Electrical Safety
We rely on electricity, but sometimes underestimate its capability of causing injury. Even household current (120 volts) can stop your heart. MC personnel need to be aware of the hazards electricity poses, such as shock, fire and explosion, and either eliminate or control those hazards. Working with electricity can be dangerous. Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. Others, such as office workers and laboratory personnel, may work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard. OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions.
Montgomery College Public Health & Safety (PHES) has developed the Electrical Safety Program to protect employees from the hazards associated with electricity by establishing the minimum requirements for electrical safety at Montgomery College. This Program is also intended to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements specified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards contained within 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S, 137, and 269.
This Program applies to all Montgomery College employees, and covers all electrical equipment (e.g. machinery, tools, equipment, and circuit parts), which due to their nature of operation and/or design, possess inherent hazards from electricity.
What you should know:
- Ensuring that any electrical equipment (e.g. machinery, tools, or circuit parts) that is specified, purchased, and/or installed by the department meets the minimum requirements of this Program (i.e. including the means and methods to permanently label applicable equipment);
- Ensuring that electrical equipment that is under the control or responsibility of the department is maintained, labeled, and guarded in accordance with this Program, as well as maintaining all related hazard analysis documentation;
- Establishing a hazard/risk assessment procedure as specified in this Program (i.e. if qualified work is performed by the department as defined in this Program), and revising the procedure as necessary to ensure a safe work environment for all employees;
- Designating a qualified representative or committee to review and approve energized electrical work permits (i.e. if work is performed on energized electrical equipment operating at 50V or higher);
- Providing and maintaining personal and other protective equipment as applicable in accordance with this Program;
- Disciplining employees who violate the requirements of this Program;
- Ensuring that employees receive training appropriate to their assigned electrical tasks and maintaining documentation of the training in accordance with this Program;
- Cooperating with IUEHS audits related to electrical work practices, procedures, and records;
- Providing employees with access to applicable standards and regulations (e.g. NFPA 70E, NFPA 70, etc.) as specified in this Program; and
- Maintaining a list of all qualified electrical employees and job titles that are authorized to perform this work.
- Ensuring that employees comply with all applicable requirements of this Program, and all other applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding electrical safety;
- Ensuring that employees have received training in accordance with this Program;
- Removing employees immediately from hazardous work environments if alertness is compromised as specified in this Program.
- Complying with this Program, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations regarding electrical safety;
- Following all appropriate safety-related work practices and procedures, including the use and selection of appropriate protective equipment and tools as specified in this Program.
- Attending and completing all training required as specified in this Program.
- Reporting safety-related concerns to the supervisor immediately.
- Performing pre-use inspections of personal and other protective equipment as specified in this Program;
- Wearing appropriate clothing and attire as specified in this Program; and
Stop and reassess risk if changes in the job, task, or work conditions present new hazards to themselves, other employees, or bystanders.
- Developing the Electrical Safety Program and revising the Program as appropriate;
- Performing audits of safety-related work practices, procedures, and records as specified in this Program;
- Assisting departments with training and the selection and other protective equipment upon request;
- Investigating occupational injuries related to electricity.
Training modules on Electrical Safety can be found in Workday, just visit the Workplace and Occupational training categories and you will find a list of available safety trainings for all MC staff.