Grant PUD fined for explosion that injured six workers

EPHRATA — The Grant County PUD was fined $35,000 by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries for violations stemming from an October 2015 explosion that injured six workers. The fines were announced Wednesday.

Labor and Industries cited the utility $7,000 for each of five safety violations, according to a L&I press release. That’s the maximum fine allowed per violation.

The PUD has 15 days to appeal.

The workers were troubleshooting a mechanical problem with a generator, and didn’t know a circuit was being used when they closed the circuit breaker. The L&I investigation concluded that caused the arc flash that resulted in the injuries.

The agency’s investigation concluded “the arc flash could have been prevented if the employer had ensured the use of safety locks and safeguards to prevent the breaker from being closed when other parts of the circuit were energized,’ the press release said.

The investigation concluded the PUD didn’t ensure the use of devices that would’ve ensured the breaker wouldn’t be closed, and that employees didn’t know the devices had been removed. Employees were not briefed on “conditions that affected them and exposed them to the risk of arc flash burns and electrocution,” the release said. One employee wasn’t wearing fire-resistant clothing. And the PUD didn’t have the records to show it was in compliance with state regulations on workers’ protection against hazardous energy.

Utility district officials couldn’t be immediately reached for comment.