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leerob  
#1 Posted : 19 May 2022 09:24:17(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
leerob

Hello, I am trying to navigate the grey areas of the reporting system in relation to RIDDOR's. We recently had an incident on site when a contractor dropped part of a 4 leaf manhole lid ontop of an HV cable located at the bottom of the manhole pit. The steel leaf damaged the cable upon falling which resulted in a flash and a bang, luckily the operative had let go of the key and leaf as it was falling, there were no injuries. The substations where switched out and the damaged cable was by-passed until it was available for repair. 

Would this be deemed as reportable, would you class this as an electrical explosion or a significant risk of death?

antbruce001  
#2 Posted : 19 May 2022 10:09:38(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
antbruce001

I would say this is reportable as a DO under;

"

  • 4 Any explosion or fire caused by an electrical short circuit or overload (including those resulting from accidental damage to the electrical plant) which either:
    1. results in the stoppage of the plant involved for more than 24 hours; or
    2. causes a significant risk of death. "

There is no debate as to the fact there was an electrical explosion caused by a 'short circuit', so the first part of the requirement is met.

So to be reportable it then needs to met atleast 1 of the 2 sub requirements. 

So, if it would take over 24 hours to make the repair (excluding any time for ordering parts etc) then sub part 1 would be met. I assume this is the case. I would consider the 'plant' as being the cable - but some may disagree.

As to 'cause a significant risk of death' this is a bit more subjective. In this context, the cause is the explosion, not the risk of receiving a fatal 'shock'. The DO is covered elesewhere, and a shock must have been received for it to apply. 

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