No one wants to see electrical equipment fail or employees get injured. That means electrical safety has to be a top priority. But exactly what does that involve?
Here Are the Top Five Practices to Keep Your Facility Safe from Electrical Issues:
- Regular Electrical Inspections and Maintenance
Routine inspections and maintenance are fundamental for identifying and addressing potential electrical issues before they become hazards. Schedule regular inspections of your facility’s electrical systems, including wiring, circuits, panels, and equipment. Look for signs of wear and tear, loose connections, overheating, and other abnormalities. Build in time to the inspection to also address any issues you find. - Compliance with Electrical Codes and Standards
Adhering to electrical codes and standards can seem like (and can be) a hassle. But it’s one of the best ways to stay safe and avoid any penalties for non-compliance. Stay up-to-date with regulations such as the National Electrical Code (NEC) and industry-specific standards. Make sure that electrical work is performed by qualified professionals and that installations meet the required safety standards. - Employee Training and Awareness Programs
Educating employees about electrical safety practices is crucial for accident prevention and response. Develop (or buy) comprehensive training programs that cover topics such as electrical hazards, safe work practices, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures. And then take the training further by finding ways to get employees involved in it. Whether it’s “safety Bingo” games or pop quizzes, make safety a regular part of your culture. - Conducting Infrared Inspections (Thermography)
Inspections are key to identify risks you can see, like wear and tear on equipment. But you also need ways to see inside the machinery, so to speak, and that’s where infrared thermography, also known as infrared studies or IR inspections, is a valuable tool. Thermographic cameras detect thermal anomalies caused by loose connections, overloaded circuits, faulty components, and other electrical abnormalities. Doing regular infrared studies helps you stay ahead of repairs and risks that can cause equipment failures or safety hazards. - Implementing Grounding and Surge Protection Measures
Grounding and surge protection are essential protection from voltage fluctuations and transient surges. Check to make sure your facility’s electrical distribution system is properly grounded to provide a path for fault currents and prevent electrical shocks. Install surge protection devices (SPDs) at critical points in the electrical system to suppress voltage spikes caused by lightning strikes, power surges, or switching events.
Safety isn’t simple, but with a mix of proactive steps (like IR inspections) and ongoing actions (like regular training), you can stay safe and compliant.
Call us to talk about how an IR study or an arc flash study could improve your safety and productivity.
