Worker electrocuted at Bronx substation when ladder touched transformer

What happened

An Amtrak worker was electrocuted and killed while working at a substation in The Bronx, New York, on Thursday 5 December 2019, at about 11 a.m. The site, at White Plains Road and Unionport Road in Parkchester, is where Con Edison and Amtrak both have facilities. According to law enforcement sources cited by the New York Post, the employee was working on an electrical line and placed a ladder against a transformer he believed was switched off, but it was energised.

Two other Amtrak workers suffered non-life-threatening injuries. One was taken to Jacobi Medical Center and the other declined medical attention at the scene. Authorities initially described the event as an explosion. It caused major delays to Amtrak trains through Penn Station. Amtrak said a full investigation was under way.

Contributing factors

According to law enforcement sources, the transformer was believed to be de-energised but was live, and the worker's ladder contacted it. The source does not describe the isolation, lock-out or permit arrangements in place. A Con Edison spokesman said the incident had nothing to do with the company, while offering help.

Lessons learned

1. Verify that equipment is de-energised using a proven test on every conductor and enclosure before work begins, rather than relying on assumption or switch position.
2. Maintain safe approach distances and prohibit ladders or conductive equipment near transformers and live electrical parts during line work.
3. Where a site is shared by several operators, agree in writing who controls isolation and who is responsible for each asset before work starts.

More lessons on design, standards and commissioning, spacing, layout and fire spread, electrical protection and isolation, from every incident on the register.

Source

nypost.com