Proforma Safety Blog

Wearing the Correct Safety Footwear Avoids Injuries from Electrical Hazards

Posted by proforma on September 13, 2010  |  No Comments

Do your workers know the differences among the various types of safety footwear so that they wear appropriate protection when working around electricity or in explosive or flammable environments? 

This brief guide describes the three major types of footwear: electrical hazard (EH), that are non-conductive; (2) static dissipating (SD), that reduce static electricity buildup; and (3) conductive (CD), that more quickly dissipate static electricity into the ground.

Don’t Do It Yourself By These Books

Posted by proforma on January 9, 2010  |  No Comments

Many of us have a Sunset book in our home library for wiring or other home repairs. Now it appears that nine books — produced for Sunset, Loews and Amerispec — have been recalled because of erroneous technical diagrams and instructions that can pose an electrical shock or fire hazard. The publisher, Oxmoor House, Inc., of Birmingham, AL, is offering a full refund. The list of titles is available here.

Hazardous Conditions Around Electrical Equipment

Posted by proforma on December 7, 2009  |  No Comments

If you’re looking for good photos to show hazardous conditions related to electrical equipment, this alert issued by NOPSA has several good images.

Welder Electrocuted by Damaged Cord

Posted by proforma on May 21, 2009  |  No Comments

A 220-volt floodlight caused the death of a welder when its cord became pinched between the fixture and a mounting bracket. Tragically, the light had been determined to be inappropriate for the job and set aside, but not disconnected.

The location: a bilge pump room in the column of a semi submersible. Conditions were hot, 97 degrees, and the welder’s coveralls were soaked with perspiration. A Permit To Work (PTW) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) had been completed, but reports are the PTW didn’t capture all the elements (confined space, ventilation, electrical hazard, etc.) The JSA was not specific to the job.

Among the corrective actions taken was a “hazard hunt” of the rig fleet focused on portable lights, power tools and electric cords. Rig supervisors were not only urged to enforce STOP(TM), but one STOP card per person per day on board was mandated.

Further details on steps taken to prevent repeat of the incident are detailed here on the International Association of Drilling Contractors site.

NIOSH Issues Electrical Safety Manual for Young, New Workers

Posted by proforma on April 1, 2009  |  No Comments

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently published an excellent student manual on electrical safety that is intended to be an instructional guide for young or new workers, but is informative and useful for any age or level of experience. The manual teaches the reader to recognize, evaluate, and control hazards associated with electrical work and was developed through extensive research with vocational instructors

Safety Is as Simple as Tucking Your Shirt In

Posted by proforma on March 20, 2009  |  No Comments

This worker was plugging together two cords with Twist-To-Lock plug and socket connectors when an electrical short and arc flash occurred. The employee’s PPE shirt was unbuttoned and not tucked in; the outcome was second-degree burns to his abdomen. While this accident occurred in the oil patch, the lesson is applicable to all industries.

OSHA Eye and Face Protection eTool

Posted by proforma on March 7, 2009  |  No Comments

OSHA offers an online “etool” that will help companies and individuals ensure they have the correct eye and face protection and meet government requirements. In addition to providing OSHA standards, the site also provides guidance for the selection of the appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) device, training in its use, and other useful information.

Electrical Counterfeits Are Rising — Often With Safety Risks, Fatal Results

Posted by proforma on February 26, 2009  |  No Comments

Cell phone chargers, AC adaptors, batteries, desk lamps, circuit breakers…the list is staggering of counterfeit electrical goods being sold for business or home use that present significant safety hazards and are injuring or killing people. The Electrical Safety Foundation International website has details on how these counterfeits can kill.