All but one…

No sooner than I posted that “I commend our operators for wanting to push to get our Plant’s production out;” I had an operator tell me that he thought they should get proper training on how to reset their own machines.

Most operators will understand when you tell them that under an excessive load a motor will trip the overloads. This is part of the over current protection.  However, “Some” don’t understand why an overload should trip out and stop the motor when “they” have caused a chain to wrap its self around the shaft and lock the motor.

Considering that this person stated that “they” stick their finger in a light socket to clear their sinuses, you have to wonder.

TEST BEFORE YOU TOUCH!

ON THE JOB

Electrical hazards on the job can be avoided by following approved NFPA 70E and OSHA guidelines. Attention to safety is the important first step to an effective safety program. Skilled employees, trained in electrical safety procedures, should make sure they understand and follow safety precautions. Those not trained to recognize and avoid electrical hazards, or not under the supervision of those qualified in electrical safety
procedures, should avoid contact with electrical equipment and systems.

• Understand the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and the hazards involved.

• Identify all possible energy sources that could pose on-the-job hazards.

• Know safety requirements and follow them.

• Calculate the energy potential.

• Select the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).  Remember, PPE must be worn until the electrical system is in a safe condition.

• Complete a detailed job plan and communicate it to all coworkers.

• Before working on or around electrical systems or equipment, identify the load circuits and disconnect. Remember, in some cases, turning power off may cause other hazards.

Such hazards and additional guidance should be addressed in your work plan.

• Use lock-out/tag-out procedures.

• Verify that the equipment or system has been de-energized by testing.

• Make sure your test equipment is working, both before and after you use it.

• If at any time the job becomes more hazardous than anticipated, stop and revise the plans.

Above all, never assume that the equipment or system is de-energized.

Remember to always TEST BEFORE YOU TOUCH!