This incident underscores the importance of including instructions in work package where shared/common neutrals (grounded conductors) are known to exist (especially in older facilities) to remind workers to treat the neutrals as energized even though the
circuit is lockout/tagout at the source.
Remember: The neutral (grounded conductor) is a current carrying conductor!
2) Richland, Hanford Site, Spent Nuclear Fuels Project EM-RL-PHMC-SNF-2007-0002-Discovery of Common Neutral During Electrical Work at Cold Vacuum Drying Facility-(Significance Category 3)
During work at the Spent Fuels Nuclear Fuels Project, electricians cut the wires on a fluorescent light fixture in a circuit that was under a lockout/tagout and an unrelated lighting circuit shut off. Workers did not experience any electrical shocks, and electrical work was stopped. An investigation was initiated.
4) Pantex Plant, Zone 12 North
NA-PS-BWXP-PANTEX-2006-0056-Electric Arc at an Abandoned Conduit Containing Energized 208 Volt Wiring-(Significance Category 3)
During installation of a 3/4-inch electrical conduit in the 12-R-9 Ramp facility, the new conduit contacted exposed conductors extending from an abandoned conduit, and drew an electrical arc (208-volts). The electrician was not injured, but was taken to the site medical facility for evaluation and released. Work was stopped, appropriate notifications were made, and a critique was held.
5/23/06
Pantex Plant
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