OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins
September 27, 1990
| MEMORANDUM FOR: |
REGIONAL ADMINISTRATORS |
| THROUGH: |
|
| FROM: |
THOMAS J. SHEPICH
Director
Directorate of Technical Support |
| SUBJECT: |
Hazard Information Bulletin - Potential Electrical Shock
From Duraline "CAM LOK" Cable Connectors |
The Directorate of Technical Support issues Hazard information Bulletins
(HIBs) in accordance with OSHA Instruction CPL 2.65 to provide relevant
information regarding unrecognized or misunderstood health and safety
hazards, inadequacies of materials, devices, techniques, and engineering
controls. HiSs are initiated based on information provided by the field
staff, studies, reports and concerns expressed by safety and health
professionals, employers, and the public. information is compiled based on a
comprehensive evaluation of available facts, literature and in coordination
with appropriate parties. HIBs do not necessarily reflect OSHA policy.
The Boston Regional Office has brought to our attention a potential
electrical hazard associated with the use of some Duraline ship to shore "CAM
LOK" connectors. These connectors are normally used outdoors as part of
temporary electrical power systems or service leads.
On July 17, 1989, at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, an incident occurred
where a mechanic (working in a wet environment) received an electric shock
when his back inadvertently came into contact with a Duraline "CAM LOK" cable
connector. The connector in this incident had colored hypalon insulation.
As a result of the above incident, Duraline laboratory tested "CAM LOK"
cable hypalon and neoprene insulation materials. The company determined that
the color fast agent used in colored (red, blue, and white) hypalon
insulation was contaminated by silica silicate. The chemical and physical
properties of this contaminant allowed for the absorption of water in the
insulation. The test revealed that black hypalon and neoprene insulation
materials did not contain the silica silicate coloring agents. Duraline
issued a warning that insulations containing silica silicate compound do not
provide adequate insulating properties when wetted or used in a wet
environment. Prior to the incident the Duraline Company normally dry tested
connectors before distribution. The Duraline company states that it no
longer uses the silica silicate contaminated compound coloring agents in "CAM
LOK" insulation.
The company recommends that all connectors currently in use in wet
conditions be inspected, tested and replaced if necessary. The following
actions should be taken in conjunction with the Duraline company effort to
alleviate this potential hazard:
1. Users of Duraline "CAM LOK" connectors should be advised of the
potential electrical shock hazard. All users should check the connectors in
accordance with the manufacturers recommendations at their facilities for
potential decreased resistance. (If the reading is above 100 megohms, the
"CAM LOK" was not made using the suspected insulation; if the reading is
below, the "CAM LOK" should be replaced).
2. Employees should use extreme caution when in the vicinity of
energized electrical cables.
3. If a defective cable is in service and cannot be replaced
immediately, dry the cable and paint or spray urethane on the
cable.
Please distribute this bulletin to all Area Offices, State Plan States, and Consultation Project Officers.
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