【Typical Case】Pump Repair While Switch in Operating Position – Team Leader’s Action to Close Switch Endangers People

Thread Content

The shift supervisor turned on the switch while repairing a pump, risking injury to people; during the maintenance of a booster pump at a certain factory, the shift supervisor arbitrarily activated the switch, almost causing serious personal injuries. On the morning of February 27th in a certain year, maintenance staff at a factory were repairing the booster pump at the water source. The work permit issuer stopped the pump from operating. While taking measures to cut off power, the operating mechanism of the 380V drawer-type switch got stuck, preventing the switch from being moved to the \"maintenance\" position; it remained in the \"operating\" position. After on-site confirmation by the work permit issuer and the work supervisor, it was agreed that a \"Do Not Close – Work in Progress\" sign should be placed before starting the maintenance work. During the maintenance process, the shift supervisor inspected the switch room and found that the switch for the booster pump was still in the “operational” position; he removed the label without authorization and attempted to switch it to the “maintenance” position. When operating the switch, the \"close\" button was pressed, causing the switch to close; the disassembled booster pump started up, and the 4 maintenance workers hurried to get out of the way, narrowly avoiding serious injury. Reasons and identified issues: 1. The operators violated regulations seriously; they failed to move the switch to the “maintenance” position as required by the work order, and work was permitted with the switch still in the “operational” position ； 2. The person in charge of the work violated safety regulations seriously; knowing that the switch was still in the “operational” position, he failed to take any measures to prevent the pump body from rotating suddenly, and approved the start of work, thus showing a lack of responsibility toward the team members ； 3. The shift supervisor committed a serious violation by failing to follow the procedures specified in the operation ticket and carrying out electrical operations without authorization.