Tag Archives: electrical safety

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

MAY IS NATIONAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

Every year in the United States, workplace electrical incidents result in more than 300 deaths and 3,500 injuries.  While electrical hazards are not the leading cause of on-the-job injuries and fatalities, they are disproportionately fatal and costly.  For every 13 electrical injuries, a worker dies.   Knowing best practices of electrical safety are critical to reducing these staggering statistics because most of these injuries could be prevented. 

Electricity and electrical products play a fundamental role in how we conduct business every day. However, if not used or maintained appropriately, they can pose serious risks. Over the last ten years, more than 30,000 workers have been injured in workplace electrical accidents. These injuries not only disrupt the lives of the workers and their families, but also impact the productivity of employers. 

An arc flash is a sudden release of electrical energy through the air when a high-voltage gap exists and there is a breakdown between conductors. An arc flash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can cause burns and other injuries. Exposure to extreme temperatures burns the skin directly and ignites the clothing that the worker is wearing. 

An arc flash can be spontaneous, or can result from inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other causes may include dropped tools, the buildup of conductive dust, or corrosion. While great advances are being made to improve equipment design and thereby reduce the number of arc flash incidences, there is still much to be done. Each year, 2,000 workers are admitted to burn centers for treatment of severe arc flash burns. 

High-voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a blast. This pressure burst, or arc blast, can hit a worker with grenade-like force and send metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum electrical components shooting out at speeds up to 700 miles per hour – fast enough for the tiny shrapnel to penetrate ones body.  

Here are some important ways to prevent injuries and fatalities when working with electricity:

Every year, workers are injured or killed by circuits they thought were safely turned off. Simply shutting off the power is not enough. Hazardous conditions can still exist. You may not get a second chance to learn this important lesson, so always test before you touch! 

Most electrically-related fatalities and injuries could easily be avoided. Responsibility for your safety begins with you. Take steps to protect yourself everyday and make safety an integral part of how you do business. 

The number one way to prevent electrical injuries and fatalities is to turn off the equipment being worked on. It may take a little more time and planning, but your life and your health are worth it. Be proactive about de-energizing equipment and taking steps to ensure that your work environment remains safe. Working on energized equipment increases your risk of injury or death.

 

 Each day, nearly 3 million professionals participate in work activities where lockout/tagout procedures should be used. Unfortunately, too many workers still put themselves at risk by working energized or neglecting to follow their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. Year after year, failure to comply with the lockout/tagout standard is listed as one of the top OSHA violations. If the standards are followed, an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries could be prevented annually. Get in the habit of doing this important step every time! 
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be the major factor in differentiating between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms, including: hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, flame-resistant clothing, dielectric safety glasses, face shields, fall protection equipment, etc.Be sure to choose the PPE that is right for you and your circumstances. PPE should be:

  • Worn CORRECTLY; zipped, buttoned, etc
  • Appropriate for the hazard
  • Worn as the outermost layer
  • Maintained properly and removed from service when needed

This month serves as a reminder that we must always be extremely careful when working around electricity. 
  Source: ESFi (Electrical Safety Foundation international)
General Safety Issues, Hand Protection

FIVE BASIC ELECTRICAL DO’S AND DON’T’S (GUEST POST)

Electrons are whirling about us everywhere these days, and these sensitive little particles can easily cause mayhem when they are allowed to escape their circuits. Knowing a few basic rules for handling electrical devices and performing any work on or around them is essential for keeping both individuals and the equipment in working order.

1.      Check your gear.

Whether it’s your first time or your thousandth time working on electrical gear, everything comes down to your gear. The word of the day here is “insulation”. All of your tools should be checked to make sure all their resistant materials are free from cuts and tears that might expose the conductive metals usually hidden underneath. This is especially important for items you are more likely to use when dealing with more dangerous circuits, such as heavy rubber gloves, mats, and boots.

2.      Plan twice, act once.

A fair amount of electrical work needs to be done on live circuits. After all, you can’t measure how electricity is flowing through the circuit if there are no electrons running through it. This creates a potential for both personal harm and destruction of equipment if you short the circuit. Whenever you are taking measurements or working on a live electrical device, you should check your schematics, check the device, and repeat before performing any work. The same goes for any actions you take while working that do not directly relate to the circuit; one common mistake is resting a hand on the circuit while reaching for another tool or item and creating a short to ground through your body.

3.      Bring a friend.

Whether working on a small device or a high voltage beast, an extra pair of hands and eyes will come in handy. Most importantly, when working with dangerous voltages, it may be up to the support to shut off the power. They can also serve as “navigators” by looking over schematics and cutting down on the time it takes to perform the tasks without sacrificing safety. Also, be willing to perform the same service for any of your coworkers or friends, as the Golden Rule would have you do.

4.      Don’t forget about capacitors and oscillating circuits.

Capacitors and oscillating circuits can hold more than enough charge to cause damage, and not every capacitor is designed with paths through which they can bleed out their energy. Take the time to make sure that there are no capacitors hidden inside without a discharge path, and review the proper steps for dying out capacitors if there are some in the way.

 5.      Never lose respect for electricity.

After a while of working on electrical devices, it can be easy to experience a fading of concern towards the danger they represent. A small shock can be fatal under the right conditions, and it is always possible to destroy what you are trying to save by not taking proper electrical safety precautions. If it has been a while since you last read them or worked on an electrical device, review a more detailed list of these procedures to make sure they are at the forefront of your mind. 

Stay Safe!  Every detail matters where safety is concerned. Never disregard any safety tips out of hand, and make sure to read as much as you can to make sure you get to go back to your family at the end of the day. 

This guest post is contributed by Rebecca Gray, who writes for Backgroundchecks.org. She welcomes your comments at her email id: GrayRebecca14@gmail.com.

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hearing Protection

MACHINING SAFETY (GUEST POST)

Sent by Jason, of riskatmedia.com. 

All work activities carry the potential to cause harm to our own and others’ health and well-being, but we sometimes forget how real and close to us these hazards are. Every year, a large number of people are killed at work, and an even greater number of people suffer work related injuries because they are unable to follow safe working practices.

There are particular hazards associated with machining activities, which includes both general machining activities and the use of magnetic based equipment. Some of these hazards accompany almost all types of work activity, such as handling and slips and trips. Others, such as contact with moving machinery and contact with hazardous substances are of particular concern to machine operators as they result in significantly higher rates of injury amongst these personnel than amongst other workers. 

Manual Handling

Manual handling related activities are a major cause of occupational injury. Low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries affect over a million people each year, and many of these injuries are the result of manual handling. Prior to carrying out any unavoidable manual handling activity, you should help to protect yourself from injury by following good manual handling practices. Consider the task to be carried out and the nature of the load, and be aware of your own capabilities and the environment in which you are working. In particular, machine attachments and work pieces can be extremely heavy and you should give consideration to safe manual handling practices before undertaking any job that involves lifting these items. 

Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips and trips represent a significant cause of work related injury. Slips and trips can result from contamination, obstacles, inappropriate footwear, reduced visibility, the environment and people’s attitudes. Good workmanship and good housekeeping are practices that can help to prevent accidents and fires. By removing debris, swarf, packaging and other waste materials to waste skips you can contribute significantly to good housekeeping. You can also reduce the risk of slips and trips by properly routing any cables or air hoses that you use, by appropriately storing materials, tools and other equipment and keeping walkways clear, by ensuring that you always wear appropriate footwear and by taking responsibility for your own and your colleagues safety and appropriately containing any spills that you might discover. 

Risk of Contact

Contact with moving or rotating machine parts is a significant hazard to personnel involved in machining activities, as well as to personnel working close by, and can result in serious injury. All personnel need appropriate training and experience to be able to use work equipment safely. Never use machinery unless you have received suitable training and are qualified and competent to do so. You should ensure that you are suitably qualified and are competent to use the particular type of equipment that you will be working on. Before you begin to use a machine, study it to make sure that you know which parts of the machine move, which parts are stationary and which parts are sharp. Make sure that all guards are in place. Remember to securely clamp both the machine and the work piece. To ensure Machine Safety make sure that you only use that piece of equipment for the job it was intended to perform. To protect others from the risk of contact with the moving or rotating machine parts, make sure that the appropriate warning signs and barriers are in place before you begin machining ensuring Authorised Personnel Only can gain access.” 

Electrical Safety

Electric shock from machinery can result in death or severe burns. Additionally, serious injury can result if the person falls as a result of the shock. To prevent the risks posed by electrical hazards, all electrical equipment should carry a valid test certificate or label. Testing should be carried out by suitably trained individuals. If an electrical appliance does not carry a test label, then please, do not use it. You should also carry out a visual pre-use inspection of all machinery, if you discover a defect or problem with the machine, it should not be used and you should inform your manager. 

Machine Malfunction

It is equally important to monitor the machine while it is running for possible signs of a malfunction. If you notice that the machine is vibrating abnormally, doesn’t sound right or is displaying signs of any other problem, switch it off and report to your manager. 

Machine Maintenance

Ensuring that equipment is appropriately cleaned and maintained is also central to machine safety. Inspect and sharpen cutting tools, lubricate machinery and check the alignment of milling machines as appropriate. Clean machinery after each use, as a dirty machine is unsafe and is difficult to use. When you are carrying out machine maintenance, make sure that you follow the appropriate lockout and tag-out procedures to ensure that the equipment is correctly isolated and cannot be turned on accidentally.

When cleaning machines after use, ensure that the machine is switched off and that the swarf has cooled before using gloves and a brush to remove swarf and clean the machine. If you need to remove swarf from a running machine, make sure that you are not wearing gloves and use a rod to remove the swarf. Never use a rag to clean a machine while it is running. Never use compressed air to clean a machine, your clothes or yourself. 

Risk of Entanglement

When conducting machining operations, it is extremely important that you take the steps necessary to reduce the risk of entanglement. Wear close fitting garments, do not wear a tie or jewelry and tie back long hair and long beards. Never wear gloves when operating a machine. If material is rough or sharp and you need to wear gloves to handle it, make sure that you place or handle the material while the machine is turned off and that you then remove your gloves before turning on or operating the machine. You should never attempt to measure a part that is moving. 

Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is an important means of reducing the risks associated with projectile particles during machining operations. At least standard PPE with safety sun glasses should be worn. It may be necessary to screen the work area if projectile particles pose a hazard to individuals working or passing nearby. Only PPE in good working condition will reduce the hazards associated with your work, so it is important to remove, clean and store your PPE correctly. 

Noise at Work

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work is a significant source of occupational disease, with many people suffering deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise levels at work. The level of noise and how long people are exposed to noise at work both contribute to potential hearing damage. Noise can be reduced to harmless levels by using ear plugs and ear defenders while conducting machining operations, and these items of PPE should therefore be worn unless local measurements indicate that noise levels are below the level at which such action is necessary. 

Human Factors

Human factors also play a role in increasing the risk of injury while conducting machining operations. Never come to work in possession of, or under the influence of, alcohol or drugs. These substances expose everyone to risks that are unnecessary and easily avoided. You should also not conduct machining operations if you are overly tired or unwell, as concentration is important to operating machines safely. Behave sensibly in the machine shop. Don’t run and don’t walk behind someone who is operating machinery as you may bump in to them. 

Hazardous Substances

Substances such as coolants and other metal working fluids, hydraulic, lubricating, gearbox oils and cleaning agents can cause dermatitis if they come into contact with your skin. Fluid systems containing water or water mixes can cause bacterial infection on contact.

If you need to use these or other potentially hazardous substances, ensure that you follow the procedures outlined in your hazardous substance assessment, which may include the use of additional PPE. Try to avoid getting these substances on your skin, but if you do, pre-work or barrier creams will make your hands easier to clean. Rehydration creams will also replace lost skin oils after washing, and help to keep your hands in good condition. Wash, eat and drink away from your work area, and always wash your hands before eating, drinking or smoking. Avoid breathing in metal working fluid mists by using machining procedures which reduce the amount of mist produced, by using extraction and by using appropriate PPE. Remember that all hazardous chemicals can be identified by their warning signs, and should be stored in suitable containers that are clearly labelled and which identify the hazards associated with their use. Information on the substance as well as an assessment of the hazards associated with its use should also be available. 

Magnetic Based Equipment

There are additional hazards relating to the use of magnetic based equipment. It may well be unsafe to use magnetic based equipment if you have an active implantable medical device fitted. Make sure that you have informed your manager if you have an implanted medical device and talk to your doctor about the safety of using magnetic based equipment. Particular safe working practices are necessary to prevent injury should the electrical supply to the magnetic base fail. You should label the relevant electrical supply sockets and switches to prevent someone accidentally turning off the supply. 

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency while conducting machining operations, isolate any machinery that you have been using and evacuate the area according to the site emergency procedures. If you are involved in an accident, seek immediate assistance. You should never operate machinery while alone unless specific lone working procedures are in place.

 

Riskatmedia – Safety Videos

General Safety Issues

TEN TIPS FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS (GUEST POST)

Sent to us from the U.K. , written by David Quarmby.

It’s important to make sure that your electrics aren’t faulty to keep your home safe. Here are some top tips for safe electrical installation in order to reduce electrical fires and shocks.

1.       It’s vital to visually check any plugs, cables and electrical appliances for any problems. This could be signs of scorching around sockets or damaged cables which are both potential hazards.

2.       In order to detect any potential risks of safety to an electrical installation, a qualified electrician should carry out an inspection. They have the knowledge and experience to identify electrical dangers and ensure your home is safe.

3.       You should think about getting an RCD, or a residual current device that can be installed to prevent shocks. This device disconnects a circuit automatically if there is a fault.

4.       Make sure that there are enough sockets for appliances as you don’t want to be using too many multi-way sockets.

5.       When you do have multi-way sockets take care that you don’t overload adaptors, particularly with high current appliances such as irons, kettles, or heaters.

6.       Ensure all covers are in place to prevent anyone touching any live parts that are visible.

7.       It’s important that your electrician checks that earthing arrangements are in place so a fuse or circuit breaker can clear a fault. These will cut the circuit so that a fire or shock is prevented.

8.       They also need to check that there’s sufficient protective bonding so a shock is minimised.

9.       Cables should be selected and installed in relation to a fuse or circuit breaker in order to protect the circuit.

10.   In your home circuits should be installed to avoid danger and inconvenience caused if there was a fault.

The most essential thing to remember is to make sure electrics in the home are checked regularly by yourself and an electrician. Any electrical faults can present a possible threat to you and your family, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

David, the author, is an expert in electrical compliance and testing for businesses and is part of the ElectricalCerts group.

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

HOW TO PROMOTE ELECTRICAL SAFETY IN YOUR HOME (GUEST POST)

Written by Paul Dickinson

Electricity has become a very important part of society in recent years, especially when it comes to the home and most houses in the UK are now very heavily reliant upon electricity to perform a range of tasks and to ensure that our appliances are working efficiently. Although electricity is something that we have come to acknowledge as second nature, it still has the potential to be dangerous so it’s important that we take the appropriate steps to ensure electrical safety around the home. 

Ensuring that your items are well tested, purchasing quality assured products and looking carefully before making any second-hand selections are all good ways that you can help to ensure your safety and if you do happen to have young members of the family then it’s very important that you take the appropriate measures to ensure their protection. 

What steps can you take to make your house safe? 

There are a number of steps that you can take to help improve safety around your home and in general this means looking at your electrical equipment and ensuring that it’s kept up to date and well-maintained at all times. Electrical equipment has the ability to degrade over time so you need to take particular care with items which might be slightly older and might therefore require a little extra care.

The main problem with electrical testing is that most people don’t do it – some can’t be bothered and others doing realise that your appliances actually need it – the reality is that electrical appliances don’t last forever and that’s why it’s crucial that you take the appropriate steps to ensure that you are able to extend their lifespan as much as you possibly can. This means testing your equipment at regular intervals and if necessary, getting an expert to help you out.   

What equipment can you use? 

Electrical testing equipment might seem completely unnecessary in your home, but this is simply not the case and there is a range of equipment that you can use to help ensure the safety of both yourself and your family around the home. Items include:

  • Plug covers – these can be easily inserted into open electrical sockets to prevent young children from putting their fingers into the sockets
  • PAT testers – can be used to quickly and easily test portable electrical appliances
  • Solar panel testers – if you are looking to incorporate solar power into your home then these are often invaluable devices
  • Energy monitoring equipment – can help to test how your electrical appliances are working and hopefully identify any potential problems before they happen, helping to save you both time and money as well as to promote your safety.

Article provided by http://www.isswww.co.uk/ISSWWW, a leading retailer of electrical safety and testing equipment.  Written by Paul Dickinson.

Another tip is to never overload extension cords.  pb

 

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues

TEN ELECTRICAL SAFETY TIPS (GUEST POST)

10 Electrical Safety Tips

When many people think of electrical equipment the thought ‘hazard’ is soon to follow, but electrical safety is still neglected and should be observed more often.  It is important that we all understand the dangers of electrical equipment and maintain proper caution when using electrical items to avoid accidents. Here are some top tips to ensure you and your family remain safe around electrical items.

1.       Everyone should be in the habit of turning all electrical devices off when they are not in use, this includes, but not limited to kitchen appliances, gaming consoles, televisions and lighting. Before going to bed it is important to ensure that all electrical equipment is properly turned off at the power supply.

2.       People have a habit to overload sockets especially in homes where there are not enough sockets in place. When using adapters ensure that the total output does not exceed the specified rating. A power surge can occur causing power cuts and in some case fire.

3.       A residual current device will cut off power in the event of a power surge. This should be placed in sockets that are running a number of electrical items such as in the lounge where the television, DVD player etc. are in place.

4.       Pay attention to plugs, sockets and wires to ensure that they remain in good condition, if such problems occur then they will need to be replaced by an electrician qualified to do so.

5.       Never buy equipment that doesn’t not hold a CE Mark – this marking ensures that it has been tested and conforms to all safety recommendations.

6.       Never run cables through skirting, floorboards, carpet or door frames – this is for two reasons; a) you cannot asses the state of the wires b) if the wire needs to be removed this can result in unnecessary DIY jobs.

7.       Ensure that electrical wires are kept out of the way from heat. For example when using hair straighteners don’t let the wire overhang the appliance – this can melt the outer coating exposing dangerous wires.

8.       Be extremely careful with electrical equipment where it may become wet. Never leave an exposed light fitting in the bathroom. There are special light fittings made purposely for your bathroom to prevent moisture. Often we place the kettle right under the socket but the moisture from the steam can get into the socket. Place the kettle away from the socket or affix a socket protector.

9.       When using hot appliances such as irons or hair straighteners use a heat mat underneath, this will prevent the surface getting burned.

10.   Place socket protectors in all sockets around the home if you have or look after small children.

Bio

Jade Coleman graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Journalism and Editorial Design in 2010, since then Jade has worked within the Marketing sector blogging about numerous electrical and safety equipment.

We thank Jade for reminding us how careful we should be when using any electrical appliances.  pb

Uncategorized

SAFETY TIPS FOR THOSE “UP IN THE AIR” WORKERS!

Did you ever notice a guy standing high up in a bucket, working on electric or telephone lines?  Looks like fun for those of us who don’t make our living doing that.  But there are safety risks involved, such as falls, electrocutions, and tip-overs for workers who stand in cherry pickers or bucket trucks, which are held up by boom-supported aerial platforms.

According to OSHA, the following safe work practices are encouraged:

  • Always treat power lines, wires and other conductors as energized, even when they are down or appear to be insulated.
  • A restraining belt with a lanyard attached to the boom or basket to prevent the worker(s) from being pulled from the basket should always be used.
  • If provided, use outriggers.
  • Unless permitted by the manufacturer, never move the equipment with workers in an elevated position.
  • Hydraulic, mechanical, or electrical safety devices should never be overridden.
  • Workers who operate aerial lifts are to be properly trained in the safe use of the equipment.
  • Elevating work platforms should be maintained and operated according to manufacturers instructions.
  • Load limits of equipment should not be exceeded.  The combined weight of worker, tools and materials should be considered.

The next time you see one of these workers, you might just say thanks for getting your power, cable, or telephone back on line during that last storm.  Their job is not an easy one!

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety, Uncategorized

Working with Power Tools?

1 Comment

When using power tools, the proper personal protective equipment should always be worn.

These tools are classified by their source of power: electric, pneumatic, liquid fuel, hydraulic and powder-actuated.
Safety tips when using the types of tools listed are:

  • Electric – Electric shock is the most hazardous threat, and proper grounding is extremely important. Wear gloves and safety footwear when using electric tools.
  • Pneumatic – Powered by compressed air, i.e., drills, hammers, sanders, require that eye, head and face protection be used.   When operating jackhammers, safety glasses, shoes, face shields and hearing protection from noise are necessary.
  • Liquid Fuel – Usually powered by gasoline, which sometimes creates vapors that can explode or burn.  If using this type of equipment in inside areas, respirators should be worn.
  • Powder-Actuated – These tools operate like a loaded gun, and should be operated only by specially trained persons.  Face, ear and eye protection need to be worn.
  • Hydraulic – Fire-resistant fluids must be used to run this equipment, with the exception of insulated sections of derrick trucks, aerial lifts and tools used on or around energized lines.  Jacks, lever and ratchet jacks, screw jacks and hydraulic jacks should be properly inspected before use and immediately after.  Appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn.