OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
May 24, 1988
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THRU: |
LEO CAREY
Director
Office of Field Programs |
| FROM: |
EDWARD J. BAIER
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Safety Hazard Information Bulletin on the Misuse of
Digital Multimeters |
The accident described in the attached April 1988 U.S. Department of Energy
(DOE) Serious Accidents report occurred in 1987. An electrician died from
third degree burns over 90% of his body received from a superheated fireball
surrounding an electrical arc-flash.
The primary cause of the accident was the electrician's misuse of a
multimeter rated at 700 volts to test a fuse on a 2400 volt motor starter.
This was attributed to inadequate training. The electrician's most recent
experience prior to the tragedy was limited to 480 volt systems and he was
working alone at the time.
The November 30, 1987, OSHA Proposed Rule on Electrical Safety-Related Work
Practices (copy attached) provides general guidelines on training and proper
use of equipment. This standard is not final and cannot be used for
enforcement purpose. A good reference on electrical safety work practice is
Part II of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 70E.
Please disseminate this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States and
Consultation Project Officers.
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