COAL MINE FATALITY – On September 17, 2019, an electrician was electrocuted when he contacted an energized conductor. The victim contacted a 995 VAC connector while attempting to troubleshoot the scrubber motor circuit on a continuous mining machine.

Best Practices:

1. Lock out and tag out the electrical circuit yourself. Never rely on others to do this for you.
2. BEFORE entering an electrical enclosure or performing electrical work:
   • Open the circuit breaker or load break switch away from the enclosure and de-energize the incoming power cables or conductors.
   • Open the visual disconnect away from the enclosure and confirm that the incoming power cables or conductors have been de-energized.
   • Lock out and tag out the visual disconnect.
   • Ground the de-energized phase conductors.
3. Wear properly rated and well maintained electrical gloves when troubleshooting or testing energized circuits, follow the proper steps before performing electrical work.
4. Use properly rated electrical meters and non-contact voltage testers to ensure electrical circuits have been de-energized.
5. Only use qualified, trained workers. Ensure electrical work is performed by a qualified electrician or someone trained to do electrical work under a qualified electrician’s direct supervision.
6. Identify circuits and breakers. Properly identify all electrical circuits and circuit breakers before troubleshooting or performing electrical work.