Over the past few years, a number of FR/AR fabrics have come to market. Why is it important to buy a brand-name fabric certified to testing standards? There is more than one set of testing standards to consider. Buying a brand-name fabric certified to thermal hazard standards is of the highest importance to protect the…
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By Tim Piemonte, Contributor Fatalities are everyone’s worst nightmare. Naturally, companies say they will do anything to prevent them. However, despite code compliance and even the best of intentions, serious injuries and fatalities continue to occur each year. Because human error is inevitable, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training are not effective when relied…
Read More >>But If We Do, Workers Must Be Protected. By Kevin Pietras, Contributor Electrification is a critical part of any plan to cool the planet and would quickly cut the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by curtailing our reliance on fossil fuels. That’s why local governments around the U.S. are now placing bans1 on natural…
Read More >>When it comes to electrical safety, the cost is too high to cut corners. By: David C. Hernandez, Contributor Picture this: you are a maintenance electrician with 25 years of experience working at a 650,000-square foot industrial facility somewhere in the United States. Your personal safety record is impeccable, and you are respected by your…
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By Rick Pedley, Contributor Construction sites typically need power to function, and power is likely to become a part of any completed jobsite. Tasks using electricity involve risks, including nerve damage, injury, and death. To protect yourself and your workers, be aware of these nine potential electrical hazards. 1. Overhead Power Lines Transmission line voltages…
Read More >>By George T. Cole, Contributor Some readers may be wondering about the apparent contradiction or confusion with the title of this article but as we progress, the accuracy will become clear. The term “de-energized” is common among electrical workers but understanding its significance can vary greatly depending on the person you speak with. However, did…
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By Guillaume Le Gouic, Contributor Following the passing of The Inflation Reduction Act, the construction industry is preparing to ramp up project deployment to improve the nation’s aging infrastructure. As the industry sees a surge in new construction projects, electrical contractor safety must be one of the highest priorities in 2023. When electricians provide…
Read More >>By Michael M. Dillard, MTS, CESCP When I ask most facility managers what maintenance they perform on their electrical distribution system, they will usually say they do IR scans (infrared thermographic inspections) for hotspots. They are a little shocked when I inform them that performing infrared scans isn’t really the same as performing maintenance. While…
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By Brian Earl, Contributor NEMA – National Electrical Manufacturers Association developed standards for safe, non-interminable connections through their NEMA Wiring Device Configuration Chart. Similarly, IEC, The International Electrotechnical Commission, developed standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies to ensure safe connections. We’ll start with NEMA Wiring Devices and their category definition – Wiring devices…
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By Brian Earl, Contributor NEMA and IP ratings are important factors when selecting NEMA and IEC portable power devices and enclosures to meet your specific product application. Selecting the proper enclosure, or wiring device rating, is critical to the overall safety and protection of work environments. First a couple of definitions to terms mentioned above…
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