There is an important birthday celebration this month. IEEE 1584, “IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations,” turns 20! “Born” on September 23, 2002, I have watched this standard mature and improve over the...
On Sep. 29, 2022, at 1:00 pm Eastern, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR will hold a free webinar, "Hi-Visibility Protective Clothing: Be Safe, Be Seen." This webinar is sponsored by GlenGuard. Be Safe. Be Seen. Join NECA Safety’s Wes...
OSHA’s purpose is to mandate that people work in a place free from known and recognized hazards. This must be every employer’s priority and the focus of all of occupational health and safety programs, regardless of where the...
As workplace hazards have evolved, personal protective equipment has had to adapt. A variety of high- and low-cost solutions offer many benefits, and contractors have a growing selection of choices to make regarding how they...
In August 2020, lightning sparked unprecedented wildfires in parts of western Oregon. Fanned by dry winds from the east, the fires skipped over roads and natural fire breaks, spreading hundreds of miles on flying embers....
According to the ELECTRI International report, “Pandemics and Construction Productivity: Quantifying the Impact,” the COVID-19 pandemic is estimated to have reduced productivity in the construction sector by some 20%, based...
Objectives A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is an effective way to keep workers safe around fall hazards. Before each use, each of its many components must be carefully inspected individually to ensure the whole system...
This briefing explains the need for hearing protection and familiarizes users with various types. Workers need to use hearing protection when job-site noise level is hazardous. This raises questions such as, what protective...
The 1910.269 standard is commonly referred to as the “maintenance standard” in the electric utility work space, and subpart V in the corresponding construction 1926 standards. These two standards, covering the majority of...
Performing an arc flash study can be complex enough, but the latest edition of IEEE 1584—IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations has taken it to a whole new level. A lot has changed since arc flash studies...
When implementing electrically safe work practices in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 70E, one must apply all rules in the standard. We cannot simply jump to Article 130 and apply the requirements for work involving...
According to the results of the latest American Staffing Association’s Workforce Monitor survey (conducted from June 10 to June 14 by The Harris Poll among 2,066 U.S. adults aged 18 and older), nearly six in ten U.S. adults...
Keeping workers safe has taken on new meaning since the pandemic began. While traditional hazard protection requirements remain, the need for infection control added a new level of complexity. Contractors have adjusted work...
Toolbox Talk is a series of informational guides designed to help contractors hold short safety meetings on the job site. Use the provided discussion questions to help start a safety conversation. Your eyes are one of your...
According to a new report from the National Safety Council (NSC), Itasca, Ill., “State of the Response: The Future World of Work,” continued remote work, increased focus on flexible work arrangements and a renewed commitment...
Toolbox Talk is a series of informational guides designed to help contractors hold short safety meetings on the job site. Use the provided discussion questions to help start a safety conversation. Choosing the Right Clothing...
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) keeps workers and job sites safe from hazardous conditions. However, choosing improperly fitting or the wrong form of PPE can have dire consequences. Fortunately, the Occupational Safety...
Mention arc flash and thoughts often turn toward extreme heat, burn injury and arc-rated clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE). However, an arc flash has nonthermal hazards as well. Intense light The word “flash”...
Working around electricity is dangerous, and to reduce the risk of electric shock and electrocution, electricians depend on a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE), including clothing made of shock-resistant fabric...
As the dangers of arc flash have become better known, the market for arc-rated (AR) clothing has grown. Unlike earlier offerings, many of today’s garments can be comfortable to wear on a daily basis. However, ensuring this...
