Leedy Electric East Introduces the Newest Electrical Safety Standards at NFPA 70E 2012 Training Seminar
On August 13, John Leedy of Leedy Electric East presented a seminar on the NFPA 70E 2012 standard, which aimed at helping people understand the newest electrical safety standards. The course theme was “how the NFPA 70E applies to you and your workplace, and what you need to know to become compliant”. The intent of the training was to communicate the dangers of arc flash, and demonstrate that it takes a team effort to ensure proper compliance.
The NFPA 70E is a national consensus safety standard that outlines procedures to prevent workplace injuries caused by electrical hazards. It covers both assessment of hazards and preventative measures that should be taken to avoid injury.
The importance of this kind of training is clear in light of the extreme danger presented by arc flash accidents. Arc flash is the result of a rapid release of energy due to an arcing fault between a phase bus bar and another phase bus bar, neutral or a ground. The temperature of an arc flash may exceed 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The explosion of the arc flash and the heat radiating from the blast can both cause serious injuries, and even death.
The class started with an introduction to electrical safety, with a video on the dangers of electricity and an overview of the important terminology. John Leedy recounted the Mark Standifer Story, a real life account of living through an arc flash event.
The course went on to address safety related work practices, responsibilities and procedures for establishing an electrically safe work environment, when and where permits are required, how to read the Hazard/Risk Category Classifications Table, how to estimate risk and other related topics.
49 representatives from both the private and public sectors across Central Florida attended the seminar, making it one of the largest classes held by Leedy over the past few years. In a survey completed by the attendees after the class, the consensus was that the contact was what they need and that the seminar was worth their time. Comments included “Presented well”, “Very informative, presented in a lively interesting manner”, “Good class”, “John is a very good teacher, the course is great!”, “Mr. Leedy was very knowledgeable of the content”
Leedy Electric holds seminars at various times throughout the year. For more information about arc flash hazard and for notice of future seminars, visit the website at http://www.leedyelectric.com or call (863) 425-2698.
