It’s not just what you don’t store in front of electrical panels…
It’s also what protective measures are required to ensure the safety of everyone involved!
Back in November (yes, it does seem like such a long time ago) OSHA unveiled new guidance on the appropriate management of arc-flash hazards, with the overarching enjoinder, “Don’t Wear Fuel” when working with electrical equipment. If you want to get a sense of what can happen if proper precautions are not taken, check this out. With the proliferation of large-scale electrification projects, including direct current chargers and electrical vehicles, it is important that all appropriate safeguards are in place before working on electrical equipment, including the use of personal protective equipment and implementation of Lockout Tagout protocols. For those who might be inclined to be less concerned with “low voltage” equipment, the OSHA guidance focuses on protective measures for all levels of voltage, with permits required for any work with over 50V and requiring PPE for almost all electrical work. According to OSHA, “It is crucial to understand that deenergizing without locking/tagging out does not eliminate the electrical shock and arc flash hazards.”
You can see a press release from the Partnership For Electrical Safety and obtain resources from OSHA in regards to safely managing arc flash hazards. A safer workplace is a win for everyone.
About the Author: Steve MacArthur is a safety consultant with The Chartis Group. He brings more than 30 years of healthcare management and consulting experience to his work with hospitals, physician offices, and ambulatory care facilities across the country. He is the author of HCPro's Hospital Safety Director's Handbook and is an advisory board member for Accreditation and Quality Compliance Center. Contact Steve at stevemacsafetyspace@gmail.com.