In the heat of summer, many manufacturers be worried about the lifeblood of their facility and manufacturing equipment - the electrical system. Without it, production grinds to halt, often at a price of thousands of dollars each hour for substation failure. Heat includes a significant impact on electrical components: transformers, switchboards, even cabling. At this time of year, your electrical distribution network is working its hardest. Electrical substation failures occur more frequently during summer months than any other season - typically once you least expect - which results in the need for costly emergency electrical services because of power outage.
In the summer months, air conditioning use increases and local utilities realize increases in demand accompanied by voltage drops. Subsequently, the transformer and any outdoor equipment commence to operate at higher temperatures. If any weakness exists or if there are loose connections, you may have a thermal breakdown that could result in not just a lack of power, but a significant electrical substation failure or fire.
The increased cost of fuel oil and all precious metals has caused many manufacturers of electrical equipment to inventory significantly less than ever before, and in some cases, major electrical items necessary for emergency electrical services and repair such as power transformers and high voltage switchgear are made-to-order with lead times between 20 and 50 weeks. So, if a major component fails, the gear for repair could be many months away, leading to significant charges for running on generator power or other alternatives while awaiting delivery. Power Utility Consultants can limit exposure to this sort of risk by preventing or identifying potential issues before problems occur.
The National Electrical Testing Association (NETA) and IEEE both recommend annual electrical maintenance of the main system components in every manufacturing facilities. Many insurance firms offering liability insurance and 'loss of use' coverage expect that the electrical system supplying the major manufacturing equipment be inspected, tested and maintained to ensure that insurance coverage to be valid. Your insurance company has strict criteria governing both testing and electrical maintenance procedures.
Don't find out about the health of the electrical equipment in your facility while you are facing substation failure and costly repairs and emergency electrical services: Schedule a maintenance check and have your systems inspected before problems like substation failure arise - ask your service representative for details!
Zero Tolerance: Electrical Hazards at Construction Sites
The Ministry of Labour continues making use of their "Zero Tolerance" campaign & most recently threw the spotlight on electrical hazards at construction sites. During July, workplace safe practices inspectors from the Ontario Ministry of Labour focused on maintaining worker safety by ensuring adequate safety programs come in place and that only authorized workers are performing electrical maintenance, electrical installations and machinery rewiring. If your workplace and/or workers have no idea and follow the regulations and requirements set out by the Ministry of Labour, you might run the chance of fines or tickets. Something as simple as not having your training cards with you could result in a ticket.
Since 1998, construction activities have been among the primary factors behind the upsurge in electricity-related injuries - three of the 15 fatalities in Ontario's construction sector in 2007 were linked to electrical hazards. Avoid being a statistic; protect your workplace and your workers from electricity-related injuries and emergency electrical services:
1. Get up-to-date with the new CSA Z462 Standard, Electrical Safety at work
2. Remain current with ECRA/ESA provincial licensing
3. Educate employees on the Occupational Health and Safety Act
4. Facilitate Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training
5. Develop a system to recognize or reward employees and teams that work safely and remain injury/accident free
When you have questions or concerns about workplace safety as it pertains to electrical maintenance, electrical installations and machinery rewiring and are looking for guidance, contact your service representative today to discuss your options or learn about employee training.