Air-conditioning electrocution

To provide some comfort and distraction from the heat and stress in Iraq, Marines and Soldiers are installing air-conditioning units and other electronics. Tents and buildings are equipped with air conditioners, VCRs, DVD players, televisions, and video-games systems. They all have one thing in common: electricity.

As Americans, we take electricity for granted. After all, we have enough safe outlets and federally approved electrical devices here in the states.

Marines in Iraq, though, must remember they're working on haphazardly constructed circuits that may pose a hazard to those untrained in the field of electrical engineering. Recently, a young, untrained Marine was tasked to repair an air-conditioning unit. He was found sometime later, lying near the unit, unconscious.

It is unknown exactly how the Marine was killed, but he was not using any of the prescribed personal protective equipment (PPE): rubber gloves, boots, or grounding equipment. The Marine also did not have any supervision. It's obvious that ORM was not even considered to reduce the hazards.

As Marines, we need to recognize the power of electricity in an unregulated environment. As leaders, we need to ensure individuals are trained properly and have adequate supervision. Marines will find a way to accomplish the mission, but leaders must be careful not to set them up for failure.

Operator Factors:

* Driver qualified but had minimum experience operating vehicle at time of mishap

* Sleep deprivation

* Reckless operation of vehicle

* Speeding-not for the purpose of the mission

* Lack of A-Driver or passengers intervention to stop or prevent chain of events leading to mishap.

PPE Factors:

* Vehicle or personnel restraining devices (seatbelts and troop straps) not employed

* PPE not used as designed (unfastened helmet, or helmet straps worn loosely under the chin)

Environmental Factors:

* Mishap occurred during hours of darkness

* Adverse weather conditions existed at time of mishap.

Operational Factors:

* Operated vehicle with missing SL-3 safety equipment (missing troop strap)

* Operational speed limits not established by area commander

* NVGs worked as designated, nut their capabilities were limited due to existing environmental conditions at time of mishap.

* Unfamiliar with route traveled.

If you have witnessed or were a part of a mishap or near-mishap, submit your lessons learned to Safe-GroundWarrior@navy.mil.--Ed

COPYRIGHT 2005 U.S. Navy Safety Center
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group