Why Electrical Safety Is Important in Industrial Facilities

Industrial facilities work hard, which means the electrical infrastructure inside of them deliver some serious power that can result in dangerous situations without proper precautions. According to OSHA, there were more than 1,900 workplace fatalities caused by electrical mishaps between 2011 and 2023. Even if an electrical safety incident does not lead to death, it can have lasting human, financial, and legal costs that can be devastating to a business. Ignoring electrical safety in an industrial environment is costly for more than one reason, which is why it’s critical for companies to pay close attention to it and understand their responsibilities. 

As a leading industrial electrical contractor, Dubak Electrical Group understands the dangers inherent in these systems as well as how to prevent them. Read on for more information.  

Common Electrical Hazards in Industrial and Commercial Settings 

Whether in factories, data centers, or commercial buildings, heavy-duty electrical systems can pose some serious hazards when not properly cared for by staff. Without the right attention being paid to these systems, workers may be exposed to a wide range of hazards such as: 

• Arc Flashes: These are explosive bursts of electrical energy and heat caused by current jumping between conductors. This can be the result of missing insulation or accidental contact, and can instantly create temperatures of 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making arc flash safety especially critical.  

• Electrical Shocks: Faulty or aging equipment can result in exposed wiring or other conditions that could expose workers to shocks.  

• Overloaded Circuits: Equipment that is wired improperly may be subject to dangerously high electrical loads that can lead to breakdowns, malfunctions, and potential harm to nearby workers.  

• Fire Risks: If equipment is poorly maintained or given substandard insulation, there is a chance that the electrical systems pose a fire risk.  

Any one of these hazards has the potential to hurt employees, damage equipment, and cause unplanned downtime. This is why manufacturers and other industrial companies must conduct thorough risk assessments so they understand which areas of their electrical infrastructure are most likely to cause problems.  

Workplace Electrical Safety Protocols and Compliance 

Dubak understands the various frameworks that pertain to industrial electrical systems, and we ensure our work always conforms to the standards and protocols that apply. For example, OSHA 1910 Subpart S is the general industry standard when it comes to electrical safety in the workplace. NFPA 70E compliance means following protocols for protecting workers from arc flashes, including establishing safe working boundaries. NEC compliance is critical for ensuring proper installation and maintenance of equipment to prevent electrical faults.  

One of the most important roles facility managers and safety managers have is ensuring their facilities conform to OSHA electrical safety standards and others. Not only can electrical safety compliance prevent dangerous situations from developing through proper practices, but it also helps companies avoid fines and liabilities.  

PPE and Electrical Safety Training for Industrial Workers 

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workers to have in most industrial environments, but this is especially true when working around electrical systems. In particular, working in areas where there is a risk of arc flashes means employees must wear arc-rated PPE such as flame-proof clothing, face shields, and insulated gloves. Depending on the application, workers also may need to use insulated tools.  

In addition to wearing the proper gear, it’s also critical for staff to receive adequate training in electrical safety protocols and procedures. This should include education regarding lockout/tagout procedures that ensure machinery is not left energized when it is being maintained or repaired. Although there are some costs involved when implementing such training programs, this initial investment is far less expensive than dealing with the consequences of an electrical safety incident.  

Electrical Maintenance and Risk Assessment Best Practices 

Rather than waiting for equipment to fail before servicing it, it’s typically considered best practice to adopt preventive electrical maintenance for safety. These involve regular checkups such as the use of thermographic scanning and insulation resistance testing to spot signs of trouble before they lead to equipment failure. This gives teams an opportunity to take proactive steps to resolve issues when they’re still relatively minor. Electrical risk assessments are another step industrial companies should take. This involves creating a list of potential workplace electrical hazards and using it to plan strategies for mitigation, including ongoing monitoring practices. Industrial companies also need to pay attention to manufacturer-recommended inspection schedules for equipment.  

Grounding, Bonding, and Circuit Safety in Commercial Buildings 

A significant element of Dubak’s electrical construction work from a safety perspective is proper grounding and bonding. Grounding is ensuring an electrical system is connected to the earth to prevent power surges, while bonding means connecting metal components in such a way that current always flows down to the ground. We ensure these are integrated throughout the design and construction phases of a project, not dealt with as an afterthought. Improper grounding leads to shock risks and potential equipment damage.  

Commercial buildings also need ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) installed in their electrical systems to protect circuits. GFCIs instantly shut off power if a fault is detected, whereas AFCIs serve to prevent electrical fires caused by damaged wiring or loose connections.  

Emergency Response and Electrical Safety Audits 

The best way to respond to an electrical emergency is to make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place. Dubak’s services ensure systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained to prevent worst-case scenarios. One of the key elements of this is a professional electrical safety audit. This process includes having an experienced technician examine panel labeling, grounding, PPE availability, lockout/tagout protocols, and more. Choosing a third-party provider such as Dubak to provide these audits means companies can be sure there will be no blind spots or oversights.  

With proper maintenance, training, and compliance, industrial and commercial facilities can achieve ongoing electrical safety. Knowing why electrical safety is important is just the first step — it also requires working with an experienced partner who can evaluate your current electrical safety posture. To learn more about what Dubak can do for you in this regard, reach out and talk to a member of our team today.