Overhead Power Line Safety – Video Short
Overhead power lines cause 46% of electrically related deaths in the workplace. To avoid danger, always look up and be aware of overhead power lines. Always assume that lines are live and dangerous. Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from any lines. Never touch anything that is in contact with power […]
Test Before You Touch – Video Short
Accidental contact with energized equipment causes 45% of all electrically related deaths in the workplace. Make sure you always test for voltage before you perform any work. Test the area around the equipment you’re working on. Be sure to perform a site and risk assessment before doing any work, and when it’s possible, turn off […]
Workplace Safety: Avoid Common Electrical Hazards
Contact with or exposure to electricity is one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities. Follow these tips to avoid electrical injury: Overhead Power Line Contact 46% of all electrical fatalities are caused by contact with overhead power lines 57% of overhead power line fatalities were in non-electrical occupations Always assume all lines are live […]
Electrical Fatalities in the Workplace: 2011 – 2021
Contact with or exposure to electricity continues to be one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities and injuries in the United States. Between 2011 and 2021, there was a total of 1,201 workplace fatalities involving electricity reported by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and 1,653 electrical fatalities reported by the Bureau of […]
Free Webinar – Surge Protective Devices: Protecting Businesses and Homes
ESFI and the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association’s (NEMA) Low Voltage Surge Protective Devices Section present this free webinar, Surge Protective Devices: Protecting Businesses and Homes. For more information on surge protective devices, visit nemasurge.org and esfi.org.
Solar PV Connector Safety
Connector issues can cause fires and worker injuries. Proper installation is important. Unskilled or untrained workers installing photovoltaics (PV) can lead to issues. Connectors provide connections between the array. There is no universal standard for PV connector design. Connectors with high operating temperatures may be the only warning sign of failure. Recommended Installation Practices Use […]
Building Operations and Maintenance
Over a 30-year period, maintenance and operations costs of a building account for 98% of the total cost, while the initial design and construction account for only 2%. By investing in preventative maintenance and upgrading to newer electrical systems, you can help reduce your total operation cost while also improving your environmental, social, and corporate […]
Energy Storage System Electrical Safety for First Responders
Understand the Unique Risks When Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Are Involved Where are Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Located Residential settings, usually near the electrical panel Microgrids Commercial Critical infrastructure Utilities Mitigation and Emergency Response Is the system active or shut down? Are there abnormal temperature readings? Is there smoke or toxic or flammable gas present? […]
Photovoltaic Safety for First Responders
Understand the Unique Risks when a PV (Solar) System is Involved Pre-Incident Planning Contact building officials to see where PV systems are installed. Request to be notified when new PV is installed PV Panels and Arrays Locate which portion of the roof has the PV system Follow conduit to locate where PV may be installed […]
Workplace Fatalities and Injuries 2003 – 2020
The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) uses the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and Survey of Occupational Injuries (SOII) to distill information specifically pertaining to fatal and nonfatal occupational electrical injuries. Each year the ESFI publishes electrical injury information in tabular and graphical form on our website. The […]
Surge Protective Devices Misconceptions
A recent survey of facility professionals revealed mixed results on the knowledge of surge protection. Only surge protective devices, also known as transient voltage surge suppressors, protect against power surges. Fuses and breakers, GFCIs, wiring, low-cost uninterruptable power supplies, and typical power strips do not. A recent survey found that 79% of facility owners estimated […]
Understanding Surge Protective Devices Survey
In 2021, the Electrical Safety Foundation International surveyed industrial and commercial facility professionals, including managers, owners, building engineers, heads of maintenance, and related occupations. These professionals provided insights regarding power surge incidents and effects, as well as usage of Surge Protective Devices in the facilities they manage. SEE FULL SURVEY RESULTS Common Voltage Surge Causes: […]
