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The lethal amount of voltage – Electrical safety and voltage levels

by emedco 12/08/2023

Electrical safety is of utmost importance, as electricity has become an integral part of our daily lives. Whether it’s powering our homes, appliances, or electronic devices, electricity is essential to modern living. Electricity is even more prominent throughout the workplace and is required in order for operations to take place. However, electricity can also be dangerous if not handled properly. A common question that arises in discussions about electrical safety is “how many volts is lethal?” Continue reading as we explore this question in depth, examine the factors that influence the lethality of voltage, and discuss tips for ensuring electrical safety.

Understanding voltage and electric shock

Voltage is a measure of electric potential energy, and it is what drives the flow of electric current through a conductor. Electric shock occurs when a person comes into contact with an electrical energy source, causing a current to flow through the body. The severity of an electric shock depends on various factors, including the voltage, current, duration of exposure, and the resistance of the body.

Lethal voltage levels

Identifying exactly how many volts is lethal is complex, as the lethality of voltage depends on various factors. While there is no definitive answer, it is generally accepted that voltages above 50 volts can be dangerous and potentially lethal under certain conditions.

Several factors influence the lethality of voltage, including:

Current: The current, measured in amperes (A), is the flow of electric charge through a conductor. Higher currents are more likely to cause severe injuries or death.
Duration: The length of time a person is exposed to an electric current also plays a role in the severity of the shock. Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of injury or death.
Resistance: The resistance of the body, measured in ohms (Ω), affects the flow of electric current. Dry skin, for example, has higher resistance than wet skin.
Pathway: The path that the electric current takes through the body can also affect the severity of the shock. Currents that pass through vital organs, such as the heart or brain, are more likely to be fatal.

It’s important to note that while voltage is a factor in the lethality of electric shock, it is not the only factor. A low voltage shock can still be dangerous if the current is high, the duration is long, or the pathway is through vital organs.

Electrical safety standards and regulations

To ensure electrical safety, various standards and regulations have been established to govern the design, installation, and operation of electrical systems. The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a widely adopted standard in the United States that sets forth the minimum requirements for electrical systems to ensure safety and prevent hazards.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has regulations that apply to electrical safety in the workplace. These regulations are designed to protect workers from electrical hazards and ensure a safe working environment.

Adherence to these standards and regulations is essential for maintaining electrical safety and preventing accidents and injuries.

Tips for electrical safety

Electrical safety starts with proper training and education. As a safety manager, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with electricity and to take the necessary precautions to ensure safety. Here are some tips for ensuring electrical safety:

Use insulated tools and equipment: Insulated tools and equipment can reduce the risk of electric shock by preventing direct contact with live electrical parts.
Turn off power before working on electrical systems: Always turn off the power and use lockout/tagout procedures before working on electrical systems to prevent accidental contact with live electrical parts.
Provide the necessary electrical safety signage: Signs showcasing “danger – high voltage” or “arc flash hazard warnings” communicate to individuals before a situation happens. Additionally, electrical safety labels can be displayed directly on equipment.
Avoid wet conditions: Water can reduce the resistance of the body and increase the risk of electric shock. Avoid working with electricity in wet conditions and keep electrical equipment dry.
Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs): GFCIs are devices that can prevent electric shock by detecting imbalances in the electrical current and shutting off the power before a shock can occur.
Keep electrical panels and outlets clear: Ensure that electrical panels and outlets are accessible and unobstructed to allow for safe operation and maintenance. Learn more about electrical panel clearance regulations.

Electrical safety is a critical aspect of modern living, and understanding the factors that influence the lethality of voltage is essential for preventing accidents and injuries. By adhering to electrical safety standards and regulations, and following best practices, individuals and organizations can ensure a safe and compliant electrical environment.

Electrical Panel Clearance Requirements: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

by emedco 12/06/2023

Electrical panels are an integral part of any electrical system, serving as the central hub for distributing power throughout a building or facility. Proper electrical panel clearance is essential to ensure safe operation and maintenance of these critical systems. In this article, we will explore the electrical panel clearance requirements, regulations and standards governing these clearances, and practical tips for maintaining compliance.

Understanding electrical panel clearance

Electrical panel clearance refers to the minimum distance that must be maintained around an electrical panel to provide safe and unobstructed access for installation, operation, and maintenance. This clearance ensures that there is sufficient space for electricians and maintenance personnel to work safely and efficiently, and that the panel can dissipate heat effectively to prevent overheating.

Regulations and standards governing electrical panel clearance

Several regulations and standards govern electrical panel clearance requirements. In the United States, the National Electrical Code (NEC) is the primary standard that establishes the minimum clearance requirements for electrical panels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also has regulations that apply to electrical panel clearance in the workplace.

The NEC specifies that electrical panels must have a minimum clearance of 30 inches horizontally and 36 inches in front of the panel. Additionally, there must be a minimum headroom clearance of 6 feet 6 inches. These clearances are measured from the floor, ceiling, and any adjacent walls or obstacles.

The importance of electrical panel clearance

Maintaining proper electrical panel clearance is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures the safety of electricians, maintenance personnel, and other individuals who may come into contact with the panel. Adequate clearance provides sufficient space for personnel to work safely, reducing the risk of electrical shocks, burns, and other injuries.

In addition to safety, electrical panel clearance is also important for the efficient operation and maintenance of the electrical system. Proper clearance allows for adequate ventilation and heat dissipation, preventing overheating and ensuring the longevity of the electrical components. It also provides easy access for routine maintenance and repairs, reducing downtime and minimizing the risk of electrical failures.

Consequences of non-compliance

Non-compliance with electrical panel clearance requirements can have serious consequences. Electrical panels that are obstructed or have inadequate clearance can pose a significant safety hazard, increasing the risk of electrical fires, shocks, and other accidents. In the event of an electrical emergency, restricted access to the panel can delay response times and exacerbate the situation.

Furthermore, non-compliance with electrical panel clearance requirements can result in fines and penalties from regulatory authorities. OSHA can issue citations and fines for violations of electrical safety standards, including inadequate panel clearance. As of 2022, penalties are upwards of $14,502 per day. This amount drastically increases to $145,027 per violation for willful or repeated violations.

Practical tips for ensuring electrical panel clearance

Maintaining electrical panel clearance requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some practical tips for ensuring compliance with electrical panel clearance requirements:

Plan ahead: When designing or renovating a building or facility, consider the location and layout of electrical panels to ensure adequate clearance.
Remove obstacles: Keep the area around electrical panels clear of obstructions, such as furniture, storage, and equipment. Avoid placing panels in locations where they may be blocked by doors, windows, or other fixtures.
Provide clear signage: Install clear and visible signage indicating the electrical panel clearance requirements and the importance of maintaining unobstructed access.
Educate personnel: Ensure that electricians, maintenance personnel, and other individuals who may come into contact with electrical panels are aware of the clearance requirements and the importance of adhering to them.
Conduct regular inspections: Regularly inspect electrical panels to ensure that they are in compliance with clearance requirements and that there are no obstructions or hazards present.

In the event of your electric panel no longer being in compliance or functioning as it should, leverage standard lockout/tagout procedures to protect personnel from harm. Emedco carries a variety of lockout tagout kits designed with electric paneling in mind. Check out our lockout tagout products.

Electrical panel clearance requirements are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of electrical systems. By adhering to the regulations and standards set forth by the NEC and OSHA, and following best practices for maintaining clearance, individuals and organizations can prevent electrical accidents and ensure the reliable operation of their electrical systems.

More about the NEC

The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a set of safety standards for electrical installations and equipment in the United States. Published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the NEC is widely adopted and enforced by state and local governments, as well as various regulatory agencies. The NEC is revised every three years to incorporate the latest advancements in electrical technology, safety practices, and industry trends. It sets forth the minimum requirements for electrical systems, including wiring, equipment, and installations, to ensure the safety of people and property from electrical hazards. The NEC is widely regarded as the benchmark for electrical safety and is used by electricians, engineers, and other professionals in the electrical industry.

Arc Flash Prevention Guide

by Annie Cooper 06/15/2022

An arc flash occurs when a live conductor flashes from one exposed conductor to another or to the ground. Consequently, ionized air creates electrically conductive, super-heated plasma that can reach temperatures of 35,000°F or more. In a matter of seconds, these high temperatures can cause severe 2nd and 3rd-degree burns. The force of the explosion can cause shrapnel pieces and loose debris to be flung around the room, increasing the risk for employee injury.

Achieve Compliance with Chemical & Environmental Hazard Communication Labels

by Mariah Erhardt 06/24/2021

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) regulates most workplace hazardous chemicals. Not only are HazCom labels critical for worker safety and regulatory compliance needs, but they’re also a definitive way to ensure containers are correctly labeled, promote better emergency response to chemical incidents, and reduce costs such as increased insurance premiums.

Emedco has the HazCom labels you need to ensure your facility meets federal, state, and local compliance regulations. Of course, different chemical hazards require different labels. Here’s what you need to know about each type of hazard communication label and its significance in your workplace.

NFPA Labels

Established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 704 is a labeling system used to identify hazardous materials in a compact format. In each section, the easily recognizable color-coded NFPA diamond represents four (4) types of hazard levels: health hazard, flammability, instability, and special precautions. In addition, the NFPA 704 labeling system warns emergency responders of the hazard types and levels in a consistent format prior to entering a hazardous area.

HMIS & HMIG Labels

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) is a hazard rating method of various chemicals that involves the use of color bar labels. Each bar represents a different hazard level; the blue bar is for the health hazards, the red bar represents the flammability, the orange bar indicates the physical hazards, and the white bar depicts the PPE required for safely handling the chemical.

GHS Labels

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals provides a standardized method of identifying chemical hazards throughout any facility. All GHS labels are required to have hazard pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification. Place the labels on primary and secondary containers to ensure improved quality and consistency in the classification and labeling of all chemicals as well as enhanced worker comprehension.

Hazardous Waste & Biohazard Labels

Properly marking containers with hazardous waste meets the DOT 49 CFR 172.400(b) labeling requirements for transportation as well as the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Biohazard decals alert workers to potentially dangerous materials in receptacles, tanks, and other secondary containers. These bright orange labels will help your facility comply with the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 regulation for bloodborne pathogens labeling.

Emedco offers an impressive selection of chemical and environmental hazard labels for informing and training employees, preparing for emergencies, and shipping and transportation needs.

Find all of the HazCom labels you need to ensure your facility is safe and compliant at emedco.com.

Keeping Warehouse Employees Motivated During COVID-19 & Beyond

by Mariah Erhardt 03/16/2021

By now, social distancing guidelines should be part of the daily operations in your warehouse. This “new normal” helps ensure your employees stay safe and healthy; however, some onsite workers may be feeling the impact of being separated from their colleagues and unable to work from home during this difficult time.

Luckily, warehouse managers and those in leadership positions can take a few small steps to make a big difference with their employees.

Encourage Open Communication & Be Accessible

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of everyone’s physical and mental health. Therefore, letting your employees know that you’re available to openly discuss the impact of the pandemic, how the workplace can be improved, or other feedback they have creates a healthier environment for everyone.

Take Time to Recognize Employee Efforts

While in-person conversations should be kept to a minimum, thanking employees for their continuous hard work is as easy as writing sincere emails or hosting virtual meetings. Showing gratitude can go a long way in terms of motivating and comforting employees now and in the future.

Continuously Provide Appropriate PPE

Onsite workers shouldn’t have to worry about having the personal protective equipment they need to do their job safely. Make a habit of providing new face masks, face shields, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer to your employees. Not only does this show that you care about their safety, but it also helps stop the spread of germs in your facility.

Promote Motivational Messages

A positive work environment can lead to improved productivity and job satisfaction. Posting encouraging posters, signs, and floor markers throughout your warehouse will remind employees of the difference they make every day. Emedco offers a variety of motivating signs to display in your facility, including:

EM431 — Your Effort is Recognized Floor Marker

EM432 — Our Business is Essential Floor Marker

ML0045 — Thank You Essential Employees Floor Sign

For more information on how to utilize our products, please view our Solutions for Essential Businesses Digital Catalog or browse our entire COVID-19 product offering.

How to Keep Your Workplace Clean During COVID-19

by Annie Cooper 03/06/2020

Protect your employees from exposure in the workplace

During any crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, safety comes first.

Fear and uncertainty related to the virus are especially prevalent in the workplace, and while there is no guarantee that your employees and business will remain unharmed, there are simple safety measures you can enact to help keep everyone out of harm’s way.

Educate Your Workforce and Communicate Regularly with Employees

Employers should communicate openly and often with the workforce so that employees have the information they need to help keep themselves educated and updated about the coronavirus. Communicating regularly with your employees regarding company policies and procedures is an effective method to demonstrate to your workforce that you are monitoring the situation and working to keep everyone healthy and safe.

Reinforce Good Hygiene Practices

As an employer, you have a duty to ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of your employees and any visitors to your workplace during a virus outbreak. In light of what is presently known about the disease, the CDC recommends the following to reduce the likelihood that you catch or spread the virus:

– Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water
– Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or is coughing or sneezing
– Practice proper infection control and sterilization measures
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially with unwashed hands
– Stay at home if you feel sick and follow guidance from your local health authority

Actively Encourage Sick Employees to Stay Home

Consistent with CDC guidance, employers should actively encourage employees to stay home if they are sick or have been exposed to someone who is sick. This is especially important for employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness.

Solutions

As a leader in workplace safety products, Emedco offers numerous products and solutions for a safe and clean workspace.

Health First Signs

22532 – Wash Your Hands Sign
22530 – Steps To Prevent The Spread Of Germs Sign
ED4214 – If You Have Symptoms Stay Home Sign

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Prevention Posters

Place posters near popular areas such as the break room, restrooms, and lobby.

22547D – Flu Infographic Poster
22542D – Make Sure To Use Soap and Water Poster
22545D – Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus Poster

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Self-Adhesive Labels

Self-adhesive labels can be placed on the bathroom and breakroom mirrors and walls to remind employees of proper handwashing procedures.

ML0004 – Prevent The Spread of Germs Label
ML00 – Cough & Sneeze Etiquette Label
ML0008 – Please Sanitize Hands Before and After Using Time Clock Label

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For more information on how our products can be utilized, please view our Solutions for Essential Businesses Digital Catalog or browse our entire COVID-19 product offering.

To check current stock status and delivery times, please reach out to our customer service team at 800-442-3633.

3 Tips for AED Program Success

by Shannon 06/01/2016

According to OSHA, about 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests (SCA) occur at work annually. Make sure your workplace is equipped with the right tools and resources should this unfortunate occurrence happen in your facility. To start here are 3 tips for making your AED program successful in your workplace:

Educate/Train: Designate a person or group to in your facility to help promote and educate your workers about your AED program and what defibrillators are. Ensure employees know how to use your AED and how to recognize when the device is in need of service, as well as how to recognize SCA and how to set your company’s emergency response plan in motion.
Inspect: Integrate defibrillator inspections into your safety program schedule. When checking fire alarms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc, include an inspection of your defibrillators’ consumables, such as batteries and pads.
Placement: When deciding where to place your AED station, OSHA offers a list of optimal places to consider when installing an AED:
- Areas that allow response within three to five minutes
- Areas where people work closely together (ie. assembly lines and warehouses)
- Areas close to a confined space
- Areas where electric-powered devices are used
- Outdoor worksites where lightning may occur
- Health units where workers may seek treatment for heart attack symptoms
- Company fitness units and cafeterias
- Remote sites, such as off-shore drilling rigs, construction projects and power transmission lines

We’d love to hear from you. Let us know how your AED program is working and provide any tips you may have in the comments below.

Have questions? Feel free to give us a call. We’d be happy to help.

Stand Down For What? Fall Prevention

by Julianne Bass 04/05/2016

You don’t know the true impact of gravity until it hits ya! In all seriousness, fall prevention and protection is a huge deal when it comes to working safely at heights. Falls from as little as 6ft can be fatal, heck falls while standing on the ground can be fatal. While the likelihood of serious injury while walking may not be high, the likelihood drastically increases as heights do. According to OSHA falls accounted for 40% of all deaths for the construction industry in 2014.

How can a difference be made? Participating in the National Safety Stand Down to prevent falls in construction is a good place to start. This event now in its third year has helped to raise awareness around preventing fall hazards, reaching over 2 million workers last year alone.

In addition to the event, OSHA shares tips on preventing falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolding; three very familiar areas in which falls happen too often.

Falls from Roofs:

Don’t forget your harness, and make sure it is worn properly and connected
Always perform a fit test
If guardrails or lifelines are part of your prevention program, Use them
Inspect all fall protection to make sure that it is in proper working order
Cover or properly mark all openings

Falls from Ladders:

Choose the right ladder for the job
Maintain three points of contact
Secure the ladder
Always face the ladder
Guard or cover all holes, openings, and skylights

Falls from Scaffolding:

Fully plank scaffolds giving workers a safely maneuverable working space
Make scaffolding easily accessible
Only build scaffolding on a level and secure foundation
Assigned a knowledgably person to inspect all scaffolding before use

Repeat Offenders: Why Do Companies Keep Making the Same Workplace Safety Mistakes?

by Julianne Bass 03/02/2016

It’s human nature. Something gets brought to your attention and stays in the forefront of your focus for a while but over time, inevitably without repeated reminders we all just tend to forget. As with everything in life, businesses and their safety programs are run by safety managers whose priorities shift on a minute to minute basis and sadly attention doesn’t get paid to problem areas until an accident happens.

What’s Your Safety Culture?

So why do companies keep making the same workplace safety mistakes over and over and over again? The answer to this question lies within a facilities safety culture. Is it one that is made a priority every day, or is it more so a necessary evil? The attitude in which safety procedures are approached in a facility can make all the difference, but it is just the beginning.

What Research Suggests

Researchers from a recent study suggest that facilities work in cycles of learning and forgetting. While some studies suggest that safety programs should be refreshed as often as every 3 months others state that time is not the only issue when it comes to ineffective safety practices. Some other factors that may play into continuing problems include: high turnover rates, lack of effective training programs, recent reorganizations or leadership changes.

The Cycle of Reoccurring Safety Mistakes

An Accident. Right when an accident happens there is usually a big push to “ensure” it never happens again. Paperwork, procedure audits, updates, training and retraining. Everyone is on board and all eyes are on the issue (especially if OSHA’s are too). Processes are reworked all in hopes of eliminating the hazard or at least protecting more workers from ending up hurt.
Heightened Safety Awareness. Once the initial shock of an accident has had time to wear off and the immediate danger is taken care of, some facilities start to take a broader look at their safety programs. How can they get their employees more engaged? If this accident happened once how can we not only prevent this specific accident from happening again but also others throughout the entire facility.
Productivity –vs- Safety. There comes a time in every good “idea” when the discussion of feasibility starts to creep in. Is this really what we should be focusing on, how is this going to affect our productivity, how much is this going to cost us. Every safety manager has heard it all before, too many times. When big safety plans pose a threat to getting in the way of profits it often sends up red flags in management and more people begin to voice their opinions. Unfortunately at times this may lead to plans for safety improvements being delayed or completely falling off course.
Declined Awareness. Once progress has been slowed or halted, people begin to resume to business as usual. As less attention is paid to safety as an important initiative and awareness begins to decline.
Comfort in Status Quo/It’s Been Awhile. By now, a lot of time has passed from the original accident that occurred within the workplace and without regular reminders, work processes return to more or less what they originally were. While there is comfort in the status quo, there is much danger here also, and the likelihood of another accident happening increases. Once a facility become complacent in subpar safety practices injuries follow shortly thereafter.

Workplace Safety News Roundup

by Julianne Bass 02/25/2016

Workplace Safety News

Keeping track of new OSHA regulations and taking advantage of supplemental safety training and reading materials makes a big difference in the success of the programs you implement in your workplace. Seeing what others are doing both for the better and worse help mold an all encompassing safety initiative. Here is a sampling of some of the news buzzing around workplace safety this month.

Preventing Slips Trips and Falls around the Loading Dock

Workplace injuries and accidents that cause employees to miss six or more days of work cost U.S. employers nearly $62 billion in 2013, the most recent year for which statistically valid injury data is available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the National Academy of Social Insurance, according to the 2016 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. That is more than $1 billion per week spent on the most disabling, nonfatal workplace injuries.