Refocusing electrical safety

Abstract

Electrical safety needs to be refocused. Over the last few years there has been tremendous attention given to the arc flash hazard phenomenon. Even though this hazard needs attention to reduce the number of injuries occurring because of it in some ways it has become the predominate focus of electrical safety. Electrical safety is more than just the arc flash hazard. Electrical safety needs to be a holistic approach that includes all aspects of electrical safety. NFPA 7OE, standard for electrical safety in the workplace has defined an "electrical safety program" and it is a good tool. But even that falls short of what is needed to make a step change in electrical safety performance. This paper attempts to identify the voids in electrical safety and to focus attention on the items that need to be addressed to take a more holistic approach to electrical safety.