Safety – It Takes Two
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Safety – It Takes Two
Tip written by: Infraspection Institute
If you are a thermographer who performs infrared inspections of electrical distribution systems, you are not alone and you never should be. Working alone near exposed, energized electrical equipment is not only dangerous, it is a violation of federal law!
Administered by OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry, 29 CFR, Part 1910 apply to most thermographers working within the United States or its territories. Specifically, 1910 Subpart R covers the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission and distribution lines or equipment. Covered facilities include utilities and equivalent industrial establishments.
According to Subpart R, prior to the commencement of work, medical and first aid supplies must be provided for, including persons trained in first aid and CPR when work is on or near exposed lines or equipment energized at greater than 50 volts. Since CPR cannot be self-administered, at least two people trained in first aid and CPR must always be present when working near most exposed energized equipment.
When performing infrared inspections in the future, having a second CPR trained person along will not only satisfy OSHA requirements, it may save your life should an accident occur!
