When undertaking energized work, whether in a healthcare facility, commercial business, or any other setting, prioritizing safety is paramount. At Spratlin Electric Contracting, our commitment to safety is woven into the fabric of every service we offer. We recognize the inherent dangers of energized work, where the risks of arc flashes and electrocution underscore the need for comprehensive safety measures.
Safety standards are always evolving, and we ensure that our team stays up to date with the latest guidelines. Our certification in NFPA 70E is renewed every 3 years in accordance with guidelines, but we don’t stop there. In addition to maintaining our 70E certification, we hold weekly and monthly safety meetings so that our team remains well-versed in electrical safety practices and is capable of adapting to industry changes safely. We also prioritize appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) on all job sites.
Ensuring the Safety of Our Workforce
Energized work, often referred to as “hot work,” demands strict adherence to safety protocols. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) mandates the use of PPE, we at Spratlin Electric Contracting go beyond compliance – safety is a non-negotiable requirement for all our employees. Our technicians and electricians are the backbone of our operations, and their safety is not just a professional responsibility but a personal commitment. We believe that every employee should return home safely at the end of the day, and PPE plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
The Importance of Electrical Safety Equipment
Hard Hat: Protecting the Foundation
Hard hats are a foundational piece of safety gear, shielding the head from impacts and falling objects. Head protection is imperative when there’s a risk of objects falling from above, as there often is on active construction sites, ensuring the well-being of those working in potentially hazardous environments.
Safety Glasses or Face Shield: Safeguarding Vision
Safety glasses or face shields are essential when there’s a risk of flying particles or sparks. Prioritizing eye protection and face protection helps prevent injuries caused by debris or other potential hazards.
Hearing Protection: Silencing the Risks
In construction environments where noise levels can reach damaging levels, hearing protection is a must. Guards against excessive noise ensure that the long-term health of our team members is not compromised by exposure to loud machinery or equipment.
Insulated Gloves: Shock Absorbers
When dealing with live electrical components, insulated gloves provide a crucial layer of protection against electric shock. Selecting gloves appropriate for the voltage involved is essential for ensuring the safety of hands-on tasks. Spratlin Electric Contracting technicians start with a cotton glove on each hand, then rubber gloves, then leather gloves on top of that, ensuring appropriate PPE for hand protection and shock absorption in hot work.
Insulated Tools: Shock-Free Work Zone
Tools with insulated handles are indispensable in preventing electric shock during tasks involving energized equipment. We use and maintain tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches that meet the most stringent safety standards.
Arc Flash Hazard Protection: Defending Against Intense Heat
Arc flash events release intense heat and light. Wearing flame-resistant protective clothing designed specifically for arc flash protection is crucial when working on live electrical equipment, ensuring a barrier against the thermal hazards associated with such incidents. At Spratlin Electric Contracting, our uniforms are Level 2 Arc Flash Rated, meaning they will not burn even with an intense burst of heat.
Safety Shoes: Grounded Protection
Safety shoes equipped with toe protection and electrical hazard resistance are part of proper PPE and are crucial for safeguarding against impacts, compression, and electrical hazards. All Spratlin Electric Contracting electricians are required to wear proper foot protection on the jobsite.
Voltage-Rated Tools: Shock-Resistant Instruments
Using tools rated for specific voltage levels reduces the risk of electrical shock when handling live circuits. As part of our personal protective equipment policy, we ensure that any tool we use is rated appropriately for the electrical work being performed.
Fall Protection Equipment: Preventing Gravity’s Risks
When working at heights, fall protection gear such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points become indispensable for workplace safety. With our Aerial Lift certification, our team members are trained to operate aerial lifts safely, ensuring both the safety of our team and those around us when working at heights.
Beyond the Basics: Spratlin Electric Contracting's Advanced Electrical Safety Equipment
While the fundamental PPE items above are crucial, advanced electrical safety equipment further enhances the protection of Spratlin Electric Contracting electricians engaged in hot work.
Voltage Detectors: Identifying Live Circuits
Voltage detectors are devices that indicate the presence or absence of voltage in an electrical system. These tools help us identify live circuits, ensuring that our team is aware of potential workplace hazards.
Voltage Testers: Measuring for Safety
Voltage testers are instruments used to measure the voltage in electrical circuits, providing valuable information for troubleshooting and safety checks. We ensure that voltage levels are within safe limits in order to prevent electrical accidents.
Multimeters: Versatile Safety Checks
Multimeters are versatile devices capable of measuring voltage, current, and resistance. They play a crucial role in hazard assessment and safety checks, providing comprehensive information to ensure the well-being of our workers and anyone else onsite.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): Rapid Response to Ground Faults
GFCIs are electrical outlets equipped with built-in protection against electric shock. These devices quickly interrupt power if a ground fault is detected, adding an extra layer of safety to electrical systems.
Insulating Mats: Grounding Against Shocks
We place insulating mats on the floor to provide a non-conductive surface, protecting our workers from electric shock in areas with a risk of contact with live parts. These mats create a barrier between the worker and potential electrical hazards.
Safety Barriers and Warning Signs: Isolating Hazards
Safety barriers and warning signs are essential for isolating and marking hazardous areas. At Spratlin Electric Contracting, we use barriers and signs to alert individuals to the presence of electrical equipment or potential dangers, preventing inadvertent exposure to risks.
Current Transformers (CTs) and Potential Transformers (PTs): Managing High Voltages
We utilize CTs and PTs to transform high voltage and current into a manageable range for measurement and protection purposes. These instruments play an important role in handling and monitoring electrical systems with elevated voltage levels.
Fuse Pullers and Fuse Handling Equipment: Safe Fuse Operations
Tools like fuse pullers and fuse handling equipment are designed to safely insert, extract, or handle fuses in electrical systems. These specialized tools ensure that our team members can perform fuse-related tasks without exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
Beyond PPE: Putting Safety First in Commercial Electrical Construction
At Spratlin Electric Contracting, our commitment to safety extends beyond PPE. Safety is ingrained in every aspect of our operations. We surpass industry standards, ensuring our team undergoes rigorous safety training and holds multiple certifications. Our dedication to the well-being of our employees and the success of our projects is reflected in certifications such as Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) for biological safety, First Aid, and CPR.
Our Safety Certifications and Expertise
In addition to BBP, First Aid, and CPR, our team is well-versed in Infection Control, adhering to both Level 1 and Level 2 standards. Maintaining a clean and safe working environment is crucial, especially in sensitive areas like healthcare facilities. Our expertise extends to NFPA 70E and OSHA 10 standards, and our team possesses specialized knowledge in operating equipment such as excavators, aerial lifts, and tools like ultraweld for advanced lighting solutions while prioritizing safety. For us, safety is not merely a buzzword; it’s a fundamental principle guiding our approach to commercial electrical construction.
Contact Spratlin Electric Contracting Today
At Spratlin Electric Contracting, the comprehensive use of Personal Protection Equipment is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation in energized work scenarios. By adopting a multi-layered approach to safety, incorporating both fundamental PPE and advanced electrical safety equipment, we maintain a work environment where the well-being of each of our team members is the top priority.
Safety is not just a practice but a mindset. Spratlin Electric Contracting delivers electric that endures with stand-out safety measures in place. Contact us today to learn more about our safety practices and how we can meet your electrical contracting needs.