Closet lights

Some older or smaller homes have closets with a single incandescent light bulb. You know the kind, with a simple pull chain. These bulbs give off a lot of heat when turned on and can be dangerous if the closet is littered with junk. Old papers, cotton clothing, and other flammable items could catch fire if too close to the bulb for a long period of time. Keep your closets clean and use recessed fluorescent bulbs or replace them with an energy-efficient LED bulb.

Dust

Clusters of debris can easily catch fire if near a heat source, such as an electrical outlet or floor heater. Make sure you dust on a regular basis, not just to keep your home clean, but to avoid the danger of a fire.

Animals

Household pets can easily knock over candles. Some can even turn on the stove accidentally. Be observant of your pet’s actions. You also need to watch for other destructive animals, such as rats or mice that can chew through electrical wires.

Oily rags

Think twice before tossing that oily rag in the corner of your garage after you’re done with your project. Wet oil on the rag can produce heat, so hang or lay them out so they can dry completely. Then submerge them in water and keep in a safe storage bin.

Sunlight

Though rare, if the sun hits a window, vase, jar, or other glass item at a very precise angle, the light and radiating heat can cause a fire. Avoid putting glass items on windowsills or in direct sunlight.

Laptops

Electronics can get very hot if not properly ventilated. Keep laptops on top of a desk or a mat specifically designed for computers. Try to avoid using a laptop on soft surfaces like a couch or bed for extended periods of time.

Dishwasher

Electric appliances are one of the most common causes of house fires, but most people think of ovens or stoves as the culprit, not dishwashers. They do generate heat and water can drip out onto the appliance’s wires. Always make sure the dishwasher is operating correctly and safely before use.

Toaster

Again, appliances are a common causes of fires, but crumbs and dust that collects in the bottom of a toaster is a less obvious hazard. Clean it out every once in a while by flipping it over and shaking out the crumbs and built-up dust. The heat generated every time you use the toaster can ignite those scraps and the danger only increases with every use.

Batteries

Nine-volt batteries, specifically. Their positive and negative terminals are located on the same side, so the likelihood of both terminals touching a metal object at the same time and producing heat is higher than other types of batteries. Store the nine-volts in safe containers or bags. You could also cover the terminals with duct or electrical tape.

Matches/lighters

Stuffed in a cluttered drawer, matches and lighters can easily ignite if rubbed against an object the wrong way. Store them in a safe place, away from the clutter and keep out of reach of children, who may not know any better and light one of them accidentally.

Of course you should always make sure your smoke alarms are on and working properly and batteries should be replaced twice a year.

The post Uncommon home fire hazards appeared first on Nickle Electrical Companies.

For those new to the industry or unfamiliar with PPE standards, distinguishing between flame-resistant and non-flammable equipment is difficult. It sounds like they could be interchangeable, right? Unfortunately not. There are distinct differences and making sure you’re using the correct PPE can save your life.

Flame-Resistant

This type of equipment has certain fibers sewn into the clothing, or has a certain type of chemical finish, that makes the material flame-resistant. The fibers don’t support fire and can defend against heat. Since the material doesn’t absorb a lot of heat, flame-resistant clothing doesn’t support combustion. This means the suit can be set on fire if the flame is big enough, but it takes longer to do so. It also self-extinguishes when the source of the heat is put out. Most flame-resistant clothing can protect against about three seconds of fire exposure. OSHA requires flame-resistant PPE in any occupation and area where the risk of clothing catching on fire is high. Clothing made of artificial materials, like polyester and nylon, cannot be worn in these situations as they can melt onto the skin if worn in high-heat environments. Flame-resistant clothing is extremely durable and won’t get worn out, even after going through multiple laundry cycles.

Non-Flammable

Non-flammable PPE won’t break down under extreme conditions, like flame-resistant material can. Those with occupations, like firefighting, wear non-flammable equipment as it’s heavier and has higher resistance to flames. The only downside to this equipment is that it’s extremely challenging for heat to escape the material, just as it’s challenging to let heat inside the material. It can be difficult to breathe in and cause your body’s core temperature to rise. It’s not recommended to wear non-flammable PPE for a long period of time. Most non-flammable gear can protect against about 10-15 seconds of fire exposure. This clothing is extremely durable and won’t melt or burn, even after intense exposure.

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Avoid dangerous dryer fires with the following tips:

Make sure your dryer is installed by a professional.

Make sure the outlet can handle the load of a dryer. An overloaded electrical outlet can cause blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers.

Read the manufacturers’ instructions and care manuals.

Clean the lint filter before and/or after each load of laundry. If lint builds up, it will block the flow of air. If your clothes are still damp at the end of a cycle, or it seems to take longer to dry your clothes, your screen or exhaust duct might be blocked.

Dryers should always vent hot air outside, not into an attic or crawl space.

Clean other areas where lint can build up, such as the back of the dryer and underneath the lint trap. Lint is extremely flammable.

Make sure your dryer is far enough away from the wall. You can crush the venting material if you place the dyer right against the wall.

Clean lint out of the vent pipe and exhaust duct every few months. If there’s a blockage, you may need to disconnect the exhaust duct from the dyer. Just remember to reconnect when you’re finished cleaning.

If you prefer, you can have your dryer cleaned by a professional. It will reduce the fire hazard, increase its efficiency, and prolong its lifespan.

Make sure the venting system behind the dryer isn’t damaged. Your exhaust duct also shouldn’t be too long or contain too many sharp bends and curves to reach the outside of your home. If it does, use a dryer duct booster.

Outside dampers should be free of animal nests, debris, and protected from the elements.

Don’t use plastic, vinyl, or aluminum foil venting materials, as they can more easily trap lint and are more susceptible to crushing or kinks. A metal duct will provide maximum air flow.

Gas-powered dryers should be inspected on a regular basis to make sure there isn’t a gas leak.

Keep the area around the dryer clear of items capable of burning.

Don’t overload your dryer.

Don’t dry anything that contains an excessive amount of foam, rubber, or plastic.

Don’t dry items that have come into contact with flammable materials such as gasoline. If you do, make sure to wash it multiple times to get rid of as much of the volatile chemical as possible and dry on a very low heat setting. But it’s best to air-dry these items.

Turn off dryer when you leave home or are sleeping.

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According to the National Fire Protection Association, United States fire departments responded to an annual average of 860 home structure fires that were started by holiday decorations and an additional 210 home structure fires that were started by Christmas trees between 2009-2013.

Below are two of ESFI’s great referrals to stay safe this holiday season.

Holiday Fire Prevention

Avoid the 12 Dangers of Christmas

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There are many elements that make up your home’s electrical system. Even if one component is faulty, it can cause a series of problems, threatening the safety of you, your loved ones, and your home. Even if electrical problems are subtle, that doesn’t mean they’re not serious. Don’t put off an inspection or wait to call for help. Especially if you live in an older home, your electrical wiring will be outdated and may need more work than that in a new home. If you’re experiencing any of the issues below, do not ignore them. Call a certified electrician right away to solve the problem.

Flickering or dimming lights. This could be caused by a poor connection or faulty wiring. You may notice it especially when a large appliance, like the heater or air conditioner, kicks on. Or even if you turn on the microwave. It’s also possible that there is damage to the wiring of the fixture.

Buzzing or sparking outlets. If this is happening, there is probably some loose wiring in the circuit box. The outlet should be repaired or replaced immediately. Sparks and strange noises are an obvious sign that something is wrong. A single spark could cause a major fire.

Non-working outlet. First, check to see if a circuit is blown or the breaker is tripped. The solution here would simply be to reset the breaker. If that’s not the case, there could be loose or damaged wiring causing a break in the connection.

Popping lightbulbs. This problem means that’s is a bad connection and is a serious safety hazard.

Frequent tripped breakers. It’s one thing if you trip the breaker once in a blue moon. But if you notice it happening on a regular basis, there could be too much power on the circuit. One thing that may trigger this issue is by plugging too many things into the same outlet. If you don’t think you’re overloading the circuit, it could be a problem with the wiring.

Hot outlet or plate covers. It’s normal for them to be warm to the touch, but they shouldn’t be scorching hot. This definitely indicates a wiring problem that should be addressed immediately.

The post Electrical problems you shouldn’t ignore appeared first on Nickle Electrical Companies.

The NFPA 70E is a national consensus safety standard published by the NFPA primarily to assist OSHA in preparing electrical safety standards. Federal OSHA has not incorporated it into the Code of Federal Regulations.

OSHA bases its electrical safety standards on the comprehensive information found in NFPA 70E. It focuses on protecting people and identifies requirements that are considered necessary to provide a workplace free of electrical hazards. The OSHA regulations and NFPA standards work so well together it’s been said that OSHA provides the “shall” while NFPA provides the “how.”

For example, OSHA mandates that all services to electrical equipment be done in a de-energized state. Working live (or working in an energized state) can only be done under special circumstances. NFPA 70E defines those special circumstances and sets rigid electrical safety limits on voltage exposures, work zone boundary requirements, and necessary personal protective equipment.

In 2015, the NFPA released the tenth edition of the 70E standard for electrical safety in the workplace based on the 2014 NFPA 70 (NEC) Code. The previous edition was published in 2012 and there are significant differences between the two.

The 2015 edition reflects a major shift in how electrical risk is evaluated. In previous editions, risk was established by performing a shock and arc flash analysis that would quantify the risk. Moving forward, the new edition streamlines the requirements for arc and shock protection and outlines revised program requirements with emphasis on risk assessment—now called a flash risk assessment. This means the potential for harm is now based on the combination of severity and the likelihood of failure. The flash risk assessment addresses hierarchy of controls, such as electrical installation (engineering controls) and work practices.

Below are highlights of the remaining changes from the 2012 to the 2015 edition.

1. Safety-related maintenance requirements were added to clarify that training and auditing are equally important.

2. All references to bare-hand work were removed.

3. A new definition of “energized electrical work permit” was added and the definition of “qualified person” was revised.

4. Prohibited approach boundary was deleted.

5. An electrical safety program must now include elements that consider condition of maintenance.

6. Audits of field work must be performed at intervals not to exceed one year.

7. The location, sizing, and application of temporary protective grounding equipment must be identified.

8. New requirements clarifying where normal operation of electric equipment is permitted were added.

9. Clarification was added that either the incident energy analysis method or arc flash PPE category method be used on the same piece of equipment for the selection of PPE, but not both.

10. Labels must be updated when the arc flash hazard risk assessment identifies a change that renders the existing label inaccurate.

11. Additional text now provides the user with a boundary to the existing requirements in 130.6(D).

12. A new “yes or no” format task-based table was added to determine when arc flash PPE is required.*

13. A new arc flash PPE category/equipment-based table was added for determining the arc flash PPE category.

14. Hazard/risk category 0 from Table 130.7(C)(16) will now be referred to as PPE category.

15. The criterion for employees to use insulated tools or handling equipment has been changed from the limited approach boundary to restricted approach boundary.

16. Barricades cannot be placed closer than the limited approach boundary.

17. An electrician must perform a risk assessment if the likelihood of contacting energized electrical lines or parts exists.

18. There are clarifications that the equipment owner or designated representative is responsible for maintenance of the electrical equipment and documentation.

19. New maintenance program for test instruments must include functional verification.

20. Risk assessment must be performed prior to any work on a battery system.

*NFPA added the new task-based table (referenced in #12 above) to utilize a simple yes-or-no format to determine if arc flash PPE is required. If yes, the new equipment-based table (referenced in #13 above) is then used to determine the flash PPE category (previously known as hazard risk category) and arc flash boundary. Finally, to determine PPE needed, the newly modified category table referenced in #14 above is used.

Nickle Safety – It’s How We’re Wired

Mike Anderson, CHST

Safety Director

The post OSHA Standards & NFPA 70E Regulation Changes appeared first on Nickle Electrical Companies.

Anderson will again write weekly posts throughout the month to celebrate and educate about electrical safety. Let’s take a look at some of last year’s themes.

Do’s and Don’ts. Mike covered generic tips for avoiding electrical hazards. In the United States, electricity is the cause of more than 140,000 fires each year, resulting in 400 deaths, 4,000 injuries, and $1.6 billion in property damage. Total economic losses due to electrical hazards are estimated to exceed $4 billion annually. Following his 10 safety tips could save your life.

Behavior-Based Safety. This applies the science of behavioral changes to real world problems. It focuses on what people do, why they do it, and a research-supported strategy is applied to improve what people do. Nickle implemented a BBS program last year and it has been a major contribution to safety excellence.

Benefits of a Safety Committee. Mike covered five elements of creating a successful safety committee within your organization. It covers setting goals, appointing a leader, and including a diverse group of members.

Don’t Ignore Near-Misses. According to the National Safety Council, 75% of all accidents are preceded by one or more near-misses, minor incidents, or close calls. With effective training, these behaviors and near-misses can be diminished.

Are there any safety topics you hope Mike discusses in the coming weeks?

The post Electrical Safety Month begins tomorrow appeared first on Nickle Electrical Companies.

• First, create a fire escape plan and a designated meeting place outside. Then practice that plan. You can even keep a ladder on the upper floor of your home in you case you need to exit from that level.
• You should have smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every bedroom. Make sure you test them on a regular basis and change the batteries twice per year.
• Have a fire extinguisher in an easy-to-reach spot in the kitchen and learn how to use it.
• Child-safety wallplates and tamper-proof outlets will keep tiny fingers out of empty outlets. There are also plastic outlet caps you can place in empty receptacles.
• Switch locks can be installed to prevent children from accidentally turning appliances and lights on and off.
• All cords should be kept out of reach to the best of your ability. Children tend to chew on just about anything they can get their hands on.
• Electronic toys should be checked frequently for damage.
• Nightlights will help your child feel safe at night but should be kept far from fabrics like bedspreads or curtains.
• Fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, radiators, and baseboard heaters can be blocked off to prevent burns.
• Matches, lighters, and lit candles should be kept out of children’s reach.
• Install ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in any room with a water source within six feet of an outlet as they protect against shock or electrocution.

Even after following these guidelines, try getting down on your hands and knees and looking around to get an idea of what the world looks like to your child. They may see things from their perspective that you can’t see from yours. Make sure your little one is able to explore the house safely.

The post How to childproof your home: steps to prevent fire/electrical injuries appeared first on Nickle Electrical Companies.

   First, test all smoke alarms. They can save your life if anything goes wrong.

To avoid open flame hazards, try using battery-powered candles. If you choose traditional candles, make sure they’re never left unattended or placed in an area where they may be knocked over.

Live trees embody the spirit of Christmas, but they can pose fire hazards. Make sure you purchase a fresh one and keep the stand filled with water to prevent it from drying out. And find a place to recycle your tree right after the holidays as it will dry out more and more the longer it’s up.

If you decide to buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire-resistant.”

Keep all decorations, especially trees, at least three feet away from heat sources.

Not only are LED lights energy-efficient, but they’re also cool to the touch, unlike incandescent bulbs. They’re also more durable, making them much safer to use for decoration.

When decorating the outside of your home, make sure all decorations and extension cords are marked for outdoor use.

Before and after hanging lights, make sure none have been damaged either in storage or while they were out. If so, toss them so you don’t accidentally use them next year.

Turn off all lights when leaving the house or going to sleep. This will prevent overheating.

Overheating can also occur if you overload an electrical outlet, so keep in mind how much you’ll be plugging in and be sure to purchase a surge protector.

We all love the holiday season, but try not to keep your decorations up for too long. They’re typically meant for temporary use and aren’t made to withstand extended periods of time exposed to weather and other damaging elements.

All light strings and extension cords should be kept dry, both while they’re out and in storage.

If you need to use a ladder, make sure it’s wooden or fiberglass as metal ones conduct electricity.

No wires or cords should be pinched in doors or windows or run under heavy furniture and rugs.

And many decorations can be harmful to young children:

          ◊ Light strings and garland are strangulation hazards

          ◊ Avoid using sharp or breakable decorations and ornaments in case a child gets hold of one

          ◊ Make sure any small (“mouth-sized”) decorations are kept out of reach

Visit Electrical Safety Foundation International‘s page on holiday safety for additional information, infographics, pictures, videos, and more.

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