Friday, June 18, 2010

When Training Enters the Safety Equation

Doing things right is often the most cost efficient and safest way to go through life. Is there really any need for near daily workplace accidents? Is there really any need for expensive non-compliance fines? Is there really any good reason to avoid standards for equipment installation and use?

Too many injuries, too many deaths, too many fines, too many shortcuts by managers. And, that costs everybody more in the long run.

Some very basic training can go a long ways to helping out, also. At a low per person costs, knowledge is incredibly valuable. What, for instance, should every facility employee know about electrical safety? OSHA has an idea, and it is all spelled out by NFPA 70E and OSHA CFR 1910.331-335. A simple electrical safety training course based on that, helps fulfill the employer's obligation.

Electrical Safety Training should be designed to save lives and prevent injuries, as well as prevent damage to plants, buildings and equipment. Trainees need and can acquire an immense respect for the power of electricity. They need to be trained on personal safety for working on or around electrical systems and equipment, how to use proper materials and procedures working...and the potential consequences for themselves or others if they don't.

If you are considering training for yourself, or your team, be sure the course covers the following, at minimum:
How to identify electrical hazards
Definitions of "qualified" and "unqualified" electrical workers
Safe approach distances to exposed electrical conductors
Improvements in PPE
"Hot Work" rules
Working rules in wet spaces
Lockout/Tagout
Safety requirements for installations
Damage potential for people and equipment
How OSHA rules apply to the workplace
And, all about OSHA penalties and compliance

It just makes sense. And, it's the Professional way.

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