Ecmweb 8755 Thinkstockphotos 509030787
Ecmweb 8755 Thinkstockphotos 509030787
Ecmweb 8755 Thinkstockphotos 509030787
Ecmweb 8755 Thinkstockphotos 509030787
Ecmweb 8755 Thinkstockphotos 509030787

Tip of the Week: Test Equipment Safety Rules

Jan. 23, 2017
The more specialized the equipment, the more specialized the safety rules should be.

If you’re buying reputable brands, every piece of test equipment comes with safety information specific to that equipment. Granted, the rules are pretty much the same for commonly used devices such as digital multimeters (DMMs). But as the equipment goes up on the specialization scale, so do the safety rules.

Oko_SwanOmurphy/iStock/Thinkstock

Here are some tips for making sure test equipment safety rules get followed:

• Establish qualification criteria for each piece of test equipment (including DMMs).

• Establish a qualification program that includes a written exam and a practical demonstration.

• Ensure that only qualified personnel use any piece of test equipment. This does not mean one qualified person in the crew; if you’re not qualified, you don’t touch use it even if a qualified person is present. It’s just too easy to make a “simple” mistake that can prove deadly. The exceptions are for training and for conducting a practical demonstration for purposes of qualification.

• Add the safety steps to the work procedure. For example, if the manual says to establish settings in a particular way before turning the unit on, make doing that a step in the work procedure. This will require, in some cases, creating various versions of the same procedure; one version if using equipment X, another if using equipment Y, and so on.

• Require requalification periodically, no matter how much field time a person has racked up. Bad habits creep in over time. Establish requalification intervals that make sense for your organization, and don’t be afraid to adjust those as needed.

About the Author

Mark Lamendola

Mark is an expert in maintenance management, having racked up an impressive track record during his time working in the field. He also has extensive knowledge of, and practical expertise with, the National Electrical Code (NEC). Through his consulting business, he provides articles and training materials on electrical topics, specializing in making difficult subjects easy to understand and focusing on the practical aspects of electrical work.

Prior to starting his own business, Mark served as the Technical Editor on EC&M for six years, worked three years in nuclear maintenance, six years as a contract project engineer/project manager, three years as a systems engineer, and three years in plant maintenance management.

Mark earned an AAS degree from Rock Valley College, a BSEET from Columbia Pacific University, and an MBA from Lake Erie College. He’s also completed several related certifications over the years and even was formerly licensed as a Master Electrician. He is a Senior Member of the IEEE and past Chairman of the Kansas City Chapters of both the IEEE and the IEEE Computer Society. Mark also served as the program director for, a board member of, and webmaster of, the Midwest Chapter of the 7x24 Exchange. He has also held memberships with the following organizations: NETA, NFPA, International Association of Webmasters, and Institute of Certified Professional Managers.

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...

Don't Let Burn-Through Threaten Another Data Center or Utility Project

Get the No Burn-Through Elbow eGuide to learn many reasons why Champion Fiberglass elbows will enhance your data center and utility projects today.

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.