As the awareness of electrical hazards increase many are puzzled by phrases like "Limited", "Restricted", "Prohibited Approach Boundary", and "Flash Protection Boundary". This article will address the requirements to perform the "Shock Hazard Analysis" and the "Flash Hazard Analysis" required by the NFPA 70E-2004, Section 110.8(B)(1), "Electrical Hazard Analysis" as well as the "Blast Hazard Analysis" and personal protective equipment requirements.

There is nothing more important to an electrical safety program than to have a staff of technicians who have been properly trained and who are qualified to do their jobs efficiently and safely.

There are specific hazards associated with working on or near batteries and associated equipment. This article addresses the most common issues associated with performing maintenance and testing on various types of batteries, battery rooms and service areas.

Working on motors has the same requirements as any other work that involves working on or near exposed energized and deenergized parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more. Learn what they are and how they affect motor maintenance and testing!

In resolving the issues in electrical safety in the mining industry, a path must be followed that will lead to a comprehensive analysis of the problems and hazards that exist or may exist and provide a quantified value to ensure the selection of appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing as well as safe work practices and procedures. Analysis of all three hazards: electrical shock, electrical arc flash, and electrical arc blast must be completed and steps taken to prevent injuries and fatalities.

Electricity is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it cannot be tasted, seen, heard, or smelled. It is essentially invisible. Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to electrical shock, which can result in electrocution, serious burns, or falls that result in other injuries or even death.

Establishing an effective electrical safety program is vital to the safety of employees. The employer is required to develop and implement an electrical safety program that addresses employee exposure to each specific hazard that exists. This program and the related training must be appropriate for all existing conditions and is required to be written, published and available to all employees who might be exposed to the hazards.

The typical method utilized for developing an effective training program is the "Systematic Approach to Training" or SAT, which utilizes the "Instructional Design System" or ISD methodology for performing the analysis, design development, implementation and evaluation for a training program in order to meet the specific needs of a company. The ISD provides a systematic procedure for identifying the job-related skills and knowledge necessary for performance-based training.

Electrical accidents are largely preventable through safe work practices. But, you must know the three hazards of electricity and their characteristics. If you can't STAY OUT OF THE CIRCUIT, know how to properly protect yourself!