Electrical safety in industrial lighting systems is a critical concern for manufacturing, pharmaceutical, chemical, and other industrial businesses aiming to protect their employees, equipment, and operations from electrical hazards. The complexity and scale of lighting in industrial settings mean that ensuring safety requires a comprehensive understanding of the types of lighting and the industrial environments in which they’re present. Types of Industrial Lighting Industrial settings employ a variety of lighting types to meet different needs. Brightness, color temperature, color rendering in ..read more

Proper human interaction with Li-ion batteries is key to preventing potentially catastrophic incidents. © Chadchai – stock.adobe.com Consumer knowledge can make the greatest and most immediate impact in eliminating Li-ion battery incidents. By: Corey Hannahs, Contributor Like it or not, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are all around us. Cellphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, e-cigarettes, e-bikes, battery powered tools, and electric vehicles are just a fraction of the products available to us today that take advantage of the significant amount of power, in a rather small footprint, that lithi ..read more

Using a wireless remote, workers can communicate via Bluetooth connection with the tool and initiate a cut from a safe distance. Image courtesy of Milwaukee Tool. The pairing of a cutter and a wireless remote creates a safer energized conductor cutting process for crews. Contributed By: Milwaukee Tool Arc flashes – they’re brighter and hotter than the sun, louder than a jet, and capable of creating arc blasts that could send metal debris flying at over 700 miles per hour. Determining the maximum energy associated with an arc flash requires complex calculations and advanced computer programs ..read more

An incident energy analysis by a licensed professional engineer provides a more accurate risk assessment for arc flash labels. By: Derek Vigstol, Contributor When the 2023 NFPA 70®: National Electrical Code® (NEC®) was adopted in jurisdictions around the country, there’s no doubt that electrical contractors had questions about how to apply the revision to 110.16(B). This is a little change with a big impact. Shifting from simply marking the service equipment with the voltage, available fault current, and clearing time of the service OCPD (overcurrent protective device) to a full on NFPA 70E ..read more

It’s important to balance safety and comfort when selecting uniforms and PPE. By: Nick Warrick, Contributor Are you giving your team the protective gear they deserve? In the electrical industry, many jobs expose workers to the risk of fire. Electricians and other professionals may not face the same frontline risks as, for example, firefighters, but they require clothes that would protect them from harm ranging from light to full flames. Here is how to choose the most effective flame-resistant gear for your crew. START BY IDENTIFYING THE HAZARDS As tempting as it may be to start shopping straig ..read more

How to ensure commercial PV installations meet safety standards for permitting, installation, operation and maintenance. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems have surged in popularity as a sustainable and renewable energy solution, offering both environmental benefits and economic advantages. As the adoption of solar PV systems accelerates, so does the necessity to ensure safety standards are met during installation, operation, and maintenance. One crucial aspect of safety assessment in solar PV systems is the evaluation of arc flash hazards. Arc flash studies play a pivotal role in understanding ..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 Electrical Saf ..read more

On April 7, 2009, Jason Brozen’s life changed forever. While performing electrical maintenance at a hotel in Kansas, an arc flash occurred, leaving Jason with third-degree burns covering his face and arms. He spent a week in a coma and two weeks in an intensive care unit. His employer also suffered significant losses. Incidents like what happened to Jason are, unfortunately, not isolated. Since 2011, the United States has averaged more than 2,400 electrical injuries and 150 electrical fatalities per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. On Tuesday, May 14, during this year’s ..read more

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