N.Q. Mining Services Pty Ltd

Incident description:

A crane was being used to lower lifting chains to connect to a brick cage. The crane was inside the workplace but the cage was outside the workplace fence. As the chains were lowered, they landed on top of the workplace fence. A worker off siding the crane tried to flick the lifting chains off and over to the outside of the fence. As a result, the crane's steel wire lifting rope arced out and connected with an 11,000 volt electrical line. The worker received electrical burns and material burns from his clothing.

Investigation findings:

There was no safety observer/spotter looking out to ensure that no parts of the crane came into contact with the live conductor of 11,000 volts. The crane's lifting rope, hook and chains all came within the three meter exclusion zone of the electrical line while attempting to lower the chains. There was no 'letter of approval' from Ergon Energy permitting the crane to operate within the exclusion zone.

Considerations for prevention:

As a result of the incident the obligation holder took appropriate action to ensure that the crane was inspected by a competent person to ensure its safety and to introduce control measures for operating plant in the vicinity of overhead power lines.

Obligations holders should consider the requirements of the Electrical Safety Act 2002, section 27 (b), section 30 (2) A person has an obligation to ensure the business or undertakings is electrically safe. The company should also consider Mobile Crane Code of Practice 2006, 12.1 Working Near overhead power lines, 12.1.3 Exclusion zones, safety envelope around live electrical parts according to voltage and type of overhead power lines, 12.1.4 Devices to minimise the risk from contact with overhead powerlines. 18.1 Training (a) documented work procedures (f) electrical safety procedures.

Court result:

The company was found guilty and fined $37,500 with no conviction recorded.

• Summary of safety observer requirements
• Using safety observers