OSHA: Electric Power Generation Standards
OSHA’s electric power generation standards address workplace safety. The rules within the standards concern the safety and health of employees working with electric power generation, transmission and distribution. However, the final rule was updated nearly 40 years after they had been established with the aim to improve the operation and maintenance of equipment. Read on to see why these standards are crucial and demand periodic revision.
Addressing New Standards
The standards ensure that employers meet the requirements for work in construction and general industry. Additionally, the final rule includes revisions on fall protection standards and electrical protective equipment. The new standard for electrical protective equipment applies to all construction work. Consequently, it replaces the incorporation of outdated consensus standards with performance-driven requirements. In addition to addressing the standards for protective electrical equipment, the final rule also includes requirements for their safe use and care.
Bringing Change to the Job Site
The final rule of the standards covers the following areas:
- Fall protection
- Minimum approach distances
- Arc-flash protection
- Host employers and contract employers must exchange safety-related information to employees
Prior to the final rule revisions, the standards were inconsistent with the general industry standard that covers the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment. OSHA revised the standards so they align with the general industry standards. The final rule was established with the purpose of preventing approximately 20 fatalities and 118 serious injuries annually. This monumentally changes the industry in addition to the fatalities and injuries already prevented by the existing construction and general industry standards.
Layers of Protection
OSHA concludes that mandatory standards are the best choice for reducing the risks to employees. In addition, periodic rule-making is necessary to replace older existing standards with updated, clear, and consistent safety standards. However, along with establishing rules and standards, it is important to have tools that can contribute to safety on the job site. Sigalarm Wireless proximity alarms provide a vital tool that save lives.
Sigalarm products are not a substitute for vigilance and proper safety procedures. In fact, utility companies suggest a “layers of safety” approach. Overhead power line contacts are so catastrophic that employers should use as many layers of safety as possible to manage electrical hazards so that if one layer fails, another is in place. Great care should always be taken to avoid power line contact, like having standards of safety and a Sigalarm proximity alarm.
Choose Safety
The advances and improvements that OSHA has done and continues to offer companies are essential. In order to boost safety training and awareness, Sigalarm manufactures proximity alarms that warn employees of nearby power lines. Contact us today and learn how our proximity alarms help employees take action and prevent injuries.
