A complaint on unsafe working conditions led OSHA’s Hartford office to inspect Pfizer’s Groton campus.  The inspection revealed 5 violations related to workspaces and work practices, one of which is unsafe clearance near electrical equipment. The violations, which OSHA termed as serious, were specifically found in the pharmaceutical company’s Buildings 260 and 230 which are office buildings, not laboratories.  Because of these violations, OSHA asked Pfizer to pay more than $15,000 last week.

In spite of the fine, OSHA assured Pfizer that if the allegations turn out to be wrong, the latter can contest the agency’s findings.  However, if the findings are not contested or if OSHA’s findings turn out to be true, the violations will have to be posted on Pfizer’s workplace.

Due to this incident, Pfizer, together with its contracted facility management firm, Jones Lang LaSalle, is partnering with OSHA to address the safety needs.  The company said it welcomes suggestions on workplace safety.

What lessons can be learned from this experience?  What measures could Pfizer have done to avoid such unnecessary notice?  Since one of the violations is particularly about electricity, the bigger question is, how does one work safely around it?  The Safety Blog will try to address these issues by offering some safety reminders not just for Pfizer but for every workplace.

• We are all aware about the hazards of working around electricity.   Exposure to it can cause shock, burn, electrocution and even death.  Therefore, it is very important for live electrical components such as switches, power outlets and breaker boxes to be guarded.  Guarding may be done by using permanent barriers and insulating materials; locking electrical equipment in storages, rooms, and other enclosures; and locking out/tagging out them.  Guarding is an effective way of avoiding worker exposure to electricity.
• Equip yourself.  If necessary, wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing that are approved and certified by the proper authorities.  Also, avoid wearing metallic accessories while working with electrical equipment.
• Always check that the electrical equipment is in good working condition.  Malfunctioning machines are often dangerous.
• Water is an effective conductor of electricity.  It is therefore important that you keep your workplace, especially the locations of electrical equipment, clean and dry.
• Keep sources of spark and combustion away from electrical sources.
• Communication in the workplace is also very vital.  Use labels, signs and permanent markings.  Add information about the electrical equipment’s power. Make sure that they are readable, understood and posted where they are easily seen by the workers.
• Always be ready.  Have fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment in your workplace.  Make sure that they are up-to-date.  Also, be trained in administering first aid especially CPR.  Have emergency contact numbers and keep communication tools working and available.  Have an emergency action plan.
• Check that the electrical equipment are turned off and are guarded before leaving them.

Here are important things that particularly cater to Pfizer’s violation on unsafe clearance near electrical equipment.

• There should be safe and adequate clearance or working space around electrical equipment.  This is necessary so that workers can move around these equipment without getting electrocuted or hurt.  The space must be big enough for them to work comfortably, productively and safely.  The distance usually depends on the voltage and the nature of the equipment.  Thus, it is very crucial to have the equipment’s information as well as the authority’s standards, regulations and recommendations handy.
• Keep the working space free from obstructions.  This will ensure smooth movement as well as maintain a fire- and explosion-free environment.
• Ensure that the working space is well-lighted; it is risky to work in the dark.  Also, keep your area well-ventilated to prevent the equipment from overheating.

Take note that there are also situations that happen outdoors such as cranes getting in contact with overhead power lines and electrocution while repairing utility poles that also concern safe clearance around electricity.   Thus, it is your responsibility to have full knowledge and understanding of your assigned task and know the precautionary measures that you have to take to prevent any electrical accident.  Remember to always stay safe at work!