On October 14, 2003, a demolition craftsman cut an energized 110-volt circuit while removing conduit with a
double insulated reciprocating saw. The conduit contained numerous branches and only a cursory check was made
for air-gapped circuits. Work control documents specifically required verification of zero energy or installation of a
lockout/tagout if verification could not be performed.
1) West Valley Site, Utility Room
EM-OH-WVDP-WVNS-UR-2006-0001-[Near-Miss]-Incorrect Conduit Cut During Boiler Demolition-(Significance Category 3) During boiler D&D work in the Utility Room, a near-miss occurred when an operator working from a step-ladder cut the wrong 3/4-inch diameter metal conduit, severing an energized 120-volt wire and tripping the breaker. The operator was not shocked. The Facility Manager curtailed utility demolition work until controls are in-place to positively identify electrical lines. A fact-finding meeting was convened.
6) Los Alamos National Laboratory, Technical Area-39 NA-LASO-LANL-BOP-2006-0003-Contract Worker Hits 120V Circuit With Jackhammer-(Significance Category 3) A subcontract worker was jackhammering through a concrete floor at TA-39, Building 98, struck a PVC conduit containing energized 120-volt electrical wiring, and tripped the circuit breaker. The worker was using appropriate electrical PPE and was not injured. A similar event occurred two weeks ago (NA-LASO-LANL-BOP-2006-0001) at the same building when a worker was jackhammering through concrete and struck an energized 480-volt circuit, and was also not injured. Work on the project was suspended.
5/16/06
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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