Lockout/tagout focus of MSHA safety alert

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.

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.

Additional best practices include:

• Maintaining a complete understanding of electrical hazards;
• Ensuring electrical components are completely deenergized;
• Developing and following a comprehensive and safe work plan or troubleshooting procedure; and
• Wearing properly rated and well-maintained personal protective equipment in accordance with NFPA 70E to safeguard against electrical shock, arc blast, and arc flash hazards.

The full alert can be found on MSHA’s Mine Safety and Health Materials webpage.