The WorkCover safety inspector investigating the fatality suspects it was caused when aluminium particles from the bullbars entered the sander through the ventilation holes besides the polishing head. This polish-aluminium particle combination could have conducted mains electricity from the sander's electric motor to the gearbox area of the tool.
Recommendations
WorkCover strongly recommends that everyone using or responsible for the maintenance of sander-polishers - employees, employers, supervisors or hobbyists – ensure:
The manufacturer's maintenance instructions are strictly followed when equipment is used in such a way that conductive by-products of the job - such as metal dust or particles - could enter the equipment and electrically bridge safety insulation.
Earth leakage protection should be provided in all workplaces in which electrical machinery, irrespective of whether it is double insulated or not.
Further information
For more information call WorkCover’s Information Centre on 13 10 50.