YELLOW - Electrical/Fire Hazard from
Cord contact with Footrest
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Lesson
ID: 2007-SSO-SNL-10264-01 (Source: User
Submitted)
Originator: Sandia
National Laboratories/New
Date:
3/8/2007 Contact: Lewis
Marlman, Org. 10264, 505-844-2492, or Mark McNellis, Org. 10322, 505-845-4895,
Sandi
Classifier: Lynn
Kaczor, Sandia National Laboratories, 1/31/07 Reviewer: Chris Tolendino, Org. 10312
Statement: Electrical
cords should be positioned so that they do not come into contact with moving
parts on a scissor-type footrest.
Discussion: Recently,
an employee working at their work station heard a loud “pop” resonating from
underneath their desk. A short time later, they heard another “pop” followed by
some sparking and the smell of smoke. Following a brief inspection, the
individual immediately reported the event.
Analysis: Following
an initial investigation of the event, it was discovered that the footrest
positioned underneath the employee’s desk had damaged a power strip cord. The
footrest has an adjustable tilt feature which allows the user to adjust foot
positioning. The tilt feature created pinch points on each side of the footrest.
As a result, the power strip cord was pinched, insulation damaged, and an
electrical short occurred.
Photo 1. Power strip located behind the
footrest
Photo 2. Illustration of the cord wrapped behind the
footrest. The circles identify the adjustable footrest positioning
device.
Photo 3. Damaged footrest and location of pinch
point
Photo 4. Another illustration of the damage to the
footrest
Prevention
Electrical equipment used in an
office is potentially hazardous and can cause serious shock and burn injuries if
improperly used or maintained.
• A cord should not be pulled or dragged over
nails, hooks, or other sharp objects that may cause cuts in the insulation.
• Cords should never be placed on radiators, steam pipes, walls, and
windows.
• An adequate number of outlet sockets should be provided.
•
Never run a cord across a walkway unless it is physically protected with a cord
runner.
Particular attention should be placed on connections behind
furniture, since files and bookcases may be pushed tightly against electric
outlets, severely bending the cord at the plug.
Actions: • If
electrical equipment malfunctions or gives off a strange odor, disconnect it and
call the appropriate maintenance personnel immediately.
• Keep extension
cords clear of doorways and other areas where they can be stepped on or chafed
and never plug one extension cord into another.
• Don’t fasten extension
cords with staples, hang from nails, or suspend by wire.
• Don’t use worn or
frayed cords and cables.
• Always consider what electrical load you are
imposing on the flexible cord. If you don’t know what the load capability of the
cord is contact your customer support team safety engineer for assistance.
•
Take the time to frequently inspect your work area. It is a good idea to keep
those hard to reach areas clean, tidy and accessible. Always bundle excess
lengths of cord to avoid inadvertent damage. Electric cords should be examined
on a routine basis for fraying and exposed wiring. If wires are exposed, the
cord should be replaced immediately.
Savings:
Keywords: POWER
STRIPS, FOOTREST
Hazard(s): Not
Identified
ISM
Code(s): Analyze
Hazards
Work
Function(s): Maintenance - Electrical, Safety
Design
References: Occurrence
Report NA--SS-SNL-10000-2007-0001
Priority
Descriptor: Yellow /
Caution