When creating a work environment that’s as safe from electrical accidents as possible, what you do before and after the job is just as important as the task itself.
This week, our EPSCO OneMoment Online Electrical Safety Training Series will provide tips and techniques to show you how to make pre-job planning and post-job documentation part of your electrical safety routine.
Pre-job planning might already be part of your work process, but if not, it’s easy to fit it into your schedule. Pre-job planning guarantees everyone on your team is using the same playbook. In addition to reducing the risks of electrical hazards, it will help save you time when it comes time to get the job done.
Pre-job planning might sound intimidating, but it can be broken down into two simple steps – Completing the plan, then briefing the team.
Maintenance managers should partner with qualified individuals to create the plan. If you’ve already completed an arc flash study and equipment risk assessment, you’ll only need to review the new task to make sure there are no new or unexpected electrical hazards workers might run into on the job. Anyone who is involved in the project should then be informed of the plan.
Once the job is complete, post-job documentation helps you stay on top of electrical safety the next time your team needs to do the work. In the documentation phase, note if you’ve found better methods for completing the task. It’s important to report any modifications you’ve made to existing circuits and make a request for a new arc flash study because changes can affect arc flash values – And that can change PPE and safety ratings that protect your workers from electrical hazards. Documentation is necessary for government and insurance agencies and can also help protect you in the event of an incident or an audit.
If you need additional resources, EPSCO’s OneMoment Electrical Training Series contains exercises and sample project planning sheets that can help you create the most electrically safe work conditions at your facility.
