You often here coaches and players refer to execution. “We just didn’t execute” or “We just need to execute and play our game”. In other words, they know what they need to do to win; they just have to do it. They have a plan for how they will play against the opponent. They have practiced, but when it comes to game time, they might get distracted and lose their concentration.

The same can be true for electrical safety. When the pressure is on and production is suffering from an electrical issue, safety can get sidestepped or forgotten. Electricians may skip filling out an energized work permit and putting on their arc flash PPE. They save time, but they place themselves at great risk of arc flash injury or death.

How does a sports team ensure they execute the plan? They prepare in advance of the game. The coach makes sure the players practice using good fundamentals and running the plays developed. In a similar way an electrical supervisor can make sure each electrical worker practice wearing arc flash PPE. As part of my arc flash training classes I always have the students put on the arc flash PPE and practice performing some task.

How does a sports team get back on track to executing the plan during a game? They take a time out and reinstruct the players. In a similar way the electrical supervisor should monitor the electrical works and call a time out if they are not following the safety plan. They should get the workers together and go over the safety plan again and make sure everyone is clear on the safe work practices outlined in their electrical safety program.

Practicing and reinstructing are key to winning the game of electrical safety.

This entry was posted in Arc Flash, Electrical Maintenance