Just teaching an NFPA 70E Train the Trainer and a trainer told us about a new device that can detect when a crane gets near powerlines and shuts down the crane.   Click here to see one engineering method to help comply with the 20 foot rule on cranes and Powerlines.

Boston Dynamic has created, PETMAN,  an anthropomorphic robot for testing chemical protection clothing. The robot balances itself, can move freely and can simulate human physiology within a protective suit by controlling temperature, humidity and even sweating.  Its range of motion and fluidity of movement are remarkable — take a look at the linked  video. Cick here to read more [...]

An 18 year old Australian tourist died when he came in contact with a metal pole while walking past a work site in Bali. Click here to view a video regarding the Bali electrocution

A 25 year old man who was disfigured in a 2008 electrical incident , has received a full face transplant.  It is the first full face transplant to be performed in the U.S.  Electrical related incidents continue to be among the worst and most frequent leading to fatality and permanent disability. These have continued to fall because [...]

HSE is a national independent watchdog for work-related health, safety and illness in Great Britain. HSE has put together a research report on identifying the incidence of electricity- related accidents in Great Britain.  Be sure to click the link below and then download the full report that is available .  If nothing else, read the conclusions [...]

A 25 year-old apprentice lineman badly burned over 50% of his body in an electrical incident in October 2010 is continuing his rehabilitation.  The lineman was operating a scissor lift at an electrical substation when electricity arced and touched the corner of the lift. The electricity traveled to the ground and back, resulting in severe burns. Without electrical [...]

Four electricians and an engineer were working on an electrical installation in an underground mine when an explosion resulted in their death.  The cause of death is still under investigation, but may have been related to methane. From my experience this is VERY likely to have been an arc flash but could have ignited methane. Click [...]

Six NYC firefighters have suffered 2nd degree burns to their hands while wearing a new glove that was sold as Flame Resistant and meeting the National Fire Protection Association Standards. However, post-accident analysis of the fibers in the glove liners indicated that the manufacturer had the cotton fiber to a polyester blend. The manufacturer of [...]

Two electrical workers were hospitalized when one of them came into contact with a live electrical source while installing a light fixture. He sustained burns to both hands and was hospitalized for his injuries.  The second electrician came to his co-worker’s aid and was shocked too. The second man was taken to a hospital as a precaution [...]

This brings the proposed fines to over $2 million for the USPS for electrical safety.  This is a huge amount for electrical safety fines. Click to see the OSHA press release for electrical safety fines for the Scarborough, ME USPS Postal facility $443K June 2010. Portland, OR Citation $77K June 2010. Baton Rouge, LA Citation [...]