Introduction

One of the biggest problems with electrical hazards is that electricity cannot be seen, heard, or even smelled until it's too late. It is very difficult for people to give the proper respect for arguably the most powerful hazards in a facility when it virtually invisible. In recent years Arc Flash has been given a lot of attention. Explosions and burn injuries are easy to visualize compared to the invisible hazards such as shock and electrocution.

With the unacceptable death and injury rates caused by electrical hazards, OSHA compliance officers and safety professionals are taking another look at what can be done to protect workers and reverse years of complacency in electrical safety.

Following the simple concepts in the hierarchy of safety:

  • Electrical Safety Programs and Procedures

  • Train

  • Audit

  • Document

  • Risk Management

  • Eliminate

  • Reduce

  • Protect

  • Management

  • Plan

  • Implement

  • Evaluate

  • Correct

This seminar will help guide employers and employees in the direction of becoming compliant with the latest standards and enforcement of these standards.

OSHA's Mission

OSHA's mission is not to seek and destroy, OSHA's mission is to identify and fix.

It is a common misconception that OSHA is out to fine, penalize, and make like difficult for employers. When in fact OSHA's primary mission is to guide and assist companies in maintaining a safe environment for their employees. Companies rarely use this resource as a tool in achieving safe work conditions at their facility.

Never work on live circuits unless it is absolutely necessary.

OSHA has strict guidelines for working live circuits. Production or inconvenience is not justification for working energized. Not having the authority to shut off power, cannot be used as an excuse for workers.

NFPA 70E®

"The" Standard for electrical safety in the work place.

NFPA 70E 2015 has set the bar high:

  • Written Safety programs and procedures

  • Arc Flash Assessments and reviews every 5 years

  • Only qualified persons working within the limited approach boundary of energized parts

  • Documentable/Demonstrable proficiency in electrical safe work practices for qualified persons

  • Retraining every 3 years

  • Annual audits of employee performance

  • CPR/AED annually

  • Release of victims training annually

Keywords:
electrical safety program, arc, hsse standard, work practice, safety, osha, enforcement, employer, death, safety program
Subjects:
HSSE & Social Responsibility Management, Safety, HSSE standards, regulations and codes
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2015. American Society of Safety Engineers
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