CSA Standards Issues CSA Z462 for Workplace Electrical Safety Procedures, Management
February 27, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
| |
| Electronics & Telecom Docs |
IHS sells a full selection of standards documents & collections from the industry's top organizations.
To learn more, and for a free quote, please complete the form below. |
|
| |
The CSA Standards issued CSA Z462 - Workplace Electrical Safety, a standard designed to help prevent injuries and fatalities arising from the use of electricity on the job by specifying practical requirements for a safer workplace.
CSA Z462 also sets out requirements for the recognition of qualified electrical workers. According to CSA, this recognition of personnel considered "qualified" to perform electrical work is fundamental to the safety precautions established in the standard.
The standard also includes an annex that provides guidance material and examples to assist users in implementing an electrical safety management system.
CSA Z462 outlines safe work procedures, selection of personal protective equipment and other safety devices for those exposed to hazards associated with energized electrical equipment.
It stipulates procedures for identifying hazardous electrical equipment and the development of safe work procedures around this equipment.
CSA Z462 is based on NFPA 70E - Standard for Electrical Safety for the Workplace. It is intended for use with Parts I, II and III of the Canadian Electrical Code; and was harmonized with CAN/CSA Z460 - Control of hazardous energy - Lockout and other methods; and CAN/CSA M421 - Use of electricity in mines.
In 2007, there were 472 known on-the-job injuries with electric current and nine fatalities throughout Canada, according to the Association of Workers' Compensation Board of Canada, 2008 National Work Injury Statistics Program. In 2006, there were 567 injuries and 20 fatalities.
"This new Canadian Workplace Electrical Safety standard will help employers and employees in assessing electrical hazards and in designing safer workspaces around electrical power systems and machinery," said Suzanne Kiraly, president of standards at CSA. "Standardized best practices such as those outlined in the Z462 standard, combined with proper training and awareness, can help minimize the likelihood of injuries and fatalities on the job."
Until CSA Z462 was developed, workplaces in Canada and the U.S. relied solely on an American standard, according to CSA. Stakeholders in Canada agreed there was a need for a Canadian standard that would better specify national requirements.
Source: Canadian Standards Association (CSA).