Summary of incident
In January 2018, following a winding failure, electrical workers were refurbishing a high voltage (HV) power transformer (manufactured in 1978).
To remove cables to disconnect the transformer, the workers unbolted and removed a gland plate located at the base of the transformer’s junction box. During this process, the gland plate broke into several pieces.
On turning the gland plate over, the workers found the words “Ausbestos” (brand name for asbestos-containing products) stencilled on the underside. The electrical workers were not wearing respirators.
Note: Power transformers are long-life electrical installations and units manufactured prior to 2004 may contain asbestos.
Direct causes
The asbestos-containing gland plate was broken while being removed.
Contributory causes
- Asbestos-containing material (ACM) in the transformer was not identified prior to the work task commencing and the transformer was not listed in the site’s asbestos register.
- A safe work method to prevent damage to the gland plate was not used.
Note: When ACM is disturbed or broken, asbestos fibres can be released into the atmosphere. Inhalation of airborne respirable asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases.