Page 31 - OHS, September 2021

eliminate or reduce the severity of injuries or even the possibility of death. That is why temporary wiring on a construction site or in a facility being remodeled (NFPA 70 Article 590)4 needs to be installed properly by qualified individuals, GFCI protected and free from potential physical damage. Depending on the state or local jurisdiction, a permit and inspection may also be required.
As a construction project moves further along towards a fully functioning facility, the site changes as do some of the hazards. Temporary wiring is removed, clean-up occurs and workers transition to using permanent power. To help reduce electrical hazards during this phase, GFCI protection must still be used for power tools and signage must be placed in view and labeled correctly, such as the available fault current labels or the electric shock/arc flash warning labels.
Although not required, it is also beneficial to have updated electrical drawings revised as “as-built drawings” and checked to verify that the one-line diagram is accurate. Having accurate as-built drawings and one-line diagrams will help determine where electrical energy originates so electrical hazards can be properly identified and temporarily eliminated by establishing an electrically safe work condition. This may not seem important to the installer but is a valuable part of a safety program for the facility safety manager and maintenance employees. Also, if elimination of electrical hazards is not an option, having the code required available will help calculate the potential arc-
flash hazard and determine additional methods needed for the protection of employees.
Construction site and facility safety focuses on conducting and documenting a risk assessment of some kind. This is typically done by the construction site or facility safety officer or safety manager, but ultimately, it is the worker who needs to follow the risk assessment procedure to assess and document hazards for each of his/her own tasks and take the proper precautionary or mitigation measures.
Not following safety procedures can have dire consequences for the individual, his/her family, employer and colleagues. Safety is a choice that is made every day by each person; it is imperative that each of us on the job makes the right choice.
Dean Austin is a Senior Electrical Content Specialist at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
REFERENCES
1. https://www.esfi.org/resource/workplace-fatalities-and- injuries-2003-2019-791
2. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926 3. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1910
4. https://www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing- Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=358.0
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