Well Site Water Well Electric Panel Fire

Mud engineer went to start an electrical pump of a Water Well.

Seconds after switching on the pump from the pump on-off switch located beside the ELCB panel, the door of the ELCB panel burst open due to electric shock and a small fire started in the ELCB switch, luckily the Mud Engineer was already away from the panel door (line of fire), he immediately approached the isolation panel located 20m away from the water well and cut the power off, then went to the car and took dry powder fire extinguisher and managed to put the fire off.

Please ensure the following when dealing with water wells pumps

• Inform Company Man/Tool pusher/Night pusher before going to the WSW
• Only experienced and trained personnel to attend water wells
• Always stand at the side of the panel doors before switching the pump on
• Full PPE must be worn
• Always be aware of electric shock hazard
• Always ensure your car is equipped with fire extinguishers