Environmental Health and Safety

Electrical Safety for WSU Plant Employees

Building a Strong Safety Culture
Hints for Staying Injury-Free on the Job and Getting Home Safely:
  • If you are not authorized and trained as a Qualified Person, DO NOT work with electrical equipment or circuits.
  • Qualified Person Training must cover:
  • How to Distinguish live parts
  • Determine Nominal Voltage and clearance distance
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) selection
  • WSU’s Emergency Procedures
  • Wear arc-related clothing and related personal protective equipment (PPE) for the task being performed – including when verifying the circuit is de-energized.
  • Use only rated/insulated/approved electrical tools for the job
  • Always Lock-Out electrical energy sources and use an approved multi-meter to verify zero energy – ensure AGREEMENT with partner regarding verification.
  • Eliminate clutter and tripping hazards from your work environment. A ground person may be required to secure the work area.
  • Maintain your CPR/AED Certification. Know the AED locations and be prepared to respond in the event of an emergency.

Employees are required to perform Risk Assessment to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement risk control according to the Hierarch of Controls (Elimination/Substitution, Engineering Controls, Awareness, Administrative and PPE). See your supervisor if unsure. 

SUPERVISOR’S MESSAGE:
  1. Review with all of your employees in your shop
  1. Encourage employee feedback and suggestions
  1. Focus on Electrical Safety during your normal rounds and walk-throughs