How to Integrate PESDs into your Existing Safety Systems

Integrating PESDs into Your Electrical Safety Program

May is National Electrical Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about electrical hazards and promoting safety measures to prevent electrical-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. This initiative, led by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), aims to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of electrical safety at home and in the workplace.

With this heightened awareness, it's crucial to understand the steps we can take to enhance safety in our environments. Implementing Permanent Electrical Safety Devices (PESDs) can significantly reduce risks by ensuring accurate detection of voltage presence or absence.

In the U.S., electrocution remains the fifth leading cause of workplace fatalities, and non-fatal electrical injuries have seen a 17% increase in recent years. Implementing PESDs can significantly enhance workplace safety by ensuring accurate detection of voltage presence or absence.

Identifying the Need for PESDs

Recognizing where PESDs are necessary is the first step. Devices like voltage indicators, Safe-Test Points, Voltage Test Stations, and ChekVolt are essential tools in ensuring electrical safety.

• Presence of Voltage: Voltage indicators are used in Mechanical Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures to verify the presence of voltage in applications such as motor control centers.
• Absence of Voltage: Safe-Test Points and ChekVolt devices are used for Electrical LOTO procedures to confirm the absence of voltage, allowing qualified personnel to test using a portable test instrument in compliance with NFPA 70E 120.6 step 7.

Understanding Your Current System

Before integrating PESDs, assess your current operational environment and safety protocols. Review existing LOTO processes and PPE usage. Identify gaps in safety measures, especially in environments with understaffed or undertrained personnel

Conduct a thorough evaluation of your current safety protocols. Determine if your existing procedures adequately protect workers or if there are areas needing improvement. This step is vital to ensure that PESDs are integrated effectively.

Selecting the right PESDs for your applications is crucial. Various safety products, such as voltages indicators and Safe-Test Points, for example, cater to different needs. Stay informed about the latest advancements in safety technology to choose the best products for your setup.

Overcoming Integration Challenges

Integrating new safety products into existing systems can present challenges. Technological compatibility and employee resistance are common issues. Address these by providing adequate training and demonstrating the benefits of the new devices.

To overcome these challenges, involve employees in the integration process. Provide hands-on training and clear instructions on using the new devices. Highlight the safety and productivity benefits to gain their support.

Step-by-Step Integration Process

1. Planning: Identify areas where PESDs are needed and plan their integration.
2. Installation: Choose the appropriate devices and install them according to manufacturer guidelines. For example, the Safe-Test Point can be installed through a 30mm knockout on the side of an enclosure, allowing voltage testing without opening the cabinet.
3. Training: Conduct training sessions to educate employees on the proper use of PESDs and the importance of safety protocols.
4. Testing: Regularly test the installed devices to ensure they function correctly and provide accurate readings.

Examples of Integration

• Motor Control Centers: Installing voltage indicators to verify the presence of voltage.
• Panelboards: Using Safe-Test Points or Voltage Test Stations to confirm the absence of voltage before maintenance.
• Industrial Machinery: Integrating ChekVolt for combined voltage presence indication and safe testing.

Return on Investment (ROI)

• Cost Savings: Installing PESDs can lead to significant cost savings. For example, Furmano’s Foods reported that using the Voltage Test Station resulted in considerable time savings and efficiency, allowing the company to save on labor costs. Similarly, a wastewater utility in Virginia saw a reduction in LOTO procedure times from 45 minutes to just 5 minutes per station, translating to substantial labor cost savings.
• Faster Maintenance: ChekVolt's integration into LOTO procedures reduced maintenance times by 35-40 minutes, leading to rapid ROI as the device essentially pays for itself after just a few uses.

Safety Enhancements

• Reduced Exposure to Hazards: By allowing absence of voltage tests to be performed without opening enclosures, PESDs significantly reduce the risk of electrical shock and arc flash incidents. This is critical in high-risk industries such as water/wastewater treatment and mining, where the consequences of electrical hazards are particularly severe.
• Compliance with Standards: PESDs like ChekVolt and Voltage Test Stations ensure compliance with NFPA 70E and OSHA requirements for Control of Hazardous Energy, thereby enhancing workplace safety standards.

Productivity Enhancements

• Increased Uptime: By minimizing the time required for LOTO procedures and reducing downtime, PESDs improve overall productivity. For example, Invenergy's integration of ChekVolt into their solar operations streamlined maintenance processes, leading to increased operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
• Enhanced Efficiency: The ability to quickly and safely verify voltage presence or absence without extensive PPE and procedural delays allows maintenance personnel to perform their duties more efficiently. This was evident in a window treatment manufacturing plant, where the addition of Safe-Test Points significantly reduced the time and effort required for routine maintenance.

Integrating PESDs into your Electrical Safety Program (ESP) offers numerous benefits, including improved safety, compliance, and productivity. By following a structured approach and addressing potential challenges, you can create a safer workplace for your employees.

Take the first step towards a safer work environment by assessing your current safety protocols and identifying the need for PESDs. Request a ChekVolt sample today and subscribe to our blog for more updates on safety practices.

To further enhance your ESP, consider leveraging the Grace Technologies Expert Network. Our team of consultants can help you develop and implement a comprehensive ESP tailored to your needs. Take our self-assessment survey to evaluate your current practices and identify areas for improvement.