CASE STUDY 1

Background

A worker received a fatal electric shock while attempting to operate an electric

stirrer to mix some cement for plastering work at a construction worksite.

Cause of accident

Investigation revealed that on the power cord of the electric stirrer, there was a
hand–twisted joint taped with PVC insulation tape. Some loose strands of wires
were found exposed at the joint. These strands of wires were live at the time of
accident.

2-gang 13-Amp
Electric stirrer
extension socket-outlets

Hand-twisted joint
with PVC tape

Loose strands of live conductor found

exposed at this joint
How this accident could have been prevented?

 It is unsafe to join the conductors of a power cord by twisting the conductors

together and tape the joint with insulation tape. The entire length of the
broken power cord should be replaced with a new power cord.

 All electric tools, appliances and their power cords should be properly
maintained and checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working
conditions and are safe to use.