It’s time to ask Chat GPT a hypothetical question concerning the fate of OSHA and the NRTLS they accredit in the United States. OSHA (The Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is now potentially going to be dissolved this year should H.R.86, otherwise known as the NOSHA Act (introduced to Congress on 1/3/25) get sufficient support to pass. To find out what potentially may happen to NRTLs should OSHA be dissolved as the agency tasked with accrediting them, the staff of Lewis Bass asked Chat GPT the following question verbatim concerning this potential outcome of having no more federal ..read more

From the Desk of Lewis Bass Welcome back to another edition of ‘Ask Lewis Bass,’ where we tackle your most pressing engineering and compliance questions. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s becoming increasingly relevant: UKCA marking. This week we help answer Steven’s questions about UKCA compliance now that his company is shipping an automation system to Scotland for the first time since Brexit. Let’s get into it. Now, on to this week's question... Question: Hi Lewis Bass, We’re working on a cutting-edge automation system that we’re shipping to Scotland, and we’ve been told it needs ..read more

If there’s one thing every facility manager, safety officer, or business owner should take seriously, it’s preventative maintenance. The difference between a well-maintained operation and one riddled with safety hazards often comes down to routine inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to industry standards. Yet, too often, maintenance gets pushed down the priority list—until something goes wrong. Let’s talk about why preventative maintenance isn’t just a good idea but a crucial investment in long-term safety. And since electrical hazards are among the most dangerous risks in any facility ..read more

Welcome to another blog in our ongoing series, Ask Lewis Bass! This series features actual submitted questions from companies in the industries we provide engineering safety consulting services to. Topics covered include those associated with our work in 3rd party field labeling, SEMI S2/S8/EMC/F47 testing, CE Marking evaluations, and general engineering questions. From the Desk of Lewis Bass Here at Lewis Bass International Engineering Services, we get all kinds of interesting questions from engineers, project managers, and compliance professionals around the globe. Today, we received a p ..read more

When it comes to ensuring electrical equipment is safe and up to code in the United States… …two key players often come into the spotlight: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTLs) and Field Evaluation Bodies (FEBs). While their names might sound technical and their roles a bit intimidating, they both serve a similar purpose — making sure unlisted equipment complies with safety standards like NFPA 79 and NFPA 791. Let’s kick-off our NRTL vs FEB comparison on who does field labeling the best! (Just kidding…they both do the exact same work scope.) What Do NRTL and FEB Stand For? NRTL ..read more

Welcome to another blog in our ongoing series, Ask Lewis Bass! This series features actual submitted questions from companies in the industries we provide engineering safety consulting services to. Topics covered include those associated with our work in 3rd party field labeling, SEMI S2/S8/EMC/F47 testing, CE Marking evaluations, and general engineering questions. Question: Hey Lewis Bass team, We’re in the process of upgrading the control panels for our automated assembly line. Some of the equipment we’re integrating is sourced from Europe, and while it meets CE standards, I’m unsure if i ..read more

When it comes to engineering safety, few regulatory bodies hold as much power as the organization spelled with three simple letters: A-H-J. The Authority Having Jurisdiction, or AHJ, is the organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the codes, standards, and safety regulations that keep workplaces, public spaces, and homes secure. Understanding the role of the AHJ is crucial, whether you’re designing electrical systems, constructing a new building, or retrofitting equipment in an industrial plant. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of AHJs and explore how they vary across r ..read more

Let’s be honest—nobody likes hearing the words “new regulatory changes.” For many companies, new regulatory changes sounds like a recipe for headaches, paperwork, and added costs. But here’s the thing: staying ahead of these changes isn’t just about compliance; it’s about keeping your people, your assets, and your reputation safe. And if you’re in the engineering or construction world, especially in sectors like electrical safety, these updates can’t be ignored—they’re critical. In this post, we’re breaking down some of the most important recent regulatory changes, with a strong focus on elec ..read more

When it comes to keeping facilities safe, efficient, and compliant, every facility manager or safety officer knows there’s a routine list of checks to cover. But how often does thermography make it on that list? Despite being a lesser-known term to some, thermography is a powerful tool in proactive facility maintenance and inspection. In fact, it might just be the unsung hero your facility needs to prevent costly downtime and ensure a safe environment for employees and visitors alike. Thermography isn’t just for high-tech industries or facilities with sensitive equipment. Any facility that us ..read more

When it comes to running a safe and efficient facility, there’s no room for shortcuts. Regular safety checks are a facility’s first line of defense, keeping both employees and equipment secure while ensuring that operations run smoothly. But with so many aspects of facility management to consider, how do you prioritize your annual safety checks? Whether you’re overseeing a small manufacturing plant or a sprawling industrial complex, here are the top 10 safety checks every facility should conduct annually. By making these checks a regular part of your maintenance calendar, you’re not only meet ..read more