10/11/2023

ECA / NECA Joint Safety Forum - Tuesday, October 10, 2023

The seminars were held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, Illinois.

ECA / NECA Joint Safety Forum
Tuesday, October 10, 2023

The Electrical Contractors’ Association of City of Chicago (ECA) Safety Committee along with the Northeastern Illinois Chapter, NECA Safety Committee was proud to sponsor two programs, "NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance" - 2 hours, and “NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace" - 4 hour Refresher.  The seminars were held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the IBEW-NECA Technical Institute (INTECH) in Alsip, Illinois.  The Safety Forum had over 50 registrants.  Derek Vigstol, e-Hazard facilitated both presentations (summaries below).  Adam Meza, National Safety Apparel made a brief presentation between the sessions. We thank both presenters for their time with the Safety Forum!  We thank INTECH for the use of the facility!

NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance
This presentation focused on examining some of the major changes that took place during the monumental shift of NFPA 70B from a recommended practice to a standard. In addition to how the recommendations became requirements, the presenter examined the impact that this document has the potential to make on safety for electricians in the field. This presentation also exploredhow the electrical contractor can utilize NFPA 70B for guidance to customers on how to care for their electrical infrastructure after the installation has been completed. 

NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace - Refresher Overview

This class kept attendees current on the information gained in the standard 70E. In addition to a review of standard electrical safety principles, attendees were brought up to date on the changes in the latest edition of the NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, which is revised every three years.

Outline of session, included:

1.Electrical Safety Facts/Risks

2.Electrical Related Government Regulations & Standards

• Applicable: NFPA 70E/OSHA •How Standards Are Used •Key Definitions/Issues

3.Shock Hazards & Protection Strategies

• Understanding Shock •Variables Impacting Hazard •Protection Boundaries
• Voltage Rated Gloves and Other Shock PPE •Rated Insulated Tools and Other Equipment

4.Arc Flash Hazards & Protection Strategies

• Causes/Types •Arc Blast •Mitigating Hazard through Engineering Design and Work Methods
• Arc Flash Boundaries •Practical Application

5.Arc Rated Personal Protective Equipment

• Overview •Protecting Head, Hands and Feet •PPE Programs: Categories, Levels, Systems •Environmental Considerations •PPE Guidelines and Maintenance

6.Job Planning

• Elements of Safety Planning •Job Briefing •Energized Electrical Work Permit

7.Risk Assessment

• Components of Assessment •Methods: Tables or Incident Energy Calculations
• Labeling •Steps to Identify Boundaries/PPE

8.Safety Related Work Practices

• Defining “Electrically Safe Work Condition” •Identifying and Securing Boundaries
• Tools and Equipment •Best Practices for Lock Out/Tag Out, VerifyingDe-energization
• Situational Conditions (Overhead, Underground, etc.)•Special Equipment •Training
• Administrative Guidelines •Recognizing Hazards and Poor Work Practices

It is anticipated that the next Safety Forum will be in the Spring 2024.  

Pictured from right to left from the Joint Safety Committees (and presenter) are:
Deborah Erbach, Continental Electrical Construction Company,
Jerry McGlynn, ECA Safety Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.,
Terry Carr, Connelly Electric,
John Coppe, Jamerson & Bauwens Electrical Contractors, Inc.,
Pete Simkus, Connelly Electric,
Derek Vigstol, e-Hazard, and
Tony Sage, Taylor Electric Company.

Pictured above is Jerry McGlynn, ECA Safety Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.,
as he introduced the program.

Pictured from left to right are:
Derek Vigstol, e-Hazard, and
Jerry McGlynn, ECA Safety Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.

Pictured above is Derek Vigstol, e-Hazard, as he began his presentation.

Pictured above is Adam Meza, National Safety Apparel, as he began his presentation.