Worker discharges capacitive build-up on deenergized 13.8 kV line

While performing a maintenance repair procedure on a 13.8kV switch, an electrical worker omitted several safety steps in the procedure. An accidental contact with the deenergized line, coupled with the omission of these critical safety steps, resulted in the worker discharging the capacitive build-up on the line sustaining a significant electrical shock and putting the worker's heart into fibrillation. The worker's failure to seek medical treatment in accordance with company policy nearly resulted in his death. This paper describes the circumstances surrounding the electrical exposure and discusses the lessons learned from the event.