File 2009.03: Piccard/Paxton v. ABB

Case Type: Arc Flash Burn

Description:
A case involving the improper repair of a 2400V power switch gear mechanism. The power source for the switch gear was not disabled properly allowing a series of events to occur that resulted in an arc flash, burning two workers.

Visualizations Produced:
After reviewing photos, video and diagrams of the switch gear mechanisms and their complexity, Fearless Eye created a simplified illustrative diagram that highlighted the important aspects of the mechanism inner workings without confusing the issue. Fearless Eye then produced three animations, 1. Educating the jury how the mechanism works under normal operating conditions 2. The events necessary to take place for the accident to occur and 3. A series of precautions that could have been taken to prevent the accident.