Second Point of Contact
The second point of contact exists when there are two exposed objects of different potential within immediate reach of a worker. Electrical contacts typically involve simultaneous contact with an energized conductor and items such as a guy wire, cross arm brace, cut out brackets, transformer cases, or any items that are not the same potential as the conductor. In many cases, electrocutions tend to occur when electrical workers violate minimum approach distance regulations by removing their gloves to work on parts of the structure while positioned dangerously close to an exposed energized conductor. The second point of contact is common terminology that is utilized industry wide when discussing energized work methods, such as rubber gloving or hot sticking. Ignoring the hazards of the second point of contact is the primary contributor to electrical contacts while working with rubber gloves or hot sticks.
Some utilities define the second point of contact as the point at which current leaves the body in the event that inadvertent contact is made between exposed live conductors or apparatus and an unprotected part of the body. In addition, no electrical accident occurs without a second point of contact. It is important for the worker to identify the second point of contact so that measures can be taken to protect against it and prevent an accident.
To protect against the second point of contact, it must first be identified. To assist in identifying the second point of contact, electrical workers can ask themselves the following questions:
- Are there one or more objects of different potential within reaching distance of the object I am working on?
- Are those objects adequately covered with approved rubber protective equipment?
- Am I complying with the minimum approach distance regulations?
If all of the above questions can be answered “yes,” then the worker should be adequately protected from the second point of contact; however, special precaution must always be taken when working in that environment.
Another approach that can be taken to protect against the second point of contact is for the electrical worker to be proactive when applying the cover by simply adding more cover whenever there is any question. This practice means that the electrical worker is taking a few extra seconds to create a safer work environment.
