This paper by Bill Jordon of Dow Chemical has long been an inspiration to me.  I know others were involved in this work at Dow like Jim Hill and Daleep Mohla but Bill’s paper and influence was recognized a few years back at the IEEE-ESW (IEEE Electrical Safety Workshop).  I had this paper for many [...]

The story cites this as an electrocution but that is terminology normally reserved for fatalities.  It is common for workers in cable lines etc who are used to being “near” powerlines to make a mistake and get into one.
Read the Fox News article.

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In previous versions of NFPA 70E, the Hazard Risk Categories (HRC) were based more on layering requirements but in the 2009 version of NFPA 70E and the 2008 version of CSA Z462, the HRC’s are based solely on the cal/cm2 level of protection.  These standards on Electrical Safety in the Workplace are quickly becoming the lead standards [...]

OSHA has become serious about preventing electrical injuries.  They are citing NFPA 70E in their interpretation letters which are making it clear that the old idea of “OSHA Minimum” is dying.  OSHA minimum is not following the OSHA standards but keeping workers safe and healthy in the workplace from workplace exposures and injuries.  Read this [...]

Following CSA Z462 will prevent most of these injuries and almost all the fines.  The standard came out in 2008 but many in Canada had been using the US, NFPA 70E before the Canadian version came out.  I’m a member of Z462 and a big supporter of the methodology to prevent injuries and fatalities.  Most [...]

Anytime I read of workers killed in explosions for which no cause is known, I try to read between the lines.
This plant made carbon and graphite or used them.  They are both excellent conductors and frequently become airborne to settle in electrical parts.  Usually these materials are not combustible themselves but they can lead to [...]

This paper is feared by some because Tom is calling us to really understand the arc.  What the real outcome of the paper is that faceshields and arc rated rainwear may be better protection than we realized and textiles might not be quite as good as we thought BUT ignitable clothing is NOT our friend [...]

PP&L has been in arc rated clothing for years.  They, like most electric utilities in the US have a strong arc flash program in place.  In cotton clothing, this worker would likely have never lived.  The right stuff makes a difference but doesn’t always full protect.
The NESC (National Electrical Safety Code) 2007 version requires utilities to [...]

Worker electrocuted rewiring a m0tor to remove combustible dust hazards.  Keeping focus on safety at all times is critical.
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Another tool for utility workers to comply with the OSHA standards. This standard was promulgated in 1994 and was state of the art at the time. It has been superceded by the 2007 NESC but it is law so not following this is illegal. Still lots of fuzzy language but its intent [...]