Tag Archives: OSHA 2012

How selecting Personal Protective Equipment can save your employees lives

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How you select Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your employees may save their lives.

Employers are responsible for protecting their workers from the catastrophic results of an arc flash event. How you chose the correct PPE is based on the type(s) of electrical exposure your workers may come into contact with.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) could include hard hats, gloves, hot sticks, or a full bodied arc flash suit with face shield. Many employers use NFPA 70E 2004: table 130.7 (C)(9)(A) as their guide to selecting the correct equipment. Or one could conduct an arc flash analysis. We find that this type of analysis far exceeds trying to use just the tables. In fact, using only the tables often results in improper protection for your worker. The tables (http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/CodesStandards/TIAErrataFI/TIA70E-04-1.pdf)  are based on certain jobs and divided into eight equipment- and voltage-specific sections. The tables are extremely limited in that they only cover eight specific types of equipment. Although the equipment l they list may cover most situations, it may not cover yours. If your equipment, voltage, or task is not listed then 70E requires an arc flash analysis.

Another concern about relying on the tables for your PPE requirements is that they only cover situations up to Category 4. Some equipment is higher than Category 4 and this is what is known as the dangerous level. This level means the arc flash will be so catastrophic and that one cannot work on the panel live.

As you study the table you will see that it is based on a predetermined current and clearing time. Obviously the problem with this scenario is that your facility may have a higher current or a lower current and both can result in an increased thermal hazard. This would mean you could have the incorrect PPE protection which would make the difference between life and death for your worker(s). The best way to protect your employees from injury or death, and your company from devastating law suits is simple: Have an Arc Flash Analysis conducted at your facility. Not only will you save lives, but you will have fulfilled OSHA mandates for training your employees and you will be assured that they are properly protected when the unexpected does happen. Macron Safety is your Safety Solutions Partner and we pride ourselves on education, prevention and safe work environments.

$125,000 fine awarded after worker shocked

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Cimco Refrigeration, was fined $95,000 along and Sobeys Capital Inc., who was fined $30,000 for an O.H.S.A. violation after a worker was injured.

On Aug. 22, 2009, a worker from Cimco Refrigeration was servicing an electrically-powered door at the Sobey’s Whitby Retail Support Centre. While standing on a ladder, the worker made contact with the door’s energized control panel. The worker fell from the ladder, sustaining severe head injuries and electrical burns.

A Ministry of Labour investigation found that the control panel was not disconnected from the power supply, locked out or tagged before the worker started service to the door.

Also, during the course of the investigation, a manager from Sobey’s asked a maintenance worker to perform a task that involved interfering with the scene of the accident.

Sobeys Capital Inc. pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that no one interfered with or altered anything at the scene of the incident until permission to do so was given by an inspector.

Cimco Refrigeration pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the power supply to the control panel was disconnected, locked out or tagged before any work was done on or near live exposed parts of the control panel.

In addition to the fines, the court imposed a 25-per-cent victim fine surcharge, as required by the Provincial Offences Act. The surcharge is credited to a special provincial government fund to assist victims of crime.

Are you, your company and your employees protected? When was your last OSHA mandated safety training held for your employees? Are you aware of the 2012 OSHA  mandates in U.S.?

Macron Safety is your safety solutions partner. We help to educate and inform regarding all OSHA requirements as well as offer the best in safety wear and tools. We not only strive to protect you from lawsuits and fines, but more importantly with our safety solutions we hope to help you avoid catastrophic injuries resulting in death or severe injuries.

What is an Arc Flash?

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An arc flash may occur at a transformer, switch gear, or high voltage cables when electricity is suddenly and violently released. Injuries due to an arc flash are heightened in an enclosed space.

Are you aware of OSHA 2012 safety requirements regarding electricity? Are your employees safe on the job site? Are they safety trained to work around, near or with electricity? Is the training documented? Do they have the proper safety gear and tools? If not; you are liable for all injuries and death that occur under your employ.

Safety training not only assures that you and your company are OSHA compliant, but it saves lives and millions of dollars in lawsuits and fines.

Macron Safety is your training solutions partner. Our mission is to keep workers safe and save companies (large and small) millions in lawsuits and OSHA fines.