training or instruction in using the lift, he had never used such a lift before. The supervisor then left the worker in order to attend to another task. The worker then got into the bucket of the manlift and raised it to about 35 feet where it contacted an energized 26,000 volt powerline. The worker then somehow fell from the lift and struck the ground. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Requirements/Recommendations
(! Indicates items required by law)
- Access the
work area using a method that won't expose workers to live overhead
power transmission lines.
- Qualified individuals
must train users of aerial lifts in their safe operation and the hazards
associated with their use. Workers should be trained on the specific
model of aerial lift being used at the job site, as controls and operating
procedures may vary from one type or model to another.
! Always operate aerial lifts in accordance with manufacturer's operating instructions and safety rules.
- The level of
supervision over a job should be dictated based on the worker's level
of experience and hazard of the operation.
! Workers must stay at least 10 feet away from live overhead power transmission lines, unless they are qualified for doing electrical work.
! When working at elevation, the appropriate fall protection equipment must be used.
! Evaluate
the job site for potential electrocution hazards before starting work.
