DuraLabel announces the immediate availability of its new Kodiak Max, Industrial Sign and Label Print Systems. Kodiak Max allows companies to bring multi-color, industrial strength sign and label production in-house. Users can instantly create messaging to their exact specifications; alter or append messages at a moment’s notice; create permanent safety signs or temporary / seasonal signage; and save time and money versus outsourcing. All Kodiak Max Print Systems come with LabelForge PRO design software pre-installed. This easy-to-use tool has thousands of pre-made sign templates and symbols t ..read more

 Are you aware of the new requirements that went into effect in May 2023? By: Corey Hannahs, Contributor In the ever-evolving landscape of electrical safety, staying abreast of the latest codes and standards requirements is crucial to ensuring the well-being of both employees and the workplace. Electrical contractors, safety directors and business owners have not only a legal obligation to ensure employee safety, but a moral obligation to do so. To fulfill these obligations, it’s critical these parties are up to date on recent updates in the 2024 edition of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electric ..read more

Shifting from a recommended practice to a standard involves much more than a name change. By: Derek Vigstol, Contributor A little over a year ago, the electrical industry got a sort of upgrade that many of us were unaware of on the horizon. That upgrade came in the form of NFPA 70B changing from the recommended practice for electrical equipment maintenance, to the standard for electrical equipment maintenance. However, this was a much bigger shift than just changing a name. For those of us in the know on how National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents are classified as a Code, Standa ..read more

Hand tools every apprentice should have in their tool bag to start off their career right. By Adam Moscherosch, Contributor Hand tools lay the foundation for every apprentice starting out in their career. Electricians rely heavily on the tools they initially purchase, as it can often determine success and safety on the jobsite. With the widespread range of tools to choose from, it may be challenging to know which to purchase. Each tool plays a crucial role in every application on and off the jobsite. To stay efficient on the job, there are some key takeaways every apprentice should know. No m ..read more

Staying up to date with new information and following electrical safety guidelines is crucial to reduce risks and prevent injuries. By Nallely Ramirez and Suma Gangidi, Contributors Electricity plays a vital part in our everyday lives, powering everything from our homes to the street lamps to handheld devices we use daily. With evolving technology, electricity has continued to play a growing role in order to meet such demands. However, this inexorable increase in risk gives rise to human risk of electrical power exposure. With both non-fatal and fatal cases reported every year, electrical inju ..read more

© Oleksandr Dibrova – stock.adobe.com Conference dates are February 26 – March 1, 2024, at the Hilton Anatola in Dallas, Texas. Contributed by NETA Hosted by NETA, the InterNational Electrical Testing Association, PowerTest24 brings together electrical power system professionals from across the country and around the globe. This conference offers five days of high-powered learning with plenty of time to engage with customers and colleagues during the many social events. Interested in training? Be sure to register at powertestorg. Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? Contact the NETA offi ..read more

Boundaries, PPE, training and proper victim care can save lives. Contributed by: Medshop In 1979, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established the standard for workplace electrical safety, NFPA 70E. © Pog – stock.adobe.com. For the past four decades, working with electricity has become safer in the United States. Ever since the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)1 introduced its NFPA 70E® Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, the number of fatalities and less serious injuries has dropped. However, despite this declining trend, electrical contractors, electri ..read more

All electrical gloves should be thoroughly inspected prior to use. Image courtesy of Saf-T-Gard International, Inc. How to protect the gloves that protect you. By Richard Rivkin, Contributor  Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2021, there were 1,201 workplace fatalities involving electricity reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and 1,653 electrical fatalities reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Markedly, only 31% of these fata ..read more

How to develop, implement and maintain a compliant ESP. Image courtesy of TW Becker Electrical Safety Consulting Inc., www.twbesc.ca. By: Terry Becker, P.Eng., CESCP, IEEE Senior Member The purpose and contents of a compliant Electrical Safety Program (ESP) are widely misunderstood in industry. However, an effective ESP can save lives by eliminating or reducing the risk of exposure to electrical hazards at a worksite, and a compliant ESP ensures employers have required electrical safety policies, practices, processes and procedures in place, and that they can be enforced. It is important to ..read more

Thursday, February 29, 12–1:30 p.m. ET This NFPA® webinar will delve into the essentials of safe installation, maintenance, and emergency response to solar photovoltaic systems, which use solar panels, and energy storage systems while leveraging key NFPA codes and standards, including NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems; NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®); and NFPA 70E®, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace®. I don’t know if there’s another contact who I should reach out to about info such as this, but if so, happy to contac ..read more