THE NSW DEPARTMENT of Primary Industries has issued an alert after a mine maintenance contract fitter received a severe electric shock from a power tool.

The fitter was working on the screening level of a processing plant. He was shocked by a 240V double insulated hand-held impact power tool which was being prepared for storage after use.

The contract worker was removing the drive socket from the metallic chuck of the impact tool. He was not wearing gloves, and held the drive socket in one hand and the tool pistol grip handle in the other.

The worker received a 240V electric shock across the body from hand to hand, resulting in large area burns to the left hand and a single point burn to the right hand. He was hospitalised for three days.

According to investigations, the tool was plugged into a 20m, heavy duty, 10A extension lead which was plugged into a 240V socket outlet on a lower level of the plant. Electrical protection did not operate to remove the power.

The power tool and extension lead had in date inspection tags. However, the power tool chuck insulation failed due to fine dust/grim contamination on the inside of the tool. Additionally, an external metallic screw in the power tool pistol grip handle cover had penetrated one of the insulated supply conductors.

According to the DPI, where the use of electric power tools can not be eliminated, there should be tools that substitute the hazard of portable 240V tools with a portable tool that gives rise to as low as reasonably practical risk.

These alternatives include extra low voltage battery-operated power tools. Additionally, any tool used must be fit for purpose, and maintained in a satisfactory condition.

Aricle Source: safetowork.com