OSHA's Semiannual Regulatory Agenda is Available

OSHA's regulatory plan contains a statement of the Department's regulatory priorities and regulatory actions. It can be viewed at www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=21872

Among other things, OSHA will be continuing its review of the Bloodborne Pathogen standard. It will also be looking at exposure to Crystalline Silica, Confined Spaces in Construction, Electric Power Transmission and Distribution; Cranes and Derricks, and Methylene Chloride.

Click the hot-link above to get the details and time schedules for various actions.

NOTW

Well, I'm looking for a safety position again so I've some free time to revise the blog. A good place to restart is to visit the NOTW postings that have been so popular over the past several years.

Here's one from April of this year. Once I get my routine down, I'll post some new ones and you are all encouraged to send some "nitwit" photos for the blog.

Unfortunately, this situation is all too common on construction sites. “Hot-Punch” is a term to describe the process by which recently installed circuits are tested before the electric meters have been installed. In this case, our electrician found the nearest power source (see inset) which was the temporary electrical panel outside, opened the junction box cover and installed a temporary wire leaving the junction box open and available for accidental contact by passers-by. He then proceeded to connect his newly energized cord to an open panel inside the building. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Admittedly, the likelihood of a passer-by contacting the energized wiring at the junction box may be slight, but the open, energized panel presents a significant hazard. The really sad thing is that this operation can be accomplished safely by utilizing one of the many knock-outs on the panel while leaving the cover in place. But, that might take a couple of extra minutes.

By now you know that lack of adequate training contributes to many hazards on construction sites. This, however, is not one of those situations. Assuming that the electrician is licensed (which he should be), he was tested on his knowledge of the National Electric Code and should know better.

Arc Flash Calculation Software & Short Circuit Analysis

If you have to deal with arc flash hazards, you may want to check out the free Arc Flash Calculation Software (Beta Version) at http://arcadvisor.blogspot.com/

According to that site, this new software features:

• Estimate Incident Energy Exposures for Live Line Work on Overhead Open Air Systems 1kV to 800kV
• Determine Limited, Restricted, Prohibited Shock Protection Boundaries and Risk Category
• Calculator-style interface makes complex calculations easy to understand
• Perform analysis using metric (mm, Joules ) or imperial units (inches, calories )
• Save results in generic text format for future reference or printing