February 2021
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Inside the February Issue |
Implementing Best Practices
in Electrical Safety
BY SEAN SILVEY
We all know the importance of electrical
safety practices. Unfortunately, we’re
not all practicing them. According to a
Fluke survey conducted in 2020, 99.4
percent of electrical workers agreed that
a strong culture of safety in the workplace
is important to keep workers safe. However,
less than half felt that most companies
have a strong culture of safety and
more than half of workers surveyed believed
someone other than themselves to
be responsible for their safety.
According to The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 8.5 percent of the 779 worker fatalities in the private industry in 2018 were caused by electrocution. Training in test equipment usage, using a procedural checklist, and performing safety audits are the best methods to ensure that safety practices are implemented.
Ensure workers are qualified for the
specified work
The most effective method to ensure
safety, and also the method required by
OSHA, is for employees to demonstrate
their ability to select, inspect, use, and
maintain their test equipment. The National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
develops the Standard for Electrical
Safety in the Workplace, known as NFPA
70E. This states that only “qualified persons’’
are allowed to perform tasks that
include the use of test equipment on systems
50 volts and greater.
Use the correct tools
Tools are rated for voltage and current,
CAT and safety to determine whether they
are suitable for the task at hand. It’s important
that technicians can identify the
correct CAT rating needed for their job.
In addition, technicians should never assume any test tool is operating correctly
when it comes to safety.
Treat Hygiene as a Priority, Without Sacrificing Productivity
From Tork
Hygiene has never been more important—it’s also never been more scrutinized. The pandemic has forced manufacturing facilities to heighten their focus on cleaning and hygiene protocols and has introduced new protocols for manufacturing employees.
Daily News
Safety 2021 Expects to Bring Hybrid Experience to 60th Event
PARK RIDGE, IL -- The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is working through a big addition to its Safety 2021 Professional Development Conference and Exposition that would enable thousands of attendees to get involved like never before.
Global Shop Solutions Celebrates 45 Years of Manufacturing
THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Global Shop Solutions, a developer of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year.
Safety Stand Down 2021: Rebuild Rehab
QUINCY, MA -- Firefighting puts intense strain on firefighters, both physically and mentally. It is critical that firefighters receive a comprehensive rehab program after fire incidents or intense training to ensure their physiological and psychological well-being.
Rockford Combustion Solutions Appoints Sunray Supply, Inc. as Sales Representative for Southeastern US
ROCKFORD, IL -- Rockford Systems LLC, dba Rockford Combustion Solutions, announced the appointment of Sunray Supply, Inc. as its exclusive sales representative agency servicing the Southeastern United States.
3M launches New Clean & Protect Certified Badge Program
ST. PAUL, MN -- 3M is helping businesses return to work. The company is launching the 3M Clean & Protect Certified Badge Program, a new comprehensive system for cleaning, monitoring and protecting facilities.