Intelligent Power Today Magazine

Reduce the risk of arc flash hazards with CSA Z462

BY ROBERT BURGESS, Lineman’s Testing Laboratories

Safe electrical maintenance practices and on-going personnel training can minimize the likelihood of electrical injuries and fatalities due to electrical shock, electrocution, arc flash and arc blast. At risk are employees who work on or near exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts including electrical maintenance personnel, operators, troubleshooters, electricians, linemen, supervisors, site safety personnel or anyone exposed to energized equipment of 50 volts or more. The majority of hospital admissions following electrical accidents are due to arc flash burns, not
electrical shock...

When it comes to on-the-job safety, footwear serves as the
main point of contact between workers and their environment.
Because of the key role safety boots play in personal protective equipment (PPE), it is important to consider the various safety, performance, and comfort features as they relate to your job, work environment, and personal fitting requirements.

In safety footwear, there are a few key specifications that electrical workers need to consider. Generally speaking, the environments that this industry works in require a safety toe designed to protect against the impact of heavy objects falling onto, or rolling over the toes...