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Safety

Sep 21, 2009 10:43 AM

It's essential to follow NFPA 70E, but doing so protects you from only three of the many dangers that exist on the job:

1. Shock.
2. Arc flash.
3. Arc blast.

How many other dangers exist? OSHA 1926 is more than 1 in. thick and contains the safety regulations for the construction industry. Most of these concerns exist in facilities as well. In addition, each facility has its own quirks and process-related dangers.

To determine which safety standards, policies, and equipment to use for a given job, ask two questions:

1. What are the dangers I could encounter on this job?
2. What can I do to protect myself from those dangers?

Begin with an analysis of the work, the equipment, the process(es) supported by the equipment, and the environment in which you'll work. That environment includes anywhere you'll be, not just at the equipment itself.

Next, look at the applicable standards for eliminating or reducing the hazards you’ve just identified. Finally, do a top down analysis of the PPE that can protect you against possible hazards. "Top down" means start with your head and work toward your feet, assessing the danger to each body part and determining the PPE to protect against that danger.

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