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An arc flash occurs when there is a sudden release of electrical energy between two conductors, causing an explosion. It is a serious hazard in industries such as electrical utilities, construction, oil & gas, and manufacturing, where workers are working around high voltage switches and grounding gear, panel boards, switchboards, and transformers. Arc flash related […]
In our latest installment of Ask the Expert, brought to you by the team of industry experts at EHS Hero®, we look at a recent question from a subscriber asking about the guidelines for arc flash warning signs. See what the experts had to say. Q: What are the specific guidelines for arc flash warning signs, […]
There are many considerations—and legal compliance implications—when evaluating the safety of your facility’s electrical infrastructure. Read on for some of the basics, key analyses, and maintenance requirements.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has increased compliance activities related to electrical safety regulations and standards over the past few years. This began with the heightened interest in arc flash hazards related to the 2000 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E standard and became more active after the 2004 edition was published.
May was Electrical Safety Month, and to mark the occasion the EHS on Tap podcast sat down with Ralph Parrett, AVO Training Institute’s Senior Instructional Designer and Senior Training Instructor, to discuss common electrical hazards and how to mitigate the risk. If you missed the episode or simply prefer to read rather than listen, read […]
A maintenance supervisor at a Wisconsin iron foundry was severely burned by an electrical arc flash in June 2013. The supervisor was injured while servicing a 480-volt circuit breaker without proper electrical protective equipment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the employer for a willful violation of electrical standards, alleging that the employer […]
Yesterday, we presented answers to a number of important questions about electrical safety. Today, we review some more electrical safety FAQs. What is the best way for employees to protect against electrical hazards? Most electrical accidents result from one of three factors: Unsafe equipment or installation Unsafe environment Unsafe work practices Accidents and injuries can […]
In today’s Advisor we focus on some frequently asked questions about electrical safety, with answers provided by OSHA. What causes electrical shocks? Electricity travels in closed circuits, normally through a conductor. But sometimes a person’s body—an efficient conductor of electricity—mistakenly becomes part of the electric circuit. This can cause an electrical shock. Shocks occur when […]