Safety, January 24, 2011

Jan. 24, 2011
Maintenance and repair on manufacturing equipment may involve working with chemicals, especially solvents

Maintenance and repair on manufacturing equipment may involve working with chemicals, especially solvents. Electricians might go a long time between training and working with these chemicals.

In many facilities, today's environment is an odd combination of a skilled worker shortage and staff cutbacks. The result is a multi-craft environment. An electrician may be taking on many non-electrical tasks, without the craft training required for safely performing those tasks.

Here are some tips to help you with tasks that involve chemicals:

  • Use approved safety storage cans for solvents.
  • Don't recycle/repurpose soft drink cans or other containers for use with solvents.
  • Don't store oxidants (e.g., the chlorine used for water treatment) and corrosives (e.g., an acid-containing battery) in the same area.
  • An open door doesn't mean a room is safely ventilated. Flammable vapors that are lighter than air can accumulate in ceiling spaces; if heavier than air, they'll accumulate in depressions in the floor.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.