Copper Cable Theft Results in Near Miss

To protect themselves, the thief or thieves appear to have isolated the electrical supply by switching off the breaker to the compressor before cutting and removing the section of copper cable. 

After cutting the cable, the system was reenergized by switching the breaker back on. This created a significant electrical hazard, with the live end of the cut cable potentially causing serious injury or fatality to site employees and first responders.

The operator's knowledge of the site equipment and the potential for serious harm from highvoltage electrical systems enabled an effective response that isolated the power supplied to the cut cable.

Always assume that electrical cables (even cables that have been cut) and associated equipment are live or energized until you can confirm that power has been deactivated and any residual electricity has been discharged.

Could something like this happen at our worksite or remote equipment locations?

Who has authorized access to your remote sites? Are they familiar with the energized systems and potential equipment damage or vandalism hazards?

What is your energy isolation process for defective, damaged or vandalized plant and equipment?

Do you have a safe shutdown procedure when equipment has been vandalized?

Do non-technical first responders (police, fire, medical, private security) understand the hazards present at your worksite?