The California state Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) has issued a citation to PG&E in relation to a December 8 arc flash incident that took place in a residential area of San Francisco. A PG&E cableman received burns to his face and hands when he attempted to reset an underground transformer and an internal short caused an arc flash explosion, injuring him.
According to an article in the June 20 issue of the CalOSHA Reporter, DOSH issued a $18,750 fine for serious violations under General Industry Safety Orders (GISO) Section 3384 for “failing to ensure the employee wore hand protection while working on the transformer.” The division also cited PG&E under GISO Section 3382 “for allegedly failing to ensure that the employee wore face protection as well.”
PG&E has the right to appeal the citations and it is unknown if they will elect to do so. PG&E has issued changes in policy regarding hand and face protection while switching live circuits in relation to this incident. The cableman reportedly has fully recovered from his injuries and is back at work.
— Rich Lane, IBEW 1245 Health & Safety Rep