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Electrocution incident – make sure electrical equipment is safe!

What happened

A vessel cook was received a mains electric shock when he simultaneously touched a metal bain-marie (the metal electrically heated serving containers commonly used in messrooms) AND the messroom service window with both of his hands.

The cook received first aid onboard; the incident was classified as a high potential near miss.

Bain -marie in galley, and position of cook’s hands when shock was received
Showing earth fault of the electrical heating element

What was the cause

  • There was a an earth fault in the electric heater element of the bain-marie due to a detached earthing wire;
  • There had been no recent testing or maintenance of the galley electrical system;

Additionally it was found that

  • There was no planned maintenance schedule for inspection of galley equipment;
  • Onboard Risk Assessment for use of portable and other electrical equipment did not include PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) of Galley electrical equipment.

Actions taken

  • Thorough inspection for and removal of, any damaged or deteriorated electrical equipment;
  • Arranged unscheduled test of all stationary and portable electrical equipment on board vessels fleetwide;
  • Added galley electrical equipment inspection and maintenance to planned maintenance system;
  • Updated Onboard Risk Assessment for use of portable and other electrical equipment on board to include equipment in the galley and the mess.

Mains electrical safety may be more easily overlooked in areas such as the galley, the mess, the accommodation and on the bridge. The risks involved in improperly maintained electrical equipment are further illustrated in this news story here from 2014 in which a young person was killed in her home: insulation around a mains extension cable had become worn, and a live wire was exposed, causing her death by electrocution. 

Members may wish to refer to:

Safety Event

Published: 3 August 2023
Download: IMCA SF 19/23

Relevant life-saving rules:
IMCA Safety Flashes
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