The multitude of reports of electric shock drowning and deaths in the vicinity of marinas and boatyards (many of which have been covered in our newsletters) have raised the awareness of possible shock hazards from nearby electrical equipment. We want to bring to your attention any studies or data that might clarify the issues and provide guidance that reduces or diminishes the problems.
The NFPA has posted a report on the Assessment of Hazardous Voltage/Current in Marinas, Boatyards and Floating Buildings that was authored by John Adey, ABYC Foundation Inc. and Bill Daley, P.E. and Ryan Kelly, CED Technologies, Inc.
Foreword of the report:
"The safety of electrical equipment installed and used in the vicinity of marinas, boatyards and
floating buildings is a challenge. This typically requires designing, installing, operating and
maintaining electrical equipment that balances inherently safe levels of equipment operation
against nuisance interruptions of the applicable electrical infrastructure.
This electrical equipment is typically subjected to harsh environmental conditions that can
result in deterioration and other long term maintenance concerns. Reports in the mainstream
media of drowning in the vicinity of marinas, boatyards and floating buildings has raised
question on possible shock hazards from nearby electrical equipment, and thus credible data is
needed that clarifies the problem and provides guidance towards the most appropriate
mitigation measures.
The goal of this project is to identify and summarize available information that clarifies the
problem of hazardous voltage/current in marinas, boatyards and floating buildings, and to
develop a mitigation strategy to address identified hazards."
Visit the NFPA website here, or click on the image, to read the report.
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