As with any professional line of work, power service providers have their own compliance guide to follow. These standards apply during installation, testing, and maintenance of backup electrical equipment as well as conductor connections. The National Fire Protection Association regulates electrical safety in various workplace scenarios. Guides have been created to protect workers in different positions who work directly with electricity hazards. One such guide is updated frequently. Part of it pertains to technicians who install or maintain backup generators for commercial or residential facilities. The NFPA 70e compliance guide contains important principles regarding safety plans, precautions, maintenance safety, installation of special systems, and various other types of recommended practices. It also goes over the National Electric Code itself to provide an overall picture of electrical safety. This guide has extensive details which help emergency service providers make certain their workers avoid safety hazards while performing related job tasks. Employers should use these guidelines in combination with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and general National Electric Code (NEC) standards.
Creating NFPA Based Programs and Practices for Increased Safety
The NFPA suggests incorporating an electrical safety program into the overall safety program of the company. Their set policies serve as a guideline to create a safer environment for working with electrical equipment. Awareness, self-discipline, program principles, outlined procedures, hazard or risk assessment, and training should all be part of the safety plan. A quality provider will have policies in place which directly reflect the recommendations of this NFP 70e compliance guide. If they do not, their practices during servicing could be dangerous to everyone. Regulations also focus on creating electrically safe work conditions. When conditions are safe for this type of work, accidents will be less likely. Lockout/tagout procedures make it easier to identify when equipment is ready for maintenance. This procedure involves shutting down the equipment to avoid danger. Affected individuals or areas should be notified before the equipment is locked down. Equipment may be locked by a switch, breaker, or other methods. Lockout methods have to shut down the equipment completely to ensure complete safety. The equipment is logged and then tagged to prevent others from working on it.
Electrical hazard safety is the main objective of this NFPA guide. It is one of many guides consisting of the National Fire Codes series. The National Electric Code pertains to wiring and equipment installation. This particular code set is not regulated by United States laws. Many states have made NEC guidelines mandatory for businesses. Requirements ensure safety while maintenance is being performed on a single power source. New additions are added every three years. Updates are not immediately accepted by each every jurisdiction. Changes may entail new procedures or safety practices which call for additional employee training. Employers hiring mechanics, engineers, and technicians to perform generator work can increase electrical safety. A provider who incorporates the NFPA 70e compliance guide into their worker guidelines can boost employee safety. Improved safety practices protect not only employees but all other individuals in the vicinity of the generator. Since some units are located on buildings or in close proximity, these safety measures are important for everyone.
