How important are procedure labels?

Failing to follow electrical equipment procedures can be deadly. California Division of Occupational Safety and Health officials now conclude September's fatality at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was caused by an electrical worker's failure to follow proper procedures.

State officials said the electrical apprentice did not ensure a 480-volt system was de-energized before performing tests inside a mechanical room at Terminal 6. He was electrocuted while working on a terminal renovation project at LAX.

Visually communicating proper procedures for lockout, tagout and PPE is essential to workers who must navigate around or work on electrical equipment. Having procedures posted at safe locations and near where work will be performed reminds workers of critical safety steps.

Think how often we put ourselves at unnecessary risk because we forget to follow basic procedures while driving a car. When an electrical worker overlooks a simple procedural step, chances of serious injury or death are multiplied. Statistics collected by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) show electrical shocks are responsible for 1,213 deaths over a recent five-year period (2003-2007). In 2007 alone, 212 workers were killed and 2,540 were injured in on-the-job incidents involving electrical shock.

Installers can reduce hazards in new construction by using removable labels to explain temporary electrical equipment procedures. Magnetic procedure labels are an excellent solution where temporary procedures must be followed at future system installations. Permanent hazard and procedure labels, explaining more location-specific procedures, should also be posted on equipment early in the installation processes.

The trick with new construction electrical safety is to prepare for safety before the work begins. Study plans for electrical hazards and document locations where they are likely to occur. Print labels to explain anticipated hazards in advance. No electrical equipment should be energized prior to procedure labeling.

OSHA's new chemical labeling requirements list four elements that must be included. These labels are similar to the U.N.'s GHS labeling requirements for chemicals.

The trick with new construction electrical safety is to prepare for safety before the work begins. Study plans for electrical hazards and document locations where they are likely to occur. Print labels to explain anticipated hazards in advance. No electrical equipment should be energized prior to procedure labeling.

On-the-job accidents aren't just deadly, they're expensive. The subcontractor in this accident will be fined $53,435 for three workplace violations related to the LAX airport death. Additionally, Cal-OSHA officials said the worker's employer did not ensure he had insulated gloves and suitable eye protection at the time of the accident.

The company has 15 days to appeal the citation and correct the violations.

The worker involved had been an electrical apprentice for six years. Co-workers tried to revive him after the shock, but he died an hour later at a hospital.