Brave or just stupid?

[sepefrio]

I went into a very nasty crawlspace today. I, so far have never really thought twice about doing so. To start, when I say nasty, on average there was 3-4in of standing water all over. In some places I could almost stick my stinger in the water on end and only 1-2in was above water. Half the crawlspace had vapor barrier and it felt like I was crawling on a water bed.

Well, I don't care about getting dirty or wet. I'm in a tyvek body suit and unless I rip it, it keeps me pretty clean and dry. But today I came across something that made me stop in my tracks, back out and refuse to go back. I'm just curious how others deal with going into a crawlspace that is 100% covered with standing water a couple inches deep. BTW we have had MASSIVE amounts of rain the last few days and the grading explains the water.

But what I saw was electrical wiring, not terminated properly and in the water. I found at least 4 junction boxes not covered that also had wiring not terminated. But when I saw the one (pic below) it just went click in my head. I can get myself electrocuted down here. I'm out.

Has anyone ever heard of someone being electrocuted in this manner? Assuming you know for a fact it's not sewer water, but just standing rain water, would you go into a crawlspace?

To be honest, I thought I was being brave and doing the right thing. Now I feel like I was just being stupid.

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[AHI in AR]

I think you know the answer to this one already.

[Mark P]

I'm not going swimming for anybody, but if it is a deep crawl and I can duck walk in my rubber boots without getting wet I'll go in.

I never considered the electrical issues, good point.

[kurt]

It's a good way to get your self killed really horribly and unnecessarily.

[Jim Morrison]

I wouldn't want my boys' story of how their Daddy died to start with: "He was crawling through six inches of nondescript, crawl space spooge, when...."

[fqp25]

I remember a while ago, before the HI biz, I stuck my hand into a sump, to check a pump float switch. It lit me up like Broadway on opening night. My teeth still tingle when I think about it.

Frank

[Jim Baird]

"Crawlspace contained standing water on inspection day that prevented my safe entry to inspect."

[Tom Raymond]

Anybody watch Primeval? I'm thinking of the episode where the the plumber is chest deep in a flooded basement and gets drowned and half eaten by a prehistoric aquatic bird thing.

Tom

[Bain]

Not to be Captain Obvious, but this HI gig is not worth any real risk. The cash from one HI job won't even pay for a decent coffin. Even bestpricecaskets.com starts at $995.00.

WJ

That is f**king hilarious. Well said.

[inspector57]

If the only choices are brave and stupid, sorry but I have to go with stupid.

Never, never, ever go in a crawl with standing water.

[Richard Stanley]

I may have written this previously...

Several years ago, a local handyman went into a crawl that was wet - and had electrical wirng on the ground. His still smoking body was found 2 days later.

[Brandon Whitmore]

If the only concern is electrocution, you could just cut power off to the entire house prior to entering the crawlspace. Of course, that's not my only concern.........

[gtblum]

[utube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYwMhepuJMA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="344">

They made us watch this during safety orientation classes at the nuke plants. Remembering this little video, has stopped me dead in my tracks many times since.

We don't work in the same place every day. Most of the time, we're going in to places we've never been. Every day of the week, somebody in some line of work doesn't make it home to their family.

I hope this sticks with you, as it has me. I'd hate to think someone might miss my next wise ass remark. Be safe.