Workshops to Help Canadian Firms Use New Electrical Safety Standard
Canadian OSH professionals and electricians can learn about the new Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety standard at two workshops, one set for Friday in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the second set for April 7 in Mississauga, Ontario. The Workplace Electrical Safety Workshops are hosted by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and were developed by Schneider Canada Services & Projects. CSA announced the new Z462 standard on Feb. 13.
Based on the NFPA 70E standard, Z462 is Canada's first standard addressing workplace electrical safety. It sets requirements for "qualified" electrical workers and contains guidance on safety management systems, PPE selection, and safe work procedures for those working near energized electrical equipment. When CSA announced the standard, it said 467 people were injured and nine were killed by electrical current in Canada during 2007, according to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada.
The workshops will cover electrical safety training requirements, best practice regulations covering shock and arc flash hazards, how to perform the shock hazard and arc flash hazard analyses, steps to achieve an electrically safe work condition, choosing appropriate PPE for arc flash hazards, the differences between "flame resistant" and "arc rated" clothing, the Hazard/Risk Category method of selecting arc flash PPE, and more.
The Z462 standard has been harmonized with two other Canadian standards: CAN/CSA-Z460, Control of hazardous energy -- Lockout and other methods and CAN/CSA-M421, Use of electricity in mines.
Visit this site for information about both workshops. Visit CSA's online store to buy a copy of the Z462 standard.