A safety alert issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) offers best practices for safe electrical work to protect miners from the dangers of uncontrolled and unplanned releases of energy. Sky Transport Solutions helps mining and transportation companies understand these critical safety protocols to ensure worker protection and regulatory compliance.
Critical Safety Statistics
According to MSHA, there have been 289 arc flash or electrical shock incidents since 2015, with 15 of them resulting in death. The agency reminds miners that electrical work shouldn't begin until circuits are fully deenergized and proper lockout/tagout procedures are in place.
Essential Lockout/Tagout Best Practices
The MSHA safety alert emphasizes that proper lockout/tagout procedures are fundamental to preventing electrical accidents. Sky Transport Solutions recommends that companies implement comprehensive lockout/tagout programs that include:
MSHA Best Practices for Electrical Safety
- Maintaining a complete understanding of electrical hazards - Workers must be trained to identify and understand all potential electrical hazards in their work environment
- Ensuring electrical components are completely deenergized - All circuits must be fully deenergized before any electrical work begins
- Developing and following a comprehensive and safe work plan or troubleshooting procedure - Detailed procedures must be established and strictly followed for all electrical work
- Wearing properly rated and well-maintained personal protective equipment in accordance with NFPA 70E - PPE must be rated appropriately and maintained to safeguard against electrical shock, arc blast, and arc flash hazards
The Importance of Proper Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Lockout/tagout procedures are critical safety measures designed to prevent accidental energization of equipment during maintenance or repair work. These procedures ensure that energy sources are isolated and cannot be accidentally activated, protecting workers from serious injury or death. Sky Transport Solutions emphasizes that proper implementation of these procedures is not just a regulatory requirement—it's a life-saving practice.
The MSHA alert specifically highlights that electrical work should never begin until:
- All circuits are fully deenergized
- Proper lockout/tagout devices are in place
- All energy sources have been verified as isolated
- Workers have been properly trained on the specific procedures
Key Takeaway from Sky Transport Solutions
With 289 electrical incidents and 15 fatalities since 2015, proper lockout/tagout procedures are essential for protecting workers from electrical hazards. Sky Transport Solutions recommends that companies review and strengthen their electrical safety programs, ensure all workers are properly trained, and strictly enforce lockout/tagout procedures before any electrical work begins.
NFPA 70E Compliance and Personal Protective Equipment
The MSHA alert specifically references NFPA 70E, the standard for electrical safety in the workplace. This standard provides guidelines for establishing electrical safety programs and selecting appropriate personal protective equipment. Sky Transport Solutions helps companies ensure their PPE programs meet NFPA 70E requirements, including:
- Proper arc flash hazard analysis
- Selection of appropriately rated PPE for specific tasks
- Regular inspection and maintenance of protective equipment
- Training workers on proper PPE use and limitations
Accessing the Full MSHA Alert
The full alert can be found on MSHA's Mine Safety and Health Materials webpage. Sky Transport Solutions encourages companies to review the complete alert and ensure their safety programs align with MSHA's recommendations.
How Sky Transport Solutions Can Help
At Sky Transport Solutions, we understand that electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures are critical components of workplace safety programs. Our team can help companies:
- Develop comprehensive lockout/tagout procedures and programs
- Train workers on proper electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures
- Ensure compliance with MSHA regulations and NFPA 70E standards
- Conduct safety audits to identify electrical hazards
- Establish and maintain proper PPE programs
- Create detailed work plans and troubleshooting procedures for electrical work
- Document safety procedures and training records
Don't wait for an incident to occur before strengthening your electrical safety program. Contact Sky Transport Solutions today to ensure your company has comprehensive lockout/tagout procedures and electrical safety protocols that protect your workers and ensure regulatory compliance.
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