Electrocution at Morgan Stanley Heathrow data center leads to fines

What happened

An electrical worker was electrocuted during live load testing of new power distribution units at the Morgan Stanley Heathrow data center in Hounslow. The units were being tested with live supplies because of last-minute modifications required before connection to existing infrastructure. Balfour Beatty Engineering Services and Norland Managed Services were found guilty of safety breaches. The court issued fines totalling £380,000.

Contributing factors

A succession of failures and breakdown of communication and health and safety management on the project. Norland issued a permit to work without ensuring isolation of a supply not under its control.

Lessons learned

1. Live testing of new distribution equipment must be avoided through proper planning and isolation procedures.
2. Clear communication and defined responsibilities between contractors are essential when multiple parties control power sources.
3. Permits to work must confirm isolation of all possible supply paths before energised work begins.

Source

datacenterknowledge.com