Category Archives: Eye Protection

Eye Protection

ALL ABOUT PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES (GUEST POST)

Sunglasses are made of either non-prescription or prescription lenses that are made darkened to give an ample amount of protection for our eyes against very bright light or even possibly ultraviolet lights. They provide shade to the eyes and protect them from other things such as dust, dirt, or particles in the wind. Glasses Mississauga are mainly made from prescription lenses. 

The importance of prescription glasses 

Glasses Mississauga are very versatile. They can be used for a number of various outdoor and sports related activities which can range from cycling right to mountain climbing. Often, in outdoors, one can expect plenty of flying debris, high winds, damaging bright visible light and even ultraviolet lights. Prescription sunglasses can protect its wearer from all these things without hindering their vision or comfort of the wearer. 

For many years, glasses Mississauga have been made and reinvented to give top- quality vision to its wearer, even in the most extreme conditions. The frames of these glasses are durable, lightweight and flexible, with an anti- slip component which is crucial to the outdoor market. The lenses are coated with special films which provide cover and protection against UV ray, which are very harmful to the eyes. 

What to look for 

When purchasing new sunglasses, there are many elements that need to be factorised in order to choose the correct pair of glasses. One factor to consider is the type of outdoor activity the individual takes part in. The types of lens, frames etc. all differ in terms of the type of activity. 

Lenses are a key factor as they differ from activity to activity. Some lenses are required to be a different colour altogether, for the purpose of giving the wearer a better depth of focus while engaging in the activity. 

Lenses can be scratch resistant, dust resistant, water resistant, to protect the wearer from the elements. They can also be shatterproof, lightweight, and impact resistant for a heavier outdoors lifestyle. Special coatings protect these lenses form the elements as well, along with giving the glasses more structural durability. 

Colour options for the lenses also help a great deal for the wearer. It affects the amount of visible light that can reach the wearer’s eyes and better defines objects. Red, blue, green, yellow, grey etc. and many more are given as an option for the wearer. 

Interchangeable lens frames are also an option for wearers who wish to have one pair of glasses for everything. This gives the wearer the option of removing and switching glasses according to his preference or to adapt to his surrounding environment. Frames are another important factor which adds on to the wearer’s comfort. They can either be worn like normal glasses or have the option of wrap- around frames which give the wearer more ease and freedom in movement. 

It is advised to take a good look at the available options before buying the sunglasses of your choice. There are many certified glasses Mississauga companies that cater to these specifications. 

About the author
Grace is an expert associated with Next Optical. Contact an eye glasses specialist at Next Optical in Mississauga, Ontario for more information on keeping your eyeglasses safe. 

To protect your eyes from UV rays while you work or play, also check out the stylish safety sunglasses that Texas America Safety Company offers.

 

 

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

SOME HOT TIPS FOR JULY – UV SAFETY!

 Another “hot” topic for July, (in addition to fireworks safety), is the observance of  UV Safety Month.  Not only can the sun’s ultraviolet rays harm your eyes, but it can damage your skin, as well.  Too much sun can cause wrinkles.  Worse yet, it can cause skin cancer.   If you have places that you suspect could possibly be skin cancer, see your dermatologist, as early detection offers a good chance for successful treatment.  Make it a habit to wear sunscreen when going outdoors.  Most dermatologists will tell you, many of these suspicious places are the result of being exposed to too much sun when you were younger.  It’s never too early to start protecting your child’s skin. 

Whether at work or play, as summer heats up, it’s important for you to understand the damage that Ultraviolet waves can do to our vision.  Ultraviolet (UV) is the invisible band of radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light and longer than x-rays – between 400 nanometers (nm) and x-rays at 4 nm and below.  Here are their three regions: 

  •       UV-A: (400-315 nm), Near UV
  •       UV-B: (315-280 nm), Mid UV
  •        UV-C:  (280-100 nm), Far UV 

Long- term exposure to ultraviolet radiation can damage eyes, and can lead to such disorders as cataracts and macular degeneration.   UV-blocking eye protection should be worn when people are exposed to the sun reflecting on water, sand, asphalt, and snow.  Many individuals are not aware of the dangers that contact with UV rays pose.  Everyone should wear eyewear blocking 99% of UVA and UVB rays, and a brimmed hat.   According to Prevent Blindness America, children are also at risk for eye damage from exposure to UV radiation.   They should wear the same UV-blocking eyewear for outdoor play, especially between 10 am and 3 pm, when UV rays are the most intense. 

When choosing sunglasses, be sure to choose lenses that absorb at least 99 to 100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B rays.  Avoid labels that state “Provides UV Protection”, but do not distinguish the proportion of UV rays it blocks.  Carefully select the type of eye protection that best fits your needs and likes: polarized, wraparounds, or vented. 

Remember these tips for sun safety AT WORK OR PLAY:

  1. Stay in the shade as much as possible;
  2. Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher;
  3.  Save your sight;
  4.  Cover up!
  5.  If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks!
  6. Stay hydrated. 

Source: Gatewaysafety.com/Prevent Blindness America

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

HOW TO KEEP SAFE AND AVOID INJURY THIS 4TH OF JULY (GUEST POST)

Independence Day celebrations generally mean getting together with families and friends for backyard barbecues, trips to the beach, and of course, fireworks. Although that may sound like a lot of fun, these activities can also bring dangers of fire, water, food, and heat.

To avoid injuries and make the most out of this annual holiday, here things to take note of:
Watch a professional fireworks show
Instead of setting off fireworks in your own backyard, leave it to the pros. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by watching professional shows. There are many fireworks shows you can watch. Do remember to stay at least 500 feet away. Putting it in your own hands can lead to possible blindness, severe burns – even death.
However, if you really must set fireworks at home, have a fire extinguisher available and ready. Light only one firework at a time and make sure the person lighting it wears eye protection Never point the firework toward people, animals, vehicles, and flammable materials and never attempt to relight. Fires and burns to to fireworks can lead to losing private possessions or lives.  
Grill with caution
Never grill indoors, in a tent, camper or on any surface that may catch fire. Instead, stay at least 10 feet away from your home or any building. Always supervise a grill when in use and don’t forget to use long-handled tools for cooking to keep the chef safe from burns. Before starting the fire, check the tubes that lead to the burner for any blockage from insects or grease. Avoid playing games with flying objects like frisbee, as it may knock candles, torches, and the grill itself. Last but not least, keep children away from the grill area. Use items like lawn chairs to prevent children from entering the area.
Swim safely
Since summer is here, swimming is the most popular activity for the family. To stay safe in the water, you first must know how to swim. If you already do, swim only in designated areas where lifeguards are available. Next is to have a swim buddy, even at a public pool. If you have children, never keep your eyes off them and don’t entrust his life to another child. Inexperienced swimmers should always wear swimming jackets. Also, don’t swim under the influence of alcohol. The same goes for driving…
Don’t drink and drive
According to statistics, the number of traffic accidents, injuries, and deaths rise significantly on the fourth of July. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says that Independence Day was the deadliest day on the road from 2006 – 2010.
Drinking alcohol – even just one cocktail – can impair your senses and judgement. So if you must drink on this holiday, make sure to have a designated driver to take your home. If you don’t have a driver, call a cab. If you had a lot to drink, consider staying in your host’s place for the night.
Better yet, stay at home. You don’t need to go out on the 4th of July to have fun. Play host to a neighborhood party instead.
Have a safe and injury-free fourth of July!
 
About the author: Based in California, Melissa Page is a professional writer with over four years of professional writing experience. Despite being a safety-conscious health buff, she still believes in the importance of health insurance, (iCan). She also loves travelling and bowling.
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

SAFETY TIPS FOR DECONTAMINATION FOLLOWING DISASTERS

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Waters after hurricane/flood/tornadoes can be contaminated with sewage, industrial waste, microorganisms, chemicals, and other substances that can cause illness or death.  In these environments, it becomes necessary for professional rescue workers, along with volunteers, to begin the tasks of decontaminating the properties that are still standing.  An important step in preventing disease is to disinfect clothing, tools/equipment, and work area surfaces.  

Good old household bleach solutions can be used for decontamination purposes when working around these hazards.  It is important to workers and volunteers that good hand hygiene is established.  Hands should be washed with clean soap and water if at all possible.  If only contaminated water is available, use ¼ cup of bleach per 1 gallon of water.  When cleaning hand tools, immerse them in the solution.  Severe surface decontamination needs to be disinfected using a solution of 1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water.  Allow this to stand 3 minutes. 

It is important to mix bleach solutions fresh daily, just before use.  The solution needs to stand for 30 minutes before using.  Wipe electric or battery-operated tools with bleach solution.  It is also imperative that you wear gloves, and eye protection when cleaning clothes, tools, and surfaces.  When mold is present, use respirators (N-95 recommended).  Never mix ammonia products with bleach. 

An Added Problem 

Emergency responders don’t often consider technical animal decontamination, yet the possibility absolutely exists.  Common HAZMAT situations involving animals include septic tank falls, inadvertent chemical overspray, swamps, flooding, and gasoline from automobile and trailer wrecks.  Animal handling and decontamination is an integral part of any HAZMAT response where animals are potentially exposed to hazardous chemical releases. Contaminated animals pose a health and safety threat to any human they contact after removal from a hazardous environment if they are not properly decontaminated.  This requires proper training and equipment for first responders and well thought out plans for animal management before, during and after the decontamination process.  Sights of deserted animals are heartbreaking, and there are rescue agencies that take them in and rehabilitate them, finding new owners if the original owners are not found. 

Because there is such a threat of disease, all precautionary measures should be taken by workers, volunteers and homeowners.  Wearing proper PPE personal protective equipment for different situations is of the utmost importance.

 

 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

JUNE AND JULY ARE FIREWORKS SAFETY MONTH

 


Spend the Fourth of July with Friends and Family This Year, Not in the Emergency Room

Prevent Blindness America Urges the Public to Celebrate Safely, Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

June/July are Fireworks Safety Months 

Nearly 6,000 Americans spent part of their Fourth of July holiday in the emergency room in 2009 due to fireworks injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in a report issued in 2011.  Of those, fireworks caused an estimated 1,600 eye injuries. The injuries included contusions, lacerations and foreign bodies in the eye.  Some injuries even caused permanent vision loss.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, “safe and sane” fireworks cause more injuries than illegal fireworks, especially to preschool children.  For children under the age of 5, half of the total injuries were from sparklers. Children ages 15 and younger make up a significant number of fireworks injuries, accounting for 39 percent. 

Prevent Blindness America, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization, supports the development and enforcement of bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks and sparklers, except for authorized public displays by competent licensed operators. The non-profit group believes it is the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage. 

If there are specks in the eye,

  • DO NOT rub the eye.
  • Use an eye wash or let tears wash out specks or particles;
  • Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid;
  • If the speck doesn’t wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage and see a doctor or go to the emergency room.

If the eye or eyelid is cut or punctured,

  • DO NOT wash out the eye with water.
  • DO NOT try to remove an object stuck in the eye.

Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressure.  The bottom half of a paper cup may be used.  Seek medical help immediately.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday this year without using consumer fireworks,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America.  “Whether you’re attending community events, family picnics or public displays by fireworks professionals, we wish you and your family a safe Independence Day.”

Suggestions for fun options rather than doing fireworks include everything from face-painting, to making patriotic desserts, to creating glow-in-the-dark t-shirts and hats with special paints and markers.  If it’s noise they want, let them create their own instruments with pots and pans.  Have a first aid kit handy.

For more information on fireworks safety, call (800) 331-2020 or log on to preventblindness.org.

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, Hand Protection, Head Protection

STAYING SAFE ON THE CONSTRUCTION SITE (GUEST POST)

On-site injuries have long been a problem for nearly every construction company, and for good reason. 

Each year, construction companies face hundreds of thousands of accidents related to situations that could be avoidable with the right precautions in place. In 2011 alone, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there were 4,069 workers killed on a construction site, most of which were avoidable. Though some of these problems truly are unavoidable, many of them can be minimized by following simple procedure. Every company is unique, but there are some practices that should be universal for any construction company, whether they are building a high-rise building or a small house.

Here are some of the most common issues that lead to injuries on the construction site: 

Lack of Training 

Every worker, regardless of what he or she is doing, should have a thorough understanding of not only what they will be doing, but also how to operate the heavy machinery they will be using. This might sound redundant, but thousands of injuries every year are caused by careless behavior on the part of the construction manager through lack of oversight. All operators of heavy machinery should have verifiable training on the machine or equipment they will operate. Many construction dealers will offer free tutorials for their machinery, such as videos, user manuals and quizzes. Some even offer a verifiable certificate to each person that passes the course. 

Overhead/ Buried Obstructions 

Before building anything, be sure to thoroughly inspect the construction site for buried or overhead obstructions. One phone call to your local utilities service will ensure that there are no buried pipes or wires, and can potentially prevent thousands of dollars in damages, along with any worksite injury that could occur. If you have exposed cables, be sure to use a cable ramp to ensure that machinery does not interact with them. 

Loading and Unloading Equipment 

Problems arise at every turn of a construction site, even on level ground. When loading and unloading equipment, it is crucial to make sure that no one is in the direct path of any heavy equipment, and that heavy equipment has enough room to comfortably maneuver around the construction site. This often requires a spotter to be nearby at all times. It is also important to make sure that the machine you are working with can clear the ramps that it uses, and that there is no crowding within that machine’s path. Use proper tie-down procedure, and use safety-ties to avoid pieces coming out of place. 

Though construction companies will most likely never be truly inevitable, we have come a long way in terms of construction safety in the past several decades. Since 1970, fatalities related to construction have been reduced by over 60 percent, and with a little bit of luck, this trend should continue.  

Patrick Rafferty is the marketing assistant for Brahman Systems, a Louisiana based construction company with a patented all-steel enclosed hose and cable protection. 

Note: All companies must provide personal protective equipment items.  From hardhats, vests, gloves, safety glasses, to first aid kits, they must be prepared properly.  Pat

 

Eye Protection, Head Protection, Weather Protection

ANNUAL TIPS ON PROTECTING WORKERS FROM HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

 Today, Friday, June 21, is the official first day of summer!  Those of us who live in southern parts of the United States are already aware of the fact.  This spring season has been an unusual one, with parts of the Northeastern U.S. experiencing late snows and flooding.  Tornado Alley has expanded from parts of Texas and Oklahoma, throughout the central states.  And to add more misery: it’s now hurricane season!

OSHA is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on weather service alerts to incorporate worker safety precautions when heat alerts are issued across the United States.  NOAA is including pertinent worker safety information on its Heat Watch Web page.  Because conditions are extremely hot with high humidity this season, companies would be wise to follow all advisories to keep their employees as safe as possible during this trying time.  WATER – REST – SHADE: The work can’t get done without them.  For workers that aren’t used to working outdoors, time should be given to gradually acclimate them to heat exposure.

How much water should we drink?  Water is the body’s principle chemical component and makes up about 60 per cent of your body weight.  Your entire body’s system depends on water.  Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions.  You can become tired and suffer energy loss with even mild dehydration. 

The Mayo Clinic staff suggests that your water needs depend on many factors, such as your health, how active you are, and where you live.  Because water is essential to good health, needs vary by individual.  If you use thirst as a guide for when to drink, by the time you are thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated.  As you get older, your body is less able to sense dehydration and send your brain signals of thirst.  Here are some tips to ward off dehydration, and make sure your body has the fluids it needs:

  • Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal;
  • Hydrate before, during and after exercise;
  • Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social events. 

We’ve all heard to consume six to eight glasses of water per day; however, this eight-glass formula doesn’t fit everyone.  The more active a person, the more they will need to replace fluids.  Larger people, pregnant and nursing women, and those who take dehydrating medications also will likely need to add more water to their diet.  For those who are not as active, drinking six to eight glasses daily could lead to over-hydration. 

Many outside workers are exposed to temperatures that are very hot, which causes them to sweat more.  These folks will need to increase their water intake.  Oral hydration solutions, such as Gatorade, Powerade or CeraLyte may help those who are in situations that cause them to sweat heavily.  Some experts recommend that bodies only need a minimal amount to keep the body in balance and give that energy kick.  Sometimes simply taking sips or swishing a sports drink will do the trick. 

At home, select foods that keep you hydrated and healthy.  Strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelon, and peaches are packed full of water and potassium, which is the electrolyte shed when your body sweats.  This is a great way to balance fluids that your body needs, and regulate your heartbeat and circulation.  Plus – they are delicious! 

In addition to allowing for rest and shade for workers, consider the water factor as very important.  Individuals know what their body needs, and they must be diligent about taking the time to stop for a drink of water throughout the day. You can find more information on the OSHA website, as well as NOAA website.  Try to stay cool, take breaks during the day, and stay hydrated!   Stay cool, and stay covered: wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long sleeves.

Source: OSHA/NOAA

 

 

 

 

Eye Protection, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Protective Clothing

MANAGING THE STRESSORS OF PERSONAL INJURY (GUEST POST)

 

After drunken night at Chris' II_MMVI

 

Dealing with a personal injury can be a life-altering experience. In addition to the physical pain and discomfort, you may also have to contend with an assortment of mental, financial and personal issues related to your claims process. The following are tips to help manage the stress and hardships associated with a personal injury experience.

Two Types of Injuries

Medical malpractice and getting hurt on the job are two well-known areas associated with a personal injury. When you’re feeling sick or injured, you put your trust into your physician or hospital facility. With many of them on patient overload, they occasionally make mistakes and offer inadequate treatment. This form of neglect could even result in a permanent injury or fatality. Close to 100,000 deaths are related to medical malpractice cases every year, often leaving victims floating in a sea of debt. An on-the-job injury is just as serious, and typically happens due to neglect or safety code violations. Thousands of people are hurt in a work related injury every year, and their emotional and financial processes are often lengthy and stressful.

Dealing with the Stress Related to a Personal Injury

It can be difficult to deal with the pain, stress and aggravation that is typically associated with a personal injury. Depending on its extent, you may have to contend with an endless pile of bills, limited to no money coming in, and physical and mental anguish. This can have a crippling effect on your work, personal and family life. A knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorney can determine if you have a case or not. In doing so, they can aggressively pursue the appropriate avenues to determine if neglect was at the center of these issues. If so, they can seek the proper monetary compensation for the client, and possibly prevent this from happening to anyone else.

Note that most reputable personal injury firms follow the contingency model; they do not take a fee unless you get financial recovery. If a permanent injury or death was the end result, you or your family members may need the help of a physical therapist or counselor/therapist to get through this traumatic ordeal.

Preventing Accidents and Injuries

There are a number of steps you can take on your own to prevent medical malpractice or work related injury situations. You can research and find a physician and hospital facility that are on the ball and have their patients concern at the forefront. You also need to follow the doctor’s recommended care and treatment plan for your ailment. If something looks to be out of the ordinary, you need to speak up and ask questions. Also, don’t discount the value of getting second opinions, and pay attention to your own intuition. 

Injuries at work can be avoided by making yourself aware of any on the job hazards. An employer should also follow the OSHA safety guidelines to protect the employees and customers within the facility. To ensure your work environment is safe, you need to follow your workplace dress code. This could include making sure your hair is tied back, and wearing proper safety goggles and footwear, and the correct personal protective equipment that meets the risks of the job involved. Essentially, your role is to follow the established codes of conduct, read any safety manuals provided by your place of employment, and if necessary, ask other employees about past injury situations so you can learn from past mistakes.

A personal injury caused by medical malpractice or work related injury can have long-lasting repercussions. Taking the appropriate steps to prevent them before they occur, and knowing how to deal with the stresses once they happen, can help relieve some of the emotional burden.

Akilah Richards is a former legal assistant who has seen how vital an attorney can be for a person who suffered pain or injury due to someone elses negligence. Price Benowitz, LLP,  offers information and resources for individuals in need of legal representation for any Maryland work accident or malpractice occurrence.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Protective Clothing

PROTECTING YOURSELF WHILE WORKING (GUEST POST)

There are many kinds of jobs today that require safety. These kinds of jobs are usually the ones that are involved in commercial as well as industrial and construction sites. If you are working on a construction site then there are some certain things you should do in order to protect yourself from getting harmed or injured. Through this short article, you will read some safety tips that will help you through. 

Tip #1: Wear protective clothing and gear

It is very imperative that you wear the right kind of protective gear and clothing in order to protect yourself from those injuries. This is very important especially if you are going to work on a construction site. There are many falling debris and such that would actually cause you harm as well as injuries. There are different kinds of protective clothing and gear which you should wear like hardhats, thick gloves, and boots as well as clothing. These should be provided by the company you are working for. Make sure that your company will provide you such kind of protection. 

Tip #2: Insurance

It is very essential that your company will provide you full insurance coverage in case of accidents.  You never know just when an accident might occur. There are various kinds of insurance which your company must provide such as life insurance, accident coverage, as well as medical protection. With these, you are sure that you will get the protection as well as services you need in case something happened to you. Your family will also be safe and protected. 

Tip #3: Hazardous documents and license

If you are going to work on a power plant company or construction site, it is important that the company has all the important documents and papers showing that they have all the rights and authorization to hire such people to work for them. This is very important to ensure that you will be protected in case an accident occurs.

It also must have proper ways of handling those hazardous waste materials. Without this, then you are only putting yourself on the edge of an accident, health issues or worse, even death.

 It is very essential that you get to know more about the job you will take. The company must provide all the training and protection you need. This way, you will not only be able to stay productive for them but will also get the protection you need for yourself and for your family. 

Lance Rand is a freelance writer who writes various topics for different online clients. He also currently blogs for spicnspanplumbing.com.au –  a company that provides innovative emergency plumbing Sydney solutions.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

OSHA AND ELECTRICITY: KEEPING THE FACTORY FLOOR SAFE (GUEST POST)

Sent to us by Maire Hunter.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets regulations to ensure employees’ safety. These requirements apply to all industries, especially construction and factory work.

In addition to an employer following safety guidelines, employees working on or around electrical equipment should have safety training. OSHA regulations align with the standards set by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 70E.

General OSHA regulations for electrical use in any industry

  • Electrical cords may not be modified.
  • Ground prongs can’t be removed from any cord or plug.
  • Extension cords must have three wires, one wire being grounded.
  • Cords, fittings and connections must have a strain relief.
  • Shut-offs or disconnects must be clearly identified on all equipment.
  • All electrical equipment must be inspected before use. Defective equipment must be taken out of service.
  • Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) must be used in typically wet locations.

Requirements for wiring and safe operation

  • All electrical wire, equipment and conduit must be approved by either Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual Corporation (FMC).
  • When energized equipment or lines are exposed, effective barriers or temporary fencing must be used.
  • High-voltage equipment (600 volts or more) must be isolated.
  • Temporary wiring, used during construction, remodeling or repairs, must meet National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements.
  • Temporary wiring must be removed immediately after the work is completed.
  • Exposed electrical wires must be protected.

When it comes to protecting electrical wires, a metal or plastic conduit is the best choice. Conduit materials include aluminum, cast zinc, galvanized steel, steel and PVC.

Partial list of conduit requirements

  • Any wiring installed in a conduit must be protected by bushings at the end of the conduit.
  • Liquid tight conduit and weatherproof connections must be used in outdoor locations.
  • The NEC has regulations for the maximum number of wires allowed in any given conduit. The number of wires depends on the diameter, American Wire Gauge and type of wire.
  • Most metal conduits can be used as equipment ground conductors. Plastic conduits must have a separate ground conductor. The ground conductor must also be identified.
  • Spacing between conduits is required for safe access during repair work.

Normally, if an accident occurs, OSHA will become involved and may conduct safety assessments. In addition to OSHA guidelines, the NEC applies to all construction work and all commercial electrical use. Compliance with NEC requirements is normally checked during stages of building inspection. Insurance companies may require further inspection for compliance.

Following the guidelines set by OSHA will help protect the health and safety of employees. A reduction in accidents may reduce insurance rates and will reduce lost time from work. While ignoring regulations may not result in an accident, the potential fines levied by OSHA can be significant.

All workers who work around electricity should be furnished dielectric personal protective equipment, such as dielectric glasses and gloves. pb