Insights May/June 2014 by Think Baseline

Insights The magazine for todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electrical and systems contractors

May/June 2014

www.ieci.org

taking Safety TO NEW

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Insights

Contents

may/june 2014 | The magazine for today’s electrical and systems contractors

Features

12 AFCI Circuit Breaker Usage is Up, Residential Electrical Fires are Down

By Brad Parlee

16 Using Fall Protection Helps Save Lives

By Kimberly Darby

18 Is Safety Worth the Cost? No Second Thought Required

By Alex Hearn, CPA

20 Complying with Global Harmonized System (GHS)

By Jack Otting

22 Proposed Changes to NFPA 70E – Electrical Safety in the Workplace

By Bruce Bowman

26 Cracking the Code for National Electrical Safety Month

By Brett Brenner

30 Infrared Certification Comparison: Importance of Proper Training

By Joe DeMonte

34 Where Have the Dollars Gone?

By Harvey Friedman

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Contents Cont’d. 10

36 columns 6 President’s Message 8 From the Editor’s Desk 10 Management Methods 36 The Home Depot Advertorial

38 IEC Foundation 40 Code Corner 42 Inside IEC 43

Building IEC

44 Featured Products 49 Ad Index 50 Safety Corner

Comments? 4

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

We want your feedback! Send comments or suggestions to communications@ieci.org.

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President’s Message

Take Action By Gordon Stewart

“I

nside the Beltway.” “Politics as usual.” These are phrases that quickly turn off any Texan, myself included. When you look at the political climate in Washington, D.C. today, it is so easy to get discouraged. Congress has been halted to nearly a stalemate, and many of the federal agencies are increasing oversight on our companies. In my opinion, this is more motivation to get involved in the political process. We as an association can impact a change in the political landscape. This requires more than voting in primary and general elections. To truly invoke change, you need to make your voice heard by contacting your elected officials and their staff and telling them firsthand how their decisions impact your life and your business.

I am particularly excited about this year’s IEC National Legislative Conference. This is the one time a year that we can gather in Washington, D.C. and speak nationally as a group. We have a full day devoted to walking from office to office on Capitol Hill and meeting our Senators and Representatives. The early days of the conference are just as critical as the day on “The Hill.” On those days I like to speak with my fellow members about the political issues in their area. The problems facing electrical

contractors in Connecticut or Montana, for example, may not be the same as what I encounter every day in Texas. Our interaction allows me to speak on a wide range of topics that impact all of IEC while still focusing on the local goals that are paramount to my personal experiences. Each year, IEC has a collection of primary issues that we want to focus on during the Legislative Conference. This year there is one proposed Senate bill that has me particularly optimistic. The Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs Act, or LEAP Act, provides tax credits to businesses that employ apprentices. The credit would be $1,500 for each new apprentice under 25 and $1,000 for new apprentices over 25. The tax credit will allow many IEC members to hire even more apprentices, which will help reduce the risk of the looming skills gap that we will have in the electrical industry. At Joe Swartz Electric, we have already experienced the shortage of qualified workers. Not only does this proposed bill directly benefit the overwhelming majority of IEC members, it was also introduced by a Republican and a Democrat. This type of bipartisan activity has been absent in recent years. I plan to go to our Legislative Conference May 19-21 and encourage my Senators to take action on the LEAP Act. It will have a sweeping, positive effect on

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

the construction sector, an industry that was devastated by the recent recession. However, the Legislative Conference is only one event, we must be involved legislatively year round and not just on the national level. We should voice our opinion on the local and state level also as they can have just as much, if not more, of an impact than Washington, D.C. Work with your IEC chapter to participate in your local IEC legislative day. Government Affairs is one of IEC’s core competencies, and it is up to us as contractors to make our voice and positions heard. If we all come together and speak up on how to improve our great country, we can destroy the notion of “Politics as Usual.” Gordon Stewart is IEC’s 2014 National President. As the principal elected officer of the association, Stewart serves as chair to the Board of Directors, House of Delegates, and Executive Committee. He has been in the electrical industry for 35 years and is currently the General Manager at Joe Swartz Electric in Houston, Texas.

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Insights MANAGEMENT

from the editor’s desk

EDITORIAL OFFICE Thayer Long, Publisher tlong@ieci.org Joseph Cephas, M.A., Editor-In-Chief jcephas@ieci.org Deborah Stadtler, Managing Editor dstadtler@ieci.org Marlise Drischler, Associate Editor mdrischler@ieci.org ADVERTISING Rich Ryan (330) 686-0353 rgrsvc@gmail.com DESIGN/ART DIRECTION Think Baseline PRINTING Mount Royal Printing 2014 IEC NATIONAL OFFICERS President Gordon Stewart, Houston, Texas Secretary/Treasurer Mark Gillespie, Clarksville, Ohio Senior Vice President Joseph Hovanec, Rahway, New Jersey Vice President Bruce Seilhammer, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania Immediate Past President Dean Kredit, Phoenix, Arizona Insights is published in January/ February, March, April, May/June, July, August, September/October, and November/December by the Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. Insights Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. 4401 Ford Ave., Suite 1100 Alexandria, VA 22302 Tel: (703) 549-7351 Fax: (703) 549-7448

IEC Keeps Safety at the Forefront

afety is an easy topic to talk about and set as a top priority. However, it’s the times when an employee is on the job and in the heat of the moment that they must draw upon their previous training to ensure safe work practices. For this reason, we can never do too much promotion about workplace safety.

Safety continues to have precedence within the IEC network. For example, at Mid-South IEC’s Electrical & Low Voltage Tradeshow, they are offering safety training as a key component of the tradeshow. Also, IEC Chesapeake’s recent Second Annual Safety Fest offered 20 safety courses and was completely sold out with more than 120 attendees. These are just two recent examples of IEC chapters prioritizing safe work habits and offering classes and training to their members. Throughout the year, many chapters put on OSHA classes, provide weekly safety tips, teach proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage to apprentices, and much more.

At IEC National we are in the middle of our celebration of National Electrical Safety Month. All May we will be releasing new Toolbox Talks (in partnership with CNA Insurance), unveiling new safety videos, giving discounts on our popular Jobsite Safety Handbook, and more. At the core of Electrical Safety Month is this issue of Insights. Annually, we do a safety edition of the magazine, and I believe this to be our best to date. The articles are informative and instructional and touch on many different topics from the National Electrical Code® to the financial costs of accidents to Global Harmonization Standards. As you read through this issue, think of ways you can apply some of the practices to your job. We can all work together to ensure the electrical industry is well prepared for the hazards that are ever-present. For more information on IEC celebrating National Electrical Safety Month, visit www.ieci.org. IEC will also be regularly posting in May about safety on our social media sites so stay connected with IEC National by “liking” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IEC.National, joining our group on LinkedIn, and “following” IEC National (@IEC_National) on Twitter.

www.ieci.org

Established in 1957, IEC is a trade association with more than 3,000 company members and 55 chapters nationwide. Independent Electrical contractors Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, IEC is the nation’s premier trade association representing America’s independent electrical and systems contractors. IEC National aggressively works with the industry to establish a competitive environment for the merit shop — a philosophy that promotes the concept of free enterprise, open competition, and economic opportunity for all.

Joseph G. Cephas, M.A. Vice President of Public Affairs Editor-In-Chief, Insights IEC National Follow on Twitter: @JosephCephas

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

IEC Celebrates

National Electrical Safety Month in May Safety is one of the core values of IEC. IEC encourages members to keep themselves, their workers, and their businesses healthy and safe. IEC will focus on overall workplace safety throughout the month of May. Highlights include: • A NEW Toolbox Talk released each Monday in May • Sale on IEC Jobsite Safety Handbooks • NEW safety videos for IEC members • Webpages dedicated to safety tips • Posts about safety on IEC social media all month • And more Visit www.ieci.org throughout May for all the ways IEC celebrates safety!

Independent Electrical contractors

Management Methods

What OSHA Has in Store for the Construction Industry

By Joseph Dreesen

he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been focused on enforcement, as have other federal workplace agencies. OSHA forecasts that it will inspect almost 38,000 workplaces in 2014. OSHA’s plans for the construction industry include these compliance initiatives. “Improved” Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. A proposed OSHA rule would require certain employers to submit records of workplace injuries and illnesses electronically on a quarterly and annual basis. Under the proposal, employers required to keep injury and illness records under OSHA’s recordkeeping regulations (Part 1904) and employing at least 250 employees (including fulltime, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers) in the previous year would have to submit all of the information from

these records (OSHA Forms 300 and 301) electronically on a quarterly basis to OSHA or its designee. The proposal also provides that employers required to keep Part 1904 injury and illness records, who had at least 20 employees (including full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers) in the previous year and are in certain designated industries, would have to submit annual summary information from their OSHA Forms 300A electronically to OSHA or its designee. The designated industries would include those with a 2009 Days Away From Work, Job Restriction, or Job Transfer (DART) rate of 2.0 or greater and will be published as Appendix A to Part 1904 Subpart E. Temporary Workers to Get More Scrutiny. OSHA is zeroing in on businesses’ use of temporary employees to ensure that OSHA obligations are

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

being met. Employers using temporary workers should ensure they meet OSHA requirements, especially when it comes to training these workers. Silica Rule Change Pending. Despite significant opposition, OSHA continues to push its proposal on crystalline silica exposure in the construction industry. The proposed rule would drastically lower the silica exposure allowed on the jobsite and place other requirements on contractors, even those working safely, including extra recordkeeping and even medical surveillance of construction industry employees. Contractors seeking to make their opinions heard on the proposed silica rule change should contact IEC, lobbying groups, and legislators. Cell Towers Signaled to Expect Tough Inspections. Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels told the National Association of Tower Erectors that the cell tower industry, including subcontractors, will face increased scrutiny. Inspectors at jobsites will be looking at contracts and subcontracts to ensure everyone on the site is OSHAcompliant. Michaels warned that the Agency will hold accountable contractors involved in cell tower construction if they fail to follow OSHA standards. Thus, in the event of an injury or death, willful citations likely will be issued. OSHA’s agenda has other items that likely will affect the construction industry, as well. A safe, OSHA-compliant, and injury-free workplace is in everyone’s best interest, but legislators should listen to businesses’ views on OSHA’s increasingly aggressive program. Joseph Dreesen is a Shareholder in the Omaha, Nebraska, office of Jackson Lewis PC. Dreesen works with employers throughout the country on numerous employment and labor law issues. He has successfully negotiated numerous collective bargaining agreements and also has an extensive OSHA and wage and hour practice.

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Feature

AFCI Circuit

Breaker Usage is

Residential Electrical

Fires are

Down By Brad Parlee

esidential electrical fires dropped nearly 20 percent over the seven-year span of 2002 to 2009, according to a 2012 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report. Instituted in the 1999 National Electrical CodeÂŽ (NEC), at first, only bedroom circuits required arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) circuit breakers. Since then, the NEC has continued to expand for greater protection throughout the home, and the incidence of fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment has declined as well. Unlike a standard circuit breaker, AFCI circuit breakers identify arcs or sparking in wiring and quickly de-energize a system to prevent a fire. As contractors, no one better understands the dangers of electricity and can appreciate the importance of making our homes safer.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

What is the purpose of the AFCI Task Force and what is the group’s role? Tom Domitrovich, Eaton Corporation: As the current chairman of the AFCI Task Force for the NEMA LVDE Section, I can tell you we are a group of likeminded national manufacturers of AFCIs who share a sincere passion for not only researching, developing, and manufacturing these quality products, but we are also committed to raising awareness about the safety, fire prevention, and life-saving technologies AFCIs bring to the public. We feel very strongly that AFCIs are changing the way the world looks at preventing electrical fires, and our group works to help communicate those successes and raise overall awareness to not only residential home buyers and consumers but to electrical contractors, homebuilders, and others.

In 2006, a group of manufacturers of AFCIs joined with the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to create the NEMA Low Voltage Distribution Section (LVDE) AFCI Task Force. As a member of that task force, and coinciding with the 15-year anniversary of the introduction of AFCI circuit breakers, here are some insights via a brief Q&A with the team on the purpose and progress.

We’ve also become an easily accessible portal for factual information on AFCIs through our website, www.AFCIsafety.org, which offers a great deal of information on the product itself, what others are saying, codes and standards information, state information, and much more. While the companies involved in the task force are all competitors, like Eaton Corporation, Siemens, GE, and Schneider Electric, we all understand the important role AFCIs are now playing in the electrical and homebuilding industries. The growing AFCI requirements in the NEC are also proof of the respect our product has garnered since its introduction. Joining together to communicate the safety impact this technology can have in homes and buildings is important to our companies and we are pleased to be doing that with one of the most respected standards development organizations in the world: NEMA.

How have electrical contractors been helpful in broadening the use of AFCIs, and where do you see this technology going in the next few years? Ashley Haynes, Siemens: Electrical contractors are in the field every day. They know what does and doesn’t work, and they also take great pride in what they do and want to make sure the wiring and electrical systems they install are the best that they can be. They also put safety as a top priority. That’s where AFCIs come into the picture. The men and women in these positions have to justify even the smallest of costs to people building homes and how that relates to their safety. Like ground fault circuit interrupters, AFCIs have had an introduction period and have been results driven. Through proven use in the field, many electrical contractors have become firm advocates for AFCIs. They realize the technology’s potential, have seen it in action in warning of arcing wires, and are best at conveying its lifesaving potential to their customers. Recent statistics from NFPA also indicate a drop in the number of electrical fires with the increased use of AFCIs and other fire prevention technology and materials used in homebuilding and renovation. AFCI manufacturers will tell you that while we each have our variations of AFCIs that are successful, we also continue to do research and look for new ways to make AFCIs even better. Where that is headed, it is hard to say, but I think we all feel AFCIs are now an important part of the discussion when it comes to protecting homeowners from a potential electrical fire and successful enough to be included as a growing part of the NEC. Continued on page 14 >

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature < Continued from page 13

Since AFCIs launched, what role has the NEC played in their use and expanded use, and why is that important? Tom Domitrovich, Eaton Corporation: In 1999, when the NEC decided to specifically define and mandate the installation of AFCIs in dwelling unit bedrooms to protect all branch circuits that supply 125-volt, single-phase, 15 and 20-ampere receptacle outlets, that was when you knew AFCI technology was clearly going to have a positive impact on safety for the electrical, homebuilding, and renovation industries. In just a few years, the NEC expanded AFCI coverage to all bedroom outlets including lighting, receptacle, smoke alarm, and others. In 2005, the NEC introduced a technology upgrade that required new combination AFCIs that extended low-level arc detection to connected cords. Since then, the NEC has gradually expanded AFCI requirements in the code moving requirements into laundry rooms and now kitchens. Overall, I think this shows that we’ve worked very hard to make and improve upon a product based firmly in public safety and fire prevention. The NEC recognizes the importance of this technology in the fight to reduce the incidents of electrical fires. When respected organizations recognize the importance of your product for safety, it gives consumers, contractors, and builders what they need to encourage AFCI use even beyond what minimum code requires. We have seen increasing use of AFCIs, state adoptions of the expanded NEC, and have continued to improve our technology along the way. Homeowners assume a level of safety when they purchase a home, and the NEC helps facilitate the technology that works to provide that level of safety. The NEC has helped validate the need for our product and others that help prevent electrical fires.

Like many new technologies, there are occasional challenges. Have you resolved any with AFCIs, and how have you communicated that with those in the electrical community? Ed Larsen, Schneider Electric: AFCIs provide superior protection against arcing faults and have gone through rigorous testing at our design and manufacturing facilities, as well as additional testing and review by Underwriters Laboratories. The success of AFCIs in detecting arcing faults and preventing fires is building a reputation among those in fire prevention, consumer advocacy, and with homeowners. There has been some very scattered unwanted tripping, which has required educational outreach to electrical contractors and others to provide simple troubleshooting methods. Field reports from contractors and homeowners have helped the manufacturers improve their product designs. Many manufacturers have published troubleshooting guides, conducted training, and have introduced circuit breaker type AFCI designs that have trip indication. NEMA’s AFCI Task Force has also worked to get the word out by providing installation and troubleshooting information via our website at www.AFCISafety.org and also by developing a free online AFCI training course to help guide those installing AFCIs. The course can be found at www. ul.com/afcisafety. Development of this user-friendly course for electricians, contractors, and others working with AFCIs is a partnership between the NEMA AFCI Task Force and UL Knowledge Services. So what’s next for the task force? We will continue to spread the word to electrical contractors, builders, and consumers that AFCIs are a proven fire prevention technology. As the NEC is reviewed and

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

adopted by various states, the AFCI Task Force will be working to make sure AFCIs remain top of mind in that discussion with factual information based on growing safety statistics and sound data. We also will be communicating that besides being an NEC requirement, AFCIs are also an affordable safety addition to any new home and are increasingly being used in home renovation projects and installed in older homes as well. Our companies will continue to work to make AFCIs even better and research additional applications for this technology. We see NEMA’s AFCI Task Force as an ongoing resource for electrical contractors, builders, and others who seek factual information and guidance on the use of AFCIs. We are thankful to NEMA for overseeing our group and helping us to have a lasting and positive impact on protecting families from electrical fires. Brad Parlee is the Senior Product Manager, NEMA Load Centers/Miniature Circuit Breakers and Meter Socket Load Centers for GE Industrial Solutions (www.geindustrial. com). He has been with GE for 30 years in a variety of sales, product design, and product management roles. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University and an MBA from the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College. Follow him on Twitter @BEParlee.

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Feature

By Kimberly Darby

wenty-five-year-old construction worker Luis Gilberto Tenezaca Palaguache was attaching new shingles on the roof of a house in New Bedford, Massachusetts. As he turned to yell to his co-worker 30 feet below, he lost his balance and fell off the roof, hitting the concrete driveway. Unfortunately, the employer had not provided fall protection to prevent Palaguache from falling. Palaguache died from his injuries, and his family is left with memories of a man whose life was just beginning. Fatalities from falls are the number one cause of workplace death in construction. They account for more deaths than any of the remaining top construction hazards, including struck by objects, electrocutions, and caught in between equipment. Nearly 500 residential construction workers died from falls from 2006 to 2010. In 2010 alone, falls claimed the lives of 84 residential construction workers.

The Standard for Protection To protect residential construction workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a Fall Protection in Construction standard in 1994, which required the use of conventional fall protection strategies (e.g., personal fall arrest systems, safety nets, guardrails) for anyone working above six feet. The standard exempted residential construction employers from

using conventional fall protection, but only if the conventional fall protection was infeasible or would create a greater safety hazard. In these cases, employers were required to write a site-specific plan that provided for alternative methods to protect workers from falls. In 2005, OSHA issued a temporary compliance directive allowing alternative means of fall protection to be used on certain less steep roofs (full fall protection was still required on steeper roofs). But over the next several years, even though technology advanced and fall protection became increasingly feasible, workers continued to be hurt and killed by falls from residential roofs. Industry associations asked OSHA to go back to the original 1994 standard. In December 2010, David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health said, “We cannot tolerate workers getting killed in residential construction when effective means are readily available to prevent those deaths.” OSHA announced that it was rescinding the temporary directive and would implement the standard as originally intended: workers must be safeguarded from falls of six feet or more by fall protection. These protections can be guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems, such as full body harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. OSHA also maintained the flexibility in the standard, allowing alternate means of fall protection if the

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

conventional fall protection was infeasible or would create a greater safety hazard.

Fall Protection Saves Lives Fall protection is not about killing jobs, it’s about keeping jobs from killing workers. Carl Beck Jr. was a construction worker in Pennsylvania who was killed when he fell more than 40 feet from a roof. His employer failed to provide the required fall protection, even after a number of workers spoke up and said the job was dangerous. This 29-yearold, with his whole life ahead of him, left behind a fiancée and a three-yearold son. Three months after Beck’s death, his fiancée gave birth to another son – who will never know his father. This was another case of a worker’s death that should never have happened. OSHA fined the employer more than half a million dollars for knowingly and willfully failing to protect his workers. The Department of Justice prosecuted him, and he later pled guilty to intentionally violating OSHA regulations. These enforcement actions won’t return Beck to his family, but they do send a powerful reminder to other employers that they are legally responsible for protecting their workers – by providing training and protective equipment and by following the rules to eliminate fall hazards on the job.

Protection for Employers Employers who implement fall protection are not only protecting their workers from harm, but they can also prevent injury to themselves. OSHA cited German Terrazas, the owner of a small residential construction company, for not providing his workers with fall protection. As part of his settlement agreement, Terrazas purchased fall protection equipment and attended an OSHA safety class. Two months later, Terrazas fell while working on a residential roof – but he didn’t fall to his death. The fall protection equipment that he purchased and used after receiving the OSHA citation very likely saved his life. This is why OSHA made fall protection mandatory – to stop workers from dying needlessly. Employers who comply with the requirement are helping to ensure that their workers, and they themselves, return home to their families safe – every day. OSHA’s Residential Fall Protection webpage offers useful information that explains residential fall protection. One of the documents included on the Web page is OSHA’s Guidance Document on Fall Protection in Residential Construction, designed to help employers prevent fall-related injuries and deaths among residential construction workers. The OSHA webpage also offers a series of short, helpful videos that show how workers can be injured or killed on the job. Each two- to four-minute video presents

a worksite incident based on stories that resulted in worker injury or death and what actions can be taken to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring. Another useful OSHA compliance assistance tool is the Fall Protection in Residential Construction PowerPoint presentation. This English- and Spanishlanguage slide presentation includes information with photographs illustrating different fall protection systems. While some employers may not understand the regulations, other employers mistakenly believe that providing necessary equipment will cost too much. Other employers dismiss their obligation with the excuse that wearing protection would get in the way and reduce worker productivity. But the human cost of preventable workplace injuries and deaths is incalculable. The average workers compensation cost of one fall from a roofer in construction is over $100,000. Employers who ensure their workers’ safety and incorporate good safety and health management are more likely to prevent worker injuries, save on costs, and enhance their business’ reputation.

OSHA Resources OSHA’s commitment to ensuring that employers and workers get the information they need for safe and healthful workplaces is evident in its

compliance assistance services, which include outreach, consultation, training, grant programs, and cooperative programs. With the abundance of free information about how to address workplace safety or health problems and how to implement OSHA standards, no employer should fail to provide a safe workplace. Forty years ago, most workers in America did not enjoy the basic human right to work in a safe workplace. Instead, they were told to either work under dangerous conditions and risk their lives, or move on. Then, in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act laid the foundation for improving worker safety and health. This is why OSHA exists – to make sure all workers are protected from danger and harm. After all, no worker should lose his or her life for a paycheck. For more resources, visit www.osha.gov. To help small businesses with compliance, OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program provides a free, confidential service for small businesses with fewer than 250 employees at a worksite (and no more than 500 employees nationwide). Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. To find out more about free onsite compliance assistance, call OSHA’s tollfree number at (800) 321-OSHA (6742). Kimberly Darby is a writer-editor in OSHA’s Office of Communications. She can be reached at (202) 693-1999.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature

afety needs to be a high priority for all construction contractors because of its direct impact on productivity and profitability. Based on the latest data available in the United States, the construction industry alone accounted for 16 percent of all fatal work injuries in 2012, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The construction industry is, by most statistical rankings, among the top 10 most dangerous work environments in the United States often just behind logging, commercial fishing, or aircraft operations. Most construction site fatalities in America are caused by four common occurrences, also known as the Fatal Four: falls, being struck by an object, electrocution, and being caught in/between objects. These Fatal Four alone accounted for 56 percent

of all construction worker deaths in 2012. Having proper safety procedures can not only save lives, livelihoods, and productivity costs, but having safe work sites can also present significant cost savings per project for all construction contractors. By eliminating these Fatal Four, the construction industry would have helped save 435 workers lives and their associated annual productivity.

Construction Accidents by the Numbers Accidents that gain headlines are typically the fatal ones, and although these can happen randomly and without warning, there are signs that could have prevented

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

the accident entirely, according to theory attributed to H.W. Heinrich (1886-1962), an American workplace safety pioneer. Heinrich was the former Assistant Superintendent of the Engineering and Inspection Division of Travelers Insurance Company who wrote Industrial Accident Prevention: A Scientific Approach and developed a theory called “Heinrich’s Law.” This law, based on investigative research and accident reports, concluded that for every 300 injury-free accidents that occur, there are 29 minor injury accidents and one major injury accident, and often, the root causes are related. With each accident having associated loss of productivity and project profit, the impact of this formula on the construction industry is considerable. In today’s terms, based on Heinrich’s theory, for each of the 435 lives lost to construction’s Fatal Four in 2012, plug

each of those deaths into Heinrich’s formula as a major accident. That becomes 12,615 minor accidents and 130,500 injury-free accidents that occurred in the American construction industry in 2012, each representing lost productivity and lost margins. For a contractor, knowing that there were over 140,000 accidents with associated costs occurring as recently as 2012 is jarring. Whether injury-free, minor, or major, a number that high is enough to impact insurance premiums, workers’ compensation claims, bonding risks, and other business expenses across the entire industry sector. That alone can startle contractors into reviewing hazard awareness and existing safety procedures on their work sites.

involved or knows one who’s been involved in a major accident knows the impact on professional reputation, whether they are at fault or not.

Construction Accidents by the Dollars

Accident Prevention Tactics

How expensive can an accident be? According to OSHA, the average cost of an eye injury is $1,463. This would fall into the category of minor injuries according to Heinrich’s Law; if every minor accident was said eye injury, which would be approximately $18,455,745 in costs for minor accidents in construction in 2012 alone.

What could be done to prevent these accidents from occurring, and how much will it cost me? The best news is that it is can be as expensive or inexpensive you want it to be. The primary cost will be your time. All accidents, whether injury free or not, should be reported, fully documented, tracked, and analyzed to determine if there are trends or common core issues that could lead to major injuries. Remember, according to Heinrich’s Law, every 300 non-injury accidents could lead to one major accident. Having the ability to catch the trend of the accident or root cause at the 10th or 20th non-injury accident could go a long way in saving injury expenditures (direct and indirect costs) as well as preserving the safety and productivity level of an employee and the profitability of a project.

What exactly drives this cost? There would be obvious direct costs such as worker’s compensation claims covering medical costs and indemnity payments while the employee is unable to work. The next overlooked group of costs are considered indirect costs, which could range in price anywhere from the same as direct costs or upwards to 20 times the direct cost. The indirect costs would include administration time and medical care for the injury, rises in insurance and workers compensation costs, replacing the hours lost by that employee by either training another employee or hiring a new one, the loss of reputation, poorer customer relations, and potential fines. Many of these factors may not seem so obvious, but any contractor who’s been

It is said that the lower the direct costs of an accident, the higher the ratio of indirect to direct cost occurs. In order to make up for any injury costs (and maintain the profitability of a project), a contractor will need to generate additional revenue to offset this loss. Take the previous eye injury example – if a contractor’s normal profit margin is 10 percent, then this contractor will need to generate $14,630 ($1,463 x 10 percent) in revenue just to offset against this loss and maintain their margin.

The next step is communication. From the project managers all the way down to the staff, keeping everyone involved in the reporting and followthrough processes is crucial. The forms of communication can include training sessions, reporting processes,

meetings, accident awareness programs, and ongoing open communication about hazards and safety issues. Keep everyone involved and engaged in safety awareness. These are just a few examples and steps that can be taken, each helping to save money, profitability, productivity, and most importantly – saving lives. Basically, with no second thought required, safety awareness and accident elimination on construction sites is well worth the cost – in hard dollars, in productivity, and in industry reputation. By any measure, the cost of increasing safety levels on work sites is far less than the direct and indirect costs of an accident. By following Heinrich’s Law, a contractor can work proactively to limit major and even minor accidents from occurring. Although Heinrich’s Law may seem outdated (it was developed in 1931), time cannot change the core meaning of the Law or its ratios: a rash of noninjury and minor accidents does NOT constitute a safe work environment; it is a sign of hazard and directly increases the risk of a major accident ahead. Safety is a smart business decision, period. Contractors need to take notice and proactively prioritize safety throughout their operations. To do otherwise, to be reactive, is a cost not only to competitiveness, profitability, and productivity but also an incalculable risk to one’s business, livelihood, and reputation. Alex Hearn, CPA, is a Construction Accounting Specialist with VonLehman. He can be reached at e-mail ahearn@vlcpa.com. Founded in 1946 and with offices in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, VonLehman is a leading full-service CPA, business advisory, and business turnaround firm with a national reputation in construction accounting. VonLehman provides forward-thinking accounting, tax, and strategic business advice to closely-held businesses, not-forprofits, and governmental entities. See www.vlcpa.com for more information.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature

k By Jac

Otting

Many people assume that because the revised HazCom standard went into effect in May 2012, along with the first deadline to train employees on the formatting changes to labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) was December 1, 2013, all of the new SDSs must be ready and waiting. This is not the case, nor is it likely to be for several years. Chemical manufacturers and distributors actually have until June 1, 2015, to update their SDSs. Before they can make the update, they must first reclassify their chemicals using specific Global Harmonized System (GHS) criteria that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has adopted for health and physical hazards.

Once You Get Your New Safety Data Sheets, You Have Some Work to Do Unfortunately, as employers, you do not have the option to sit back and wait for all the chemical manufacturers and distributors to finish all of their work before you begin yours. Throughout the process, when an update is made to an SDS, you will have to pay attention. It is in that task that a good electronic SDS management solution can really help. A good system can track whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new, easily toggle between versions, and update and deploy documents quickly across the organization.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

Here is a simple plan to help employers to be successful over the next few years:

Do a chemical inventory. It’s hard to be compliant and keep up with changes if you don’t know what chemicals are in your facility today. Make sure you have a current SDS for every chemical on your inventory.

Properly dispose of chemicals you no longer need, that are expired, or that are otherwise obsolete. Make sure any employee who is on the frontline and could conceivably be the first person to receive a SDS knows about the updates and is on the lookout for SDSs. Chemical manufacturers are only required to send an updated document with the first shipment or the first shipment after a change has been made.

Make sure frontline employees know what to do with SDSs when they are encountered

Compare new SDSs against the older ones as they enter the facility. Check to see if there are any new hazards, instructions, or safe handling recommendations. Train employees on new information and hazards as required.

Have a plan for archiving older documents if that is how you comply with OSHA’s 29 CRF 1910.1020 – Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records Standard.

Update your SDS library.

As part of IEC’s top-notch workplace safety program, IEC has compiled GHS resources. These resources will help ensure that you and your employees are fully trained in HazCom. These resources include toolbox talks, OSHA quick cards, and presentations. IEC members can access all the GHS resources at www.ieci. org/workplace-safety/ghs-resources. Jack Otting is Safety/Training Director for Excel Electrical Technologies, Kennesaw, Georgia.

Could Compliance Issues Derail Your Fortune? Every employer, no matter what size, has to deal with human resource issues, regulations, and employment law changes. Contact your local marketing representative to learn how Federated Insurance can help you surround compliance issues related to state, federal, I-9, and other regulations. Visit www.federatedinsurance.com to find a representative near you.

Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company* • Federated Life Insurance Company Owatonna, Minnesota 55060 • Phone: (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com *Not licensed in the states of NH, NJ, RI, and VT.

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Feature automated external defibrilator (AED) if an employer’s emergency response plan includes the use of this device. Refresher training shall occur annually.

Proposed Changes to NFPA 70E –

Electrical Safety in the Workplace

( 3) Training Verification. Employers shall verify at least annually that employee training required by this section is current.

By William Bruce Bowman, P.E.

( 4) Documentation. The employer shall document that the training required by this section has occurred.

he primary purpose of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is to enforce safety and health standards for most of the country’s workers by mandating by federal law that employers provide a safe work environment to decrease workplace hazards. OSHA recommends that both employers and employees cooperatively establish workplace-specific safety standards.

THE 2015 EDITION of 70E’s REVISION CYCLE

Then during the Second Draft meeting in June 2013, 250 public comments were used to generate 61 Second Draft Revisions along with 10 CCNs from NFPA. The following are the highlights of the Second Draft Report for Chapter 1: (NOTE: The underlined items are new or reformatted material.)

The 2015 edition is not complete and is still in the new process of NFPA’s industry consensus standards updates. The following summarizes this new process:

• Change Table 130.4(C)(a) from “50 V – 300 V” to “50 V – 150 V” and change the next row to “151 V – 750 V” and retain the dc table from the 2012 edition.

Step 1 – Public Input Stage • Public Input Closing Date • First Draft Meeting • Ballot of First Draft • First Draft Report

• Section 110.2(C) Emergency Response Training.

Step 2 – Comment Stage • Comment Closing Date • Second Draft Meeting • Ballot of Second Draft • Second Draft Report Step 3 – Notice of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) • NITMAM Closing Date • NITMAM Received and Certified Step 4 – General Association Technical Meeting Step 5 – Council Appeals and Issuance of New Standard During the First Draft meeting in August 2012, 448 Public Inputs were reviewed

and voted on that were used to generate 173 First Draft revisions. There were also 13 Correlating Committee Notes (CCNs) that came from NFPA and were incorporated into the First Draft revisions.

(1) Contact Release. Employees exposed to shock hazards shall be trained in methods of safe release of victims from contact with exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Refresher training shall occur annually. (2) First Aid, Emergency Response, and Resuscitation. (a) Employees responsible for responding to medical emergencies shall be trained in first aid and emergency procedures. (b) Employees responsible for responding to medical emergencies shall be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Refresher training shall occur annually. (c) Employees responsible for responding to medical emergencies shall be trained in the use of an

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

• Section 120.2(B)(4) Training Documentation.

(4) Training Documentation.

(a) The employer shall document that each employee has received the training required by this section. (b) The documentation shall be made when the employee demonstrates proficiency in the work practices involved. (c) The documentation shall contain the content of the training, each employee’s name, and the dates of the training. • Section 130.2(B)(1) When Required. (NOTE: i.e. When an Energized Electrical Work Permit is Required.

• When energized work is permitted in accordance with 130.2(A), an energized electrical work permit shall be required under the following conditions:

(1) When work is performed within the restricted approach boundary (2) When the employee interacts with the equipment when conductors or circuit parts are not exposed but an increased likelihood of injury from an exposure to an arc flash hazard exists • Section 130.2(B)(3) Exemptions to Work Permit.

• An energized electrical work permit shall not be required ... uses appropriate safe work practices and PPE … under any of the following conditions:

(1) Testing, troubleshooting and voltage measuring

(2) Thermography and visual inspections if the restricted approach boundary is not crossed

(A) Documentation. The results of the arc flash risk assessment shall be documented.

(3) Access to and egress from an area with energized equipment if no electrical work is performed and the restricted approach boundary is not crossed

(B) Arc Flash Boundary.

(1) The arc flash boundary shall be the distance at which the incident energy equals 5 J/cm 2 (1.2 cal/cm 2 ).

(4) General housekeeping and miscellaneous non-electrical tasks if the restricted approach boundary is not crossed

(2) The arc flash boundary shall be permitted to be determined by Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b) or Table 130.7(C)(15)(B), when the requirements of these tables apply. (i.e. The new Arc Flash PPE Tables that are replacing the old HRC Task Tables)

• Section 130.5 Arc Flash Risk Assessment.

• An arc flash risk assessment shall be performed and shall:

(1) Determine if an arc flash hazard exists. If an arc flash hazard exists, the risk assessment shall determine: a. Appropriate safetyrelated work practices b. The arc flash boundary c. The PPE to be used within the arc flash boundary (2) Be updated when a major modification or renovation takes place. It shall be reviewed periodically, at intervals not to exceed five years, to account for changes in the electrical distribution system that could affect the results of the arc flash risk assessment. (3) Take into consideration the design of the overcurrent protective device and its opening time, including its condition of maintenance. Informational Note No. 1: Improper or inadequate maintenance can result in increased opening time of the overcurrent protective device, thus increasing the incident energy. Where equipment is not properly installed or maintained, PPE selection based on incident energy analysis or the PPE category method may not provide adequate protection from arc flash hazards. Informational Note No. 5: See IEEE 1584, Guide for Performing Arc Flash Calculations, for more information regarding arc flash hazards for three-phase systems. • (NOTE: Section 130.5 Arc Flash Risk Assessment continued…)

(C) Arc Flash PPE. One of the following methods shall be used for the selection of PPE. Either, but not both, methods shall be permitted to be used on the same piece of equipment. The results of an incident energy analysis to specify an arc flash PPE Category in Table 130.7(C)(16) shall not be permitted.

(2) Arc Flash PPE Categories Method. The requirements of 130.7(C)(15) and 130.7(C)(16) shall apply when the arc flash PPE category method is used for the selection of arc flash PPE.

( D) Equipment Labeling. Electrical equipment….shall be fieldmarked with a label containing all the following information:

(1) Nominal system voltage

(2) Arc flash boundary

(3) At least one of the following:

a. Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance, or the arc flash PPE category in Table 130.7(C)(15) (A)(b) or 130.7(C)(15)(B) for the equipment, but not both b. Minimum arc rating of clothing • 1 30.7(C)(15) Selection of PPE When Required. (A) Alternating Current (ac) Equipment. When selected in lieu of the incident energy analysis of 130.5(B)(1), Table 130.7(C)(15)(A) (a) shall be used to identify when arc flash personal protective equipment (PPE) is required. When arc flash PPE is required, Table 130.7(C)(15)

Industry Consensus Standard To this end of developing an industry consensus standard, NFPA 70E was born. 1979: The first publication was titled: Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces. 1981: Second edition included safetyrelated work practices including Lockout/Tagout in Part II. 1983: Third edition included safety-related maintenance requirements in Part III. 1988: Fourth edition included only minor revisions. 1995: Fifth edition included arc flash boundary and limits of approach boundaries for the first time. 2000: Sixth edition included Hazard Risk Category (HRC) tasks tables and incident energy exposure. 2004: Seventh edition included a complete reorganization for clarity and the title changed to: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. 2009: Eighth edition changed the revision cycle to every three years to coincide with NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code (NEC), offset by one year. 2012: Ninth edition added: • the balaclava for HRC level 2 • Flame Resistant (FR) to Arc Rated (AR) globally • Required documented meeting between employer and contractor • Employer shall use regular supervision or inspections to determine employee compliance with 70E on at least an annual basis • Changes to labels • dc tables for boundaries and task-based HRC categories

Continued on page 24 >

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Feature < Continued from page 23

(A)(b) shall be used to determine the PPE category…..An incident energy analysis shall be required in accordance with 130.5 for the following: (1) Tasks not listed in Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a)

(2) Power systems with greater than the estimated maximum available short-circuit current (3) Power systems with longer than the maximum fault clearing times (4) Tasks with less than the minimum working distance

• Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a) Arc Flash Arc Flash Hazard Identification for Alternating Current (ac) and Direct Current (dc) Systems (NOTE: This table is an excerpt of the full table, and it is for both ac and dc systems.) Task

Equipment Condition

Arc Flash PPE Required

Normal operation of a circuit breaker (CB), switch, contactor, or starter

All of the following: The equipment is properly maintained All equipment doors are closed and secured There is no evidence of impending failure

Any of the following: The equipment is not properly installed The equipment is not properly maintained Equipment doors are open or not secured There is evidence of impending failure

YES

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

equipment

arc flash ppe category

Arc-Flash boundary

Panelboards or other equipment rated 240 V and below

485 mm (19 in.)

900 mm (3 ft.)

Parameters: Maximum of 25 kA short-circuit current available; maximum of 0.03 sec (2 cycles) fault clearing time; working distance of 455 mm (18 in.)

• Table 130.7(C)(15)(B) Arc-Flash Hazard PPE Categories for Direct Current (dc) Systems (NOTE: This table is an excerpt of the full table and is for dc systems only.) equipment

arc flash ppe category

Arc-Flash boundary

Short-circuit current < 4 kA

900 mm (3 ft.)

Short-circuit current 4 kA < short-circuit current < 7 kA

1.2 m (4 ft.)

Short-circuit current 7 kA < short-circuit current < 15 kA

1.8 m (6 ft.)

Storage batteries, dc switchboards, and other dc supply sources Parameters: Voltage: 250 V Maximum arc duration and working distance: 2 sec @ 455 mm (18 in.)

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

The NITMAMs are now being certified by NFPA for the upcoming General Association Technical Meeting where the second draft and any NITMAMs will be voted on. NITMAMs are the last resort that a submitter of a Public Input has if the submitter disagrees with the Technical Committee’s action on the submitter’s Public Input. The NITMAMs are voted on by the members that are present at the General Association Technical Meeting. It is extremely rare that a NITMAM ever passes. NITMAMs are posted on the NFPA website for public review. The NFPA Association Technical Meeting will June 9-12, 2014.

• Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b) Arc-Flash Hazard PPE Categories for Alternating Current (ac) Systems (NOTE: This table is an excerpt of the full table and is for ac systems only.)

Panelboards or other equipment rated > 240 V and up to 600 V

NFPA GENERAL ASSOCIATION TECHNICAL MEETING

This is an exciting time to be in the electrical industry with the new process for revising NFPA documents. In the near future, all NFPA industry consensus standards documents will be done electronically online using the new process. It is also a time that the NFPA 70E – Electrical Safety in the Workplace industry consensus standard is being refined and becoming a more user-friendly document that will help to protect workers from electrical hazards. The NFPA 70E – Electrical Safety in the Workplace 2015 edition, when it has completed this revision cycle later this year, will be the culmination of the efforts of many dedicated individuals from all sectors of our industry over the last 40 years. It is an industry consensus standard that will help to provide a safer workplace. William Bruce Bowman, P.E., is Electrical Engineer & Vice President of Fox Systems, Inc., Calhoun, Georgia. He is a past president of the IEC Georgia chapter. He has 19 years of experience as an instructor and professor of Electrical Technology. He currently serves on the Construction Industry Licensing Board for the state of Georgia, NFPA 70 Code Making Panel 19, and Technical Committee for NFPA 70E.

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Feature

Crac

Co for National Electrical Safety Month

By Brett Brenner

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

king the

de A

merican life has drastically changed since the National Electrical Code® (NEC) was first established in 1897. Even at the time when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) became the sponsor of the NEC in 1911, only about one quarter of American homes were electrified. In contrast, the average American home today has more television sets than people. As our dependence on electricity increases and our home technology evolves, it is important that consumers understand the importance of updating their home electrical systems to keep up with these demands. The NEC protects the public by incorporating the latest advancements in electrical safety and is revised every three years to align with the latest technologies. Although the requirements for home safety devices in the NEC only apply to new homes and renovations, these technologies can easily be retrofitted into any existing home electrical system to improve safety. These devices include arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs), ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), and tamper resistant receptacles (TRRs).

Tamper Resistant Receptacles (TRRs) Every year, more than 2,400 children – seven children a day – are treated at hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by inserting objects such as keys or hairpins into electrical outlets. Statistics have confirmed that devices such as plastic outlet caps provide inadequate protection for young children and can even pose a choking hazard. One study conducted by Temple University’s Biokinetics Laboratory reported that 100 percent of children ages two to four years old were able to remove plastic outlet covers from the sockets in less than 10 seconds. Fortunately, these injuries can be easily prevented with the installation of TRRs. These devices look like traditional electrical outlets but feature internal receptacle cover plates that are designed to prevent children from sticking foreign objects into outlet slots while still allowing plugs to be inserted and removed as usual. These Continued on page 28 >

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature < Continued from page 27

advanced electrical safety devices feature an internal shutter mechanism that only opens when pressure is simultaneously and equally applied to both sides of the shutter, such as when a plug is inserted. Otherwise, the shutter remains closed and cannot be penetrated with objects such as keys, paperclips, or hairpins. They have proven so effective that they have been required since the 2008 edition of the NEC in all electrical outlets and receptacles installed in newly constructed homes. Amazingly, official estimates suggest that the associated increased cost per average new home is less than $50. Though TRRs offer a permanent, reliable, and automatic protection for children, many consumers are still unaware of their existence. Adoption of the current edition of the NEC ensures lifesaving technology, such as TRRs, will be included in new homes, and consumers will be protected regardless of their familiarity with the device.

Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that AFCIs could prevent roughly 50 percent of the electrical fires that occur every year. An arc fault is a dangerous electrical problem caused by damaged, overheated, or stressed electrical wiring or devices. AFCIs offer enhanced fire protection capabilities by recognizing when a hazardous arcing situation occurs in a homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wiring and immediately cuts power

to the circuit before a fire can start. AFCIs save lives and property by preventing fires rather than just mitigating their damage. First introduced to the NEC in 1999, AFCIs are hardly considered new technology. Yet, the NEC has continuously sought to further expand the use of AFCIs by encouraging their protection in every room of the house. The 2014 NEC provides a variety of options through which consumers can provide AFCI protection in accordance with requirements. Stopping a fire before it even starts is the best way to save lives and property, and AFCIs offer that preventative protection. Thanks to the NEC, new homes will more protected than ever before.

Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) A ground fault is an unintentional electrical path between a power source and a grounded surface. This leakage in current usually occurs when an electrical appliance is damaged or wet, causing electrical current to flow outside of the circuit conductors. GFCIs are electrical safety devices that are designed to protect people from electric shock and electrocution caused by ground faults. GFCIs prevent this potentially deadly shock by quickly shutting off power to the circuit if the electricity flowing into the circuit differs, even slightly, from that returning, indicating a loss of current. First mandated in the 1971 edition, the NEC has continually expanded its GFCI requirements to all kitchens, bathrooms,

As our dependence on electricity increases and our home technology evolves, it is important that consumers understand the importance of updating their home electrical systems to keep up with these demands.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

garages, basements, crawlspaces, and outdoors. Since their inclusion in the NEC, GFCIs have saved thousands of lives and have helped cut the number of home electrocutions in half.

Promoting the Code with National Electrical Safety Month To commemorate May as National Electrical Safety Month, Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) spearheads an annual campaign to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken in order to reduce the number of electrically-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. ESFIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Electrical Safety Month 2014 campaign features the release of Electrical Safety Illustrated, a magazine that discusses timely electrical safety issues and equips consumers with the knowledge to protect their homes, families, and communities from electrical hazards. Among the campaign resources is information about the NEC, the importance of timely adoption, and the rationale behind the three-year code cycle. Brett Brenner is President of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI). ESFI is the premier 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety at home and in the workplace. Founded in 1994 as a cooperative effort by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), ESFI depends on the support of community and industry stakeholders to provide funding for the development of new programs and resources throughout the year. ESFI receives funding from electrical manufacturers, distributors, independent testing laboratories, retailers, insurers, utilities, safety organizations, and trade and labor associations.

Why electrical contracting? Electricians are among the highest paid jobs in the construction sector, according to the U.S. News “Best Construction Jobs” Rankings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2010 and 2020, electricians will have a 23-percent growth rate. The need for skilled professionals in this trade is higher than ever.

Why IEC? • IEC is fully committed to easing your transition to the electrical industry and helping you build a successful career. • The IEC four-year apprenticeship program combines on-the-job training with formal technical instruction and is a Department of Labor recognized program. • Apprentices are employed while pursuing their education. Earn while you learn! • IEC has more than 50 chapter training centers nationwide. Several chapters also offer online learning. • The overwhelming majority of IEC Apprenticeship Programs are approved training providers under the G.I. Bill.

IEC wants

YOU

Veterans Looking for a New Career are Encouraged to Pursue a Rewarding Career in the High-Demand Electrical Industry

• Veterans shall have direct entry preference in IEC Apprenticeship Programs. • Many IEC chapters can provide job placement assistance for apprentices. • Many IEC chapters work with local veterans support groups including Hire A Hero, National Guard Employment Programs, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and many others. • IEC programs already have many veterans enrolled with some chapters training as many as 50 apprentices who previously served in the military. • The IEC apprentice curriculum can transfer credits to community colleges or universities for further education. Visit www.ieci.org for more information on becoming an apprentice.

Established in 1957, IEC is a trade association representing 3,000 members with 53 chapters nationwide. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, IEC is the nation’s premier trade association representing America’s independent electrical and systems contractors.

4401 Ford Avenue, Suite 1100, Alexandria, VA 22302 Independent Electrical contractors

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(703) 549-7351

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Feature

Infra

Certificat Compariso Importance of Proper Training

By Joe DeMonte

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

red

ion n:

Infrared thermography can be defined as the mapping of thermal data taken from the surface of objects using specialized imaging technology, usually in the 8-12 micron waveband of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sounds like something that a rocket scientist would do, but there are many maintenance professionals using this technique every day.

About a decade ago, thermal imagers (necessary for infrared thermography) were out of reach for most contractors due to the high cost to purchase. Infrared technology is now more affordable. Paired with great training to ensure proper use of the technology, the use of infrared cameras can become a huge asset for many businesses. Questions that should be raised when performing infrared thermography include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. What does a thermal imager actually show? 2. What is IFOV/MFOV and what are the consequences of not knowing what they mean? 3. What are the emissivity, reflectivity, and tranmissivity of materials and the effects they can have on the thermal survey? 4. What is infrared radiation, and how is it detected by the thermal imager? Due to these complicated questions, costeffective thermal imagers need to be used by trained and qualified personnel in order to obtain accurate qualitative and quantitative data. There are many false positive and false

negative indicators that can easily cause the thermal image to be misdiagnosed. How does one become qualified or certified to operate a thermal imager? There are two basic ways to attempt this process. A person can attend a thirdparty infrared training school. There are numerous companies that can provide this training. Most third-party vendors also offer “certification,” but this can differ from one company to the next. The second way to become qualified AND certified is by the process set forth by the American Society of NonDestructive Testing (ASNT). This process is highlighted in most of the third-party vendor trainings as the best practice when discussing certification options. To make things easier to understand, qualification is what is intended when a person becomes certified in a technology. Qualification cannot easily be demonstrated through a vendor’s course alone, but these courses are mandatory in order to start the qualification process. According to the ASNT recommended practice for personnel qualification and certification, the ultimate responsibility for a person’s certification rests with the employer. Continued on page 32 >

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Feature < Continued from page 31

Below is a side-by-side comparison of what it usually takes to become either third-party certified or certified to the ASNT recommended practice. Definitions taken from ASNT SNT-TC-1A, the recommended practice for personnel qualification and certification in nondestructive testing: 1. Certification: written testimony of qualification. 2. Certifying Authority: the person or persons properly designated in the written practice to sign certifications on behalf of the employer. 3. Certifying Agency: the employer of the personnel being certified. 4. Qualification: demonstrated skill, demonstrated knowledge, documented training, and documented experience required for personnel to properly perform the duties of a specific job. 5. Recommended Practice: a set of guidelines to assist the employer in developing uniform procedures for the qualification and certification of personnel to satisfy the employer’s specific requirements (example: SNT-TC-1A).

7. Written Practice: a written procedure developed by the employer that details the requirements for qualification and certification of their employees.

Frequently asked questions about certification: 1. Who can certify a person to infrared level 1 or 2? According to SNT-TC-1A, only the employer with a written practice (SNT-TC-1A section 9.0). 2. How do I develop a written practice? The employer’s written practice shall be reviewed and approved by the employers NDT Level III (SNT-TC-1A section 5.4). 3. Who can certify a person to infrared level 3? The employer with a valid written practice or through ASNT (i.e., a valid ASNT NDT Level III or ACCP Professional Level III certificate). 4. What do the certificates distributed by infrared training organizations represent if they aren’t actual certification? They represent the fact that the possessing individual attended the training class, possibly passing an exam, and completing some sort of report or physical exercise using the infrared camera. Final certification rests with the employer using a written practice.

6. Training: an organized program developed to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for qualification.

Thermal and visual image of a two pole breaker heating up.

So remember, while just about anyone can purchase a thermal imager, if you do not have the proper training, you may misuse the device or lead your customers astray with misinformation. Considering partnering with a trusted third-party organization, who will ensure you have the proper training, can be key to you and your company’s success. Joe DeMonte is Director of Operations for ABM Franchising Group companies’ TEGG and CurrentSAFE. He designed the training curriculum and the testing procedures for electrical contractors to implement the energized electrical testing systems in the field and in the classroom. He holds an ASNT Thermal Infrared Level III certification in Predictive Maintenance and is also certified in Vibration Analysis and Airborne Ultrasonic testing. His background accomplishments include 20 years in maintenance, operations, and predictive maintenance with a specialization in thermal infrared technologies. DeMonte can be reached at joseph.demonte@abm.com.

EXAMPLE COMPARISON CHECKLIST FOR CERTIFICATION Third-Party/Vendor Certificate

ASNT Certification (SNT-TC-1A)

• Attend a 32-hour training class

• Attend a 32-hour training class approved by the corporate written practice

• Pass a 60-question, closed-book exam • Complete an infrared report within the vendor’s guideline and have it checked by the vendor for accuracy

• Pass a 60-question, closed-book exam approved by the corporate written practice • Employer’s ASNT Level III develops and approves the corporate written practice • Written practice defines the skill, experience, knowledge requirements, and documented training requirements for personnel in order to achieve certification

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

MAY 1S T, 9:05 A .M .

A CONTRACTOR SEES THE LIGHT AND SURVIVES THE BLAST IN AN INS TANT, N ATE PE TER SO N L E A R NE D THE VA LU E O F CN A’ S R I SK CO NTRO L R E SO U RCE S

Nate Peterson of HandiDigits Electric has over 15 years of experience, but he wasn’t expecting the arc blast that came from his customer’s transformer door. Luckily, Nate was prepared. Thanks to his IEC’s safety training and an Arc Survival course from CNA Risk Control, he knew to wear proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) before starting the job. So instead of a costly legal claim and a lengthy hospital stay, this Master Electrician made it home for dinner and had some extra time with the kids. Well done, Nate.

When you’re looking for programs that help make IEC members safer and their businesses ® stronger … we can show you more.

To learn more about CNA’s coverages and programs for electrical contractors, contact your independent agent or visit www.cna.com/iec.

The examples provided in this material are for illustrative purposes only and any similarity to actual individuals, entities or places is coincidental. Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © 2014 CNA. All rights reserved.

Feature

By Harvey Friedman

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

here is a song called “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” but my question is, “Where have all the profits gone?” Profit dollars that you don’t even realize you were holding in your hand, and they slipped through your fingers without you realizing you were holding onto them. There are many areas in the contracting world that money is made and money is lost. Let’s examine some of them so that you will understand that besides adding a profit of 10 percent to a job and hoping you make it, controlling your business through good management, a set of rules that everyone follows, and the accountability of employees will increase your bottom line. Overhead is a factor that I have found many contractors do not understand, i.e., direct costs and indirect costs. Direct costs are items that should be charged directly to the job. Besides labor and material, a project manager’s time, your superintendent’s time, vehicle leases, and fuel are just a few of the items that should be part of the estimate. Indirect costs would be actual general and administrative costs, rent, office utilities, office wages, etc.

Estimating Bids It all starts with the invitation to bid a job. What does it cost you to bid a job? What are your chances of getting the project? How many general contractors are bidding the project? How many electrical contractors are bidding the project? Are the contractors bidding the project contractors that have a good reputation (in other words, if you are successful, do you want to do work for that contractor?)? If you are the low bidder, will anyone of these contractors shop your price? The list of considerations that go into a bid goes on and on, but what is important is that have you taken time to weigh these items so that you make an intelligent decision to bid or not bid the project.

What would it cost you to bid a $1 million electrical project? Maybe $2,000 or $3,000 or maybe a little more. So evaluating the items above may give you a better chance to go after the projects that you have a better chance of winning. Your rate of wins should then increase, and your cost of estimating jobs will decrease and that is money in your pocket. Let’s assume that you were the successful bidder and you enter into a contract with the general contractor. All of sudden, are there now negotiations that the general contractor wants to finalize before issuing you the contract? If so, can you live with the terms? Is there an opportunity to give and take? In other words, can you agree to the terms if you can do some value engineering? You have won the project, have not started the project, but you now have an opportunity through value engineering to increase your bottom line with a little negotiation.

Meeting of the Minds Let’s look at an example of a direct cost. Once you have been awarded the project, one of the next steps would be to have a hand-off meeting where the estimator, project manager, and foreman sit down and discuss the project. I have met many contractors that have been awarded a project and hand it off to a project manager, and the first time the project manager sees the foreman is on the jobsite. You need to know how the estimator looked at the project when he took it off, and if there are questions, three heads are better than one. Giving the foreman the opportunity to review and plan the project before he goes on the jobsite will ensure a better chance of success. These items should be included in the estimate just like labor, materials, incidentals, etc. Estimating is not an exact science, but understanding

what goes into making up a job can bring you closer to a good bid and help move towards a profitable job. Another idea is a kick-off meeting with the foreman, project manager, superintendent, foreman for the general contractor, and any other critical trades that should be involved. This will give everyone a chance to start off with hopefully the same goals in place. If there are any problems, they can be ironed out early on. A general contractor’s superintendent or foreman can help make or break a job, and you need to have a meeting of the minds at the beginning of the project. This will save a lot of time and aggravation down the line. One other item to consider is the payment schedule. Setting this up in the beginning as to how the pay applications will be submitted and when payment can be expected can add dollars to the company’s bottom line. Although this is rarely a factor in charging the job time for collections, collecting your money on time will give you the ability to take advantage of distributor discounts. Not chasing the money will give you the time for evaluating the next project. Also, you don’t have to go to the bank to borrow money that had the general contractor paid you on time, you would not have needed. These meetings and considerations all add cost or profits to your bottom line. Figuring out these items in advance can help save on costs and boost the profits so you don’t have to wonder, “Where have all the dollars gone?” Harvey Friedman is a past National President of IEC, a retired electrical contractor, and President of Hatfield Management, LLC, which conducts seminars and consulting on the business end of the contracting industry. He can be reached at (602)558-1000 or e-mail hbf901@aol.com. For more information about Hatfield Management, visit www.hatfieldllc.com.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Advertorial

Supply Strategies The Home Depotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pro program helps electrical contractors achieve a crucial pricing advantage.

By Cheryl Weber

f the recent recession has taught us anything, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that companies must be ruthless about costs to survive. For contractors, cost cutting has meant trimming overhead, updating office technologies, streamlining operations, and hunting down the best deals on materials, products, and tools. Finding cost efficiencies is important at every level of a successful company, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially vital on big-ticket jobs, where even small line-item cost differences can add up to significant savings on a purchase order or allow a contractor to out-bid the competition. Cost-conscious electrical contractors are always on the lookout for smart suppliers. What if timepressed professionals could tap into a source that does some of their legwork for them by monitoring material costs, offering deep savings, providing quick-turnaround quotes, and expediting jobsite delivery? What if electrical contractors also could find a supplier that stocks the products they like and feel confident that they could resupply quickly?

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

Opportunity Buys Those are some of the key value propositions of The Home Depot’s Pro services. Underpinning its contractor pricing is a multi-tiered market intelligence system that drives value across products. The program offers pricing discounts through two initiatives: bulk pricing on select products based on local demand and volume pricing for contractors who meet a minimum level of spending. To offer its bulk pricing, The Home Depot tracks commodities, keeping an eye on the market to buy large quantities of electrical components such as copper wire at the opportune time and passing on those deals to its professional customers. “We know that electrical contractors work hard to win projects, gather materials, and execute jobs,” says Randy Light, senior wire merchant at The Home Depot, Atlanta, Georgia. “We understand that, due to market volatility, copper wire pricing can turn a profitable job into a costly one. To help minimize these swings in profitability, The Home Depot offers in-store bulk pricing discounts on key sizes and colors of 500-foot rolls of THHN and datacom wire, as well as volume-pricing discounts on NM wire through the Pro desk.” The Home Depot uses analytics to lock in other competitive pricing opportunities, too. “We are constantly shopping our competition to ensure we’re always competitive and have a good price,” says Jeff Epstein, Merchandising Vice President for the Electrical Department. “We want to know their pricing.” That laser focus on the big picture is at the heart of the company’s volume pricing, a perk offered to professionals who spend at least $2,500 on supplies

each week. Contractors leverage The Home Depot’s buying power through its volume pricing program, which operates as command central for a program that doles out select discounts across the store’s roughly 44,000 SKUs, from fuses and electrical boxes to ladders and drywall. Here’s how it works: When a contractor visits the Pro desk at one of the stores, his purchase order or material takeoff is run through an automated pricing system based on market intelligence, which guides the benchmarks for discounts. Time is money when preparing estimates and the pricing system won’t slow down the process. The system spits back quotes typically within seconds, although complex orders may take several hours to process. The volume pricing program addresses increasing industry demand for other efficiencies, too. Any unstocked electrical components can be sourced quickly, and large orders often are delivered from vendors rather than The Home Depot facility. “By delivering large orders directly from the vendor to job sites, we can save our customers both time and money as well as give them added convenience.” Epstein says.

Bulking Up Not every electrical contractor needs $2,500 worth of supplies each week. But smaller companies still can achieve bottom-line profitability through The Home Depot’s bulk pricing program. Whereas volume pricing is transactional, based on a mixed basket of goods, bulk pricing is an instant discount on select SKUs. It allows contractors to buy exactly what they need and get the savings at the cash register. And the programs overlap:

Volume contractors receive additional bulk-pricing discounts on their orders. Bulk pricing is geared toward items electrical contractors buy in multiples, such as THHN wire, conduit, and electrical boxes. “We tailor the mix based on local demand,” says Light. Items eligible for bulk discounts are available on the shelf every day, and contractors can take them through self-checkout, he says. “It could be as few as two rolls of THHN wire, or three breaker boxes, or 50 sticks of conduit. They’re clearly marked with black and yellow ‘wobbler’ labels [that stick out from the shelf]. It’s easy, transparent, and targets the professional.” That makes The Home Depot a valuable broker for companies like Thrasher Electric, which employs 11 in Alpharetta, Georgia. “The savings have been substantial,” says owner Josh Brooker, who takes advantage of both volume pricing and bulk pricing. “If we’re building a house, we could submit a bid for the entire project and have it all delivered in one package. It’s pretty sweet.” He also likes the consistency of The Home Depot’s offerings. “Smaller supply houses don’t have as much as we need and can’t get it as quickly as we need it,” he says. “It’s easy to put the orders on a credit card and get reward points.” Those kinds of market-cornering opportunities transcend company size and help contractors sharpen their game in any sales climate. Cheryl Weber is a freelance writer specializing in the built and natural environments. She has written for Residential Architect, Architect, Custom Home Outdoors, The Washington Post, Remodeling, Builder, Washington Home & Design, and other publications.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

IEC Foundation

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Not Too Late!

Giving to the 2014 IEC Foundation Scholarship Fund By Barbara Duncan, IEC Foundation Coordinator

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

More than 7,000 electrical apprentices are currently enrolled in the IEC Apprentice Training Program. While impressive, that’s not enough to meet the needs of our recovering economy and the future needs of contractors. Last year, contributions to the IEC Foundation (IECF) Scholarship Campaign helped fund scholarships to very deserving students. We need your continued support to provide much-needed assistance to more young men and women who want to enter our industry. As you know, many electricians left the industry during the recession and are not returning. Some apprentices dropped out of programs because of the cost. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that by next year, the nation will need more than 734,000 electrical workers – 78,000 more than currently employed.

Our IECF 2014 Scholarship Campaign goal is $100,000 for tuition assistance to students entering or currently enrolled in a four-year IEC apprenticeship program. The $58,000 we raised last year provided 29 students with a $2,000 scholarship each. However, we had to turn down 36 applicants! With your help, we are confident we can achieve our goal and add to the $195,000 in scholarships the IECF has awarded over the past six years.

previous winners

Aaron Bestgen IEC Washington 2010 Scholarship Winner

Gilbert Morado IEC Rio Grande Valley 2011 Scholarship Winner

We are counting on you!

Chris Wilburn IEC Atlanta 2012 Scholarship Winne

The IEC Foundation P O Box 20687 Louisville, KY 40250

Leslie Swanson IEC Mid-Oregon 2013 Scholarship Winner

“ The IEC Foundation scholarship will permit me to focus more on expanding my abilities in this trade.” Ryan Benson IEC of Utah, 2012 Scholarship Winner

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

code corner Answer:

Code Q&A By Marc Ramirez

Question:

We bought a home with early 1920s knob and tube wiring as per the home inspection survey, and our plan is to remodel several areas. Can we keep this system in place and add to it?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 394.1 Scope. This section of the NEC clearly covers the use, installation, and construction specifications of concealed knob and tube wiring, which is designed for use in hollow spaces of walls, ceilings, and attics utilizing the free air in such spaces for heat dissipation.

Article 394.17 Through or Parallel to Framing. Conductors shall comply with 398.17 where passing through holes in structural members, where passing through wood cross members in plastered partitions, conductors shall be protected by noncombustible, nonabsorbent, insulating tubes extending not less than 75 mm (3 in.) beyond the wood members.

Article 394.10 Uses Permitted. Concealed knob and tube wiring shall be permitted to be installed in the hollow spaces of walls and ceilings, or in unfinished attics and roof spaces by 394.23, only as follows:

394.19 (A) General. A clearance of not less than 75mm (3 in.) shall be maintained between conductors and a clearance of not less than 25mm (1 in.) between the conductor and the surface over which it passes.

(1) For extensions of existing installations. Caution should be taken with this. The first approach should be to the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) of enforcement of the code. The AHJ may be the federal, state, local, or other regional department or individual such as a building inspector, fire inspector, or electrical inspector. Municipalities can modify this requirement and not allow the extension of the knob and tube additions when the existing plastered walls are removed leaving open the stud/framing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; requiring complete rewiring to the latest NEC accepted by the local municipality.

394.19(C) Clearance from Piping, Exposed Conductors shall comply with 398.19 for other exposed conductors piping, etc.

(2) Elsewhere by special permission. This permission is the written consent of the AHJ. Article 394.12 (5) Uses Not Permitted. Hollow spaces of walls, ceilings, and attics where such spaces are insulated by loose, rolled, or foamed-in-place insulating materials that envelopes the conductors. Blown-in, foam-in or rolled insulation prevents the dissipation of heat into the free air space, resulting in higher conductor temperature, which can cause insulation breakdown and possible fire in the insulation.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

There are many more articles in the code to comply with. 394.23 (A) covers accessible attics or (B) not accessible by stairway or permanent ladder. Also relevant are 394.30 Securing and Supporting, 394.42 Covers Devices, 394.56 Splices and Taps, and 394.104 Conductors shall be of a type specified by Article 310. Another item to consider is that this system is not a grounded system so you are limited to devices. In the old days, there was no concern about insulation and fuel cost, so this wiring was safe until insulation started to be blown into walls. Electrical contractors today would recommend that you rewire the home to conform with the latest electrical code and devices for protection of life and property. Marc Ramirez has been a member of the NEC Code Making Panel 17 since 1993 and is a member of the IEC National Codes and Standards Committee. He is an instructor for the IEC Apprenticeship program for IECA of Arizona. He can be reached at (623) 256-9331.

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Inside IEC

Opening the Door in St. Louis By Deborah Stadtler

EC is a place for all merit shop electrical contractors. IEC of Greater St. Louis and James Jackson, President of St. Louis Electric, are helping to connect minority electrical contractors and IEC in the St. Louis, Missouri, area.

As one of the largest minority electrical contracting firms in the area, St. Louis Electric is able to get involved with contracting jobs of almost any magnitude, according to Jackson. A mayoral executive order requires 25 percent of any publicly funded project in the area to be awarded to minority contractors. Similar requirements are present in other projects built within the city of St. Louis and for projects with utility companies. This order helps open the door for St. Louis Electric to bid on electrical jobs with almost any general contractor in the area. “We are on the mind of any general contractor when it comes time for bids,” said Jackson. “But we don’t automatically get the job, our bids have to be competitive too. This order lets us get our foot in the door.”

So was the case when the St. Louis County Communications Center project came along. The County Communications Center is intended to be an emergency command center for the city and county. Jackson’s company was able to put in a competitive bid and win the electrical contracting portion of the project. The contract for the electrical work so far adds up to $5 million on a $13 million project. With the electrical portion of the contract being so large, St. Louis Electric was able to fulfill the minority contractor percentage requirement and win a bid on a highly visible project. Without Jackson’s company, all the other trades on the project would have needed to be minority firms to fulfill the requirement. “One of the most noteworthy parts of the project was the installation of the generators,” said Jackson. “Each of the 80-ton generators was about the same size as five pick-up trucks put together. The generators for the center were installed inside, which required them being hoisted over a wall in the middle of winter.”

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

St. Louis Electric has a long-standing relationship with the IEC of Greater St. Louis chapter. Jackson met Sheila Sperla, Executive Director of IEC of Greater St. Louis, before joining IEC, and it has been a great relationship ever since. “Sheila has been a passionate supporter of ours in city hall and with union issues. She is one of our biggest cheerleaders,” said Jackson. Jackson is able to connect other minority electrical contractors with the IEC of Greater St. Louis chapter. “The fact that St. Louis Electric was the electrical contractor chosen for this project was an unprecedented victory for independent contractors in St. Louis,” said Sheila Sperla, Executive Director of IEC of Greater St. Louis. “IEC apprentices who had the opportunity to work on this project stated that it was a rare educational experience that reached beyond their imagination. IEC of Greater St. Louis is very proud of the management and employees of St. Louis Electric who have handled this project with the utmost professionalism!”

Building IEC

Scaling Up

As professionals and as a network of chapters and members, we need to do the following:

Success

1) Challenge ourselves to grow and hold ourselves accountable to growth. Growth at all levels, including membership, is vital to the success of IEC and must be a top priority.

By Thayer Long

2) We must change and adapt. IEC is a non-profit, yet many business principles still apply. Do you run your business the same way 10 years ago? Will you run it the same 10 years from now? This rings true for IEC. More resources may be needed to adjust to the ever-changing market. This is why it is important for contractors to get involved in their local chapters. They know best what is needed to succeed in today’s industry.

ith nearly 60 years of experience, the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) has a rich history of which to be proud. We dominate markets where we have a strong, wellestablished foothold. IEC is the only organization that is focused exclusively on amplifying the voice and needs of the merit-shop electrical contractor. At the forefront is our premier educational and training program that was created specifically for electrical contractors. However well-defined past successes are, the path ahead, while bright and filled with opportunity, is less clear. The economic recovery has begun but is tepid, and the need for professional electricians has never been greater. Construction unemployment has been rapidly decreasing but replacing experienced electrical journeymen has not kept pace. Some of this is attributable to the economic decline, but with the economy slowly rebounding, the shortage is becoming more acute.

aspects to government involvement however, there are certain overbearing regulations that restrict businesses of our contractors and weigh on the lives of the thousands of individuals they employ. Second, manpower and productivity issues have always existed and continue to do so on today’s jobsite. While IEC offers the premier training program for merit-shop electricians, education has become a profitable business, and competition exists from a variety of sources – such as other construction groups and both the private and public educational community.

I believe our greatest days are still to come, but what is the path forward?

Going forward, it is critical that IEC is an effective advocate and educator, but also that members are engaged as effective advocates and educators for IEC. And so I ask, are we effectively communicating and educating non-members on why IEC is important? Are we doing all we can to inform why quality training is imperative for our entire industry? Can we do more to educate our elected officials of the critical role the IEC members play in our overall economy? The IEC “brand” is vital to success; are we advancing it?

As an organization, our mission is clear. First, we are fierce advocates for meritshop electrical contractors. We know that the free enterprise model is under attack as legislation and regulation continue to chip away our freedoms. There are many supportive and necessary

Independent may be a good adjective used to describe our members and our workforce, but interdependence is what is necessary within the network as we look to protect our businesses from external threats and sustain ourselves as an organization.

3) We must take competition seriously. IEC is not the only association offering electrical training. Like our contractor members, the presence of competition requires us to improve our offerings and communicate our benefits. 4) Be attuned to the IEC brand. IEC has a robust set of Core Competencies that need to be fulfilled to be affiliated with the IEC network. These agreed upon set of competencies exist for the protection and integrity of the IEC network and to strengthen our brand and the value proposition IEC represents. Take time to be aware of what is going on in the IEC network. What you do, or don’t do, does impact others. IEC’s commitment to members is that each and every day we will ask ourselves is what we are doing enhancing our industry and our members? Are we enriching lives and the workforce through education? Are we standing in service and in partnership to strengthen and build our great network? I would ask that your commitment as a member and shareholder of IEC is to nuture your investment, which means to participate, get engaged, reach out to non-members, support our awesome IEC chapters, and uphold all of the core competencies that make this organization the best it can be. IEC is strong and can only get stronger by working together, by challenging ourselves, and by holding each other accountable. That is what is going to make IEC successful. Thayer Long is Executive Vice President and CEO of IEC National in Alexandria, Virginia.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

New & improved

Featured Products Graybar Launches PowerSmart Monthly E-Newsletter Graybar is proud to announce the launch of Graybar PowerSmart Monthly, a new electronic newsletter that provides news and industry trends on energy efficiency and building intelligence. Each edition contains current news stories from industry-leading manufacturers of energy efficient and intelligent building products and will feature services and success stories from Graybar. To receive this free monthly publication, visit www.graybarpowersmart.com/blog.

Snake Tray® Introduces a New Ice Guard for Solar Panels Snake Tray is pleased to announce a new stainless steel Ice Guard for solar panels that prevents injuries due to falling ice. Snake Tray’s Ice Guard easily mounts to any type of solar panel manufactured. It is a great safety solution for high pedestrian areas including parking lots, train stations, and roofs where injuries could occur. For more information, please call (800) 308-6788 or visit www.snaketray.com.

Thomas & Betts Brochure Outlines Solutions for Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities Thomas & Betts (T&B)’s brochure, “Electrical Solutions for Water and Wastewater Treatment Facilities” outlines the company’s product solutions for challenges typically encountered in water and wastewater treatment plants. The brochure is organized around product groupings that provide solutions to specific challenges in water and wastewater facilities. It also indicates which T&B product lines are designed to address each of these issues, as well as the services and training T&B offers to support many of these lines. For more information, please call (800) 816-7809.

Klein® Tools Introduces Its VDV Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool Klein Tools has expanded its innovative Voice/Data/Video (VDV) punchdown tool line with a new Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool and Blade. This unique tool design incorporates a cushion-grip handle, hi/lo impact settings, and an inherently long shaft for reaching into narrow/crowded blocks. The Dura-Blade™, a newly designed Metal Injection Molded (MIM) punchdown blade, has been constructed to deliver long-lasting cutting performance. Utilizing a two-step impact process, the Cushion-Grip Impact Punchdown Tool & Blade ensure a precise wire insertion and trim each time, delivering a pristine voice and data wire installation. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

Sports Stars Shine Bright Under Sportsliter Solutions’ New Energy Efficient Arena Fixture - ArenaLED

McCormick’s Latest Innovation Creates Seamless On Screen Estimating

Hubbell Lighting has announced the newest energy efficient lighting solution for today’s sports arenas— Sportsliter Solutions’ ArenaLED. From the pregame excitement of spotlight introductions to crisp lighting that enhances each point and goal scored, ArenaLED makes any game an experience.

Fully integrated with the company’s estimating software, On Screen Estimating Pro is a new product developed and offered exclusively by McCormick Systems. It provides electrical, low-voltage, plumbing, mechanical, and transmission-anddistribution contractors a dramatic new way to perform handy, speedy, and smart take-offs from digital drawings.

For additional information, please visit www.hubbelllighting.com.

For more information, please visit www.mccormicksys.com or call (800) 444-4890.

Klein® Tools Expands Its Voice/Data/Video Cable Tester Line with the Commander™ Series Klein Tools has expanded its innovative Voice/Data/Video product line with its new full-featured Commander™ Series testers. This high-end product has extensive cable testing capabilities, TDR technology for distance to a fault measurement, Power over Ethernet (PoE) detection and testing, link status and capabilities, as well as report management functionality. With one tool, professionals can confidently determine the status of each wire in a data, PoE, or communications/video system. For more information, please visit www.kleintools.com.

Prescolite Elevates LED Downlighting to New Heights with Megalum Cylinder Hubbell Lighting has announced the first 12,000+ lumen LED fixture designed for high ceiling commercial and architectural interiors where recessed depth is not available—Prescolite’s MegaLum Cylinder. With all the performance advantages of the company’s award winning MegaLum fixture, the MegaLum Cylinder can be surface, cable, or pendant mounted and is the perfect alternative to T4 quartz (up to 500 watts) and metal halide (up to 250 watts) sources for ceiling heights of 20 to 60 feet. To learn more about Prescolite’s new MegaLum Cylinder, visit www.prescolite.com.

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

featured products Corecon Technologies Announces Android App for Corecon’s Cloud-Based Estimating and Project Management Construction Software Corecon Technologies, Inc. has announced the release of Corecon Mobile for Android. The new app was developed for use with Corecon V7, an online estimating, project management, and job cost suite of construction software. For more information, visit www.corecon.com or call (866) 258-6698.

Beacon Products Combines Versatility and Efficiency With Newest LED Floodlight – the Cadet Luminaire Hubbell Lighting has announced an energy efficient LED luminaire capable of exceeding the demands of any floodlighting application—Beacon Products’ Cadet Luminaire. Designed with optical versatility in mind, the Cadet provides an unmatched combination of vertical and horizontal illumination. For more information, please visit www.beaconproducts.com.

ICC Introduces a New CAT 6A Patch Panel ICC introduces a new Category 6A (CAT 6A) patch panel featuring 110-Type Insulation Displacement Connectors (IDCs) terminals on the rear. The terminals are in-line vertically and separated specifically to make wiring easier and to improve performances. IDC terminals can also withstand termination impact using a 4-pair punch-down tool. For more information, visit www.icc.com/ distributor or call (888) ASK-4ICC (275-4422).

Hazlux® Hazardous Location Linear Fluorescent Lighting Can Be Installed at Various Angles The Hazlux® line of hazardous location lighting from Thomas & Betts now includes the new XFM and DFP Series linear fluorescent fixtures, which both provide installation at various angles. The XFM Series, designed for explosive atmosphere locations, features five different ½-inch NPT hub entries on each end, and provides installers with options for various lighting angles. The DFP Industrial Series, designed for hazardous locations in industrial and wet environments (Class I, Div. 2), features optional mounting brackets that enable precise aiming in multiple angles. For more information, please visit www.tnb.com or call (800) 238-5000.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

ATP and the IEC Providing the Highest Quality Training

Combining the trade knowledge of the IEC committees with the experienced professionals of our editorial staff, ATP and the IEC have worked together to develop numerous textbooks used in IEC apprenticeship and journeyman training programs. ATP training materials feature: • • • •

Descriptive illustrations Application-based examples Numerous practical exercises Digital learning resources

ATP values its relationship with the IEC and looks forward to many more years of working together to provide the best in training.

Your Partner in Learning

2014

Ad index

American Technical Publishers

(800) 323-3471

www.atplearning.com

pg. 48

CNA

(800) 262-2000

www.cna.com/iec

pg. 33

Eaton

(800) 386-1911

www.eaton.com/NEC2014

Back cover

Federated Insurance

(507) 455-5200

www.federatedinsurance.com

pg. 21

Graybar

(800) GRAYBAR

www.graybar.com/IEC-514 Inside front cover

Greenlee Textron

(800) 435-0786

www.greenlee.com

pg. 1

Honeywell Cable

(800) 222-0060

www.honeywellcable.com

pg. 2

IDEAL Industries

(800) 435-0705

www.idealindustries.com Inside back cover

IEC National

(703) 549-7351

www.ieci.org

pg. 9, 29

Klein Tools

(800) 553-4676

www.kleintools.com/whichone

pg. 25

Lutron

(888) LUTRON1

www.lutron.com/occvacsensors

pg. 7

McCormick Systems

(800) 444-4890

www.mccormicksys.com

pg. 47

Precision-Paragon [P2]

(714) 386-5550

www.p-2.com

pg. 15

Schneider Electric

(877) 342-5173

www.schneider-electric.com

pg. 11

Southwire

(770) 832-4242

www.simpullsolutions.com

pg. 41

The Home Depot

(800) 466-3337

www.homedepot.com/pro

pg. 5

Want to advertise?

IEC Ad and Expo Sales Coordinator Rich Ryan (330) 686-0353 rgrsvc@gmail.com

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Safety corner

NEC and Worker Safety By Thomas Domitrovich, P.E.

he National Electrical Code® (NEC) is a document that seeks the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity. This document offers value to those who work on electrical systems. The NEC is an installation code that includes provisions from which the electrical contractors benefit. These provisions exist in the system for years after the structure is built and in operation. When it comes to electrical safety for the worker, you may automatically migrate to NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace,” but that’s not where you should stop. The NEC actually includes many provisions that are there for the electrical worker to help complement, and actually implement, the efforts of NFPA 70E. Remember, NFPA 70E differs from the NEC in some key ways that help illustrate how these documents work hand-inhand for electrical safety for the worker.

Installation Code vs. Work Practice

provisions that are considered necessary for safety. As noted earlier, the Code is enforced at the time of installation.

First let’s talk a little about the differences between NPFA 70, the NEC, and NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.”

Lockout/Tagout is a good area to explore to illustrate the potential of how these two documents can and do work together. NFPA 70E includes practices around Lockout/Tagout going into great detail to help the worker ensure equipment is de-energized before work is conducted and assure it remains in that state while work is being conducted. The NEC complements this practice, as you will see below, with installation requirements then ensures provisions to affix Lockout/Tagout equipment to disconnecting means is present even when the lock is not in place.

NFPA 70E is a “standard” that addresses electrical safety related work practices for employee workplaces that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of employees relative to the hazards associated with electrical energy during specific activities that include but are not limited to installation, inspection, operation, maintenance, and demolition of electrical conductors and equipment. This standard is not an installation requirement. NFPA 70E is not enforced by the electrical inspection community but rather more often than not enforced after the fact by OSHA. This is where the NEC plays a complementary role in this safety picture. The NEC is a “Code” that is enforced and addressed in the design and installation phases of the structure. The NEC seeks to provide the practical safeguarding of persons and property from hazards arising from the use of electricity through

The following discussion identifies areas of the NEC that help to provide safety for those who work in and around electrical equipment. This list is by no means an exhaustive research into this subject but rather offered as discussion points listed below with examples to help you understand this important relationship between the NEC and NFPA 70E. • Working Space and Guarding • Signs, Labels, and Markings • Making Safe • Arc Flash and Shock Protection

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

Working Space and Guarding

Signs, Labels, and Markings

addresses words, colors, and symbols and addresses how they should be placed and the durability of the label.

Having space to perform your work is fundamental when it comes to safety. When appropriate space is not afforded for the electrical worker, accidents are more likely. The NEC recognizes this fact. Article 110, “Requirements for Electrical Installations,” is a great place to start when it comes to requirements around working space. Sections 110.26, “Spaces about Electrical Equipment;” 110.32 “Work Space About Equipment;” 110.34 “Work Space and Guarding;” and 110.73 “Equipment Work Space” are specific sections that address this issue.

We could probably have a very good discussion about all of the signs, labels, and markings in and on such electrical equipment as panelboards and switchboards. Some may say they mean nothing, and others may say they mean everything. Regardless of how you feel about this topic, the fact is that every sign, label, and/or marking is important for your safety, especially if you are going to work on a piece of equipment.

In addition to the what and how, the NEC also addresses all of the where when it comes to this topic. From arc flash hazard warning labels on gear (Section 110.16 “Arc-Flash Hazard Warning”) to cable tray labels (230.44 “Cable Trays”) and the cables themselves (210.5(C) “Identification of Ungrounded Conductors”), the sections provided here are merely examples as there are many more throughout the NEC on labels and markings. The labels and markings are there to raise awareness and ensure that you are working with the correct equipment. Hazards that you may not be aware of are brought to light as demonstrated in Section 404.6, “Position and Connection of Switches,” where the awareness that load side terminals may be energized is brought forth through the requirement for a label with the following language “WARNING — LOAD SIDE TERMINALS MAY BE ENERGIZED BY BACKFEED.”

These sections saw a slight change in NEC 2014 as a distinction was made with respect to including “Switchgear” equipment in these requirements. In addition, some changes were made in requirements for outdoor locations as part of 110.26(E)(2) where a section for “Dedicated Equipment Space” was added. Ensuring that space is designed in and enforced at the time of installation is important for those who come years later to service the electrical equipment. Space is not important just for those times when justified energized work is performed; it is important any time work is performed.

The NEC incorporates many places where markings, labels, and signs are required, all of which an electrical worker should take advantage. In addition to UL standards that products must adhere to, the NEC works to ensure consistency in this area. NEC 2014 took another step forward to help make that happen with changes made in Section 110.21(B), “Field-Applied Hazard Markings.” This section now includes language that brings in a reference, through an Informational Note, to ANSI Z535.4-2011, “Product Safety Signs and Labels.” This document provides guidelines for suitable font sizes, words, colors, symbols, and location requirements for labels. This section

Continued on page 52 >

www.ieci.org | May/June 2014 | Insights Magazine

Safety corner < Continued from page 51

Making Safe As with any electrical project, ensuring safe work conditions is essential; working de-energized should be priority one. The NEC includes important provisions to help you increase safety on the job site. Provisions in the code make disconnecting means available when needed as well as help ensure all conductors are deenergized when the circuit is turned off. The NEC caps off the installation with provisions around illumination. Disconnecting means are peppered throughout the NEC. Notable sections include 110.25 where the NEC puts in place the provisions to affix the Lockout/ Tagout tools highlighted by NFPA 70E. This section of the code requires that where a disconnecting means is required, it must be lockable in the open position. The provision in this section of the NEC, which is new for NEC 2014, is such that the provisions for locking must remain in place with or without the lock installed. A good example of disconnecting means provisions can be found in Article 430 where a disconnecting means must be provided for motors as part of Section 430.102(B). There are other areas in the NEC that provide requirements around disconnecting means. All of these types of provisions are there to facilitate working de-energized. In addition to disconnects, seeing what you are working on is also very important and the NEC is not shy about requirements in this arena. Right up front in Section 110.26, where spaces about electrical equipment are discussed, 110.26(D), “Illumination,” requires that illumination be provided for all working spaces around service equipment, switchboards, switchgear, panelboards, or motor control centers installed indoors. This section also requires

that this lighting is NOT controlled by automatic means only. You must be able to ensure the light does not automatically turn off just when you need it the most. Another area of the code that expands on this requirement includes battery locations. Section 480.9(G), “Illumination,” for example includes similar provisions to that in 110.26 to ensure working spaces where battery systems are located are illuminated.

Arc Flash and Shock Protection Incident energy and electric currents can kill. The NEC includes provisions to help mitigate the effects of both for the electrical worker. Prior to NEC 2011, the NEC addressed the arc flash problem via a label requirement in Section 110.16. NEC 2011 introduced Section 240.87 to provide methods that act to reduce the level of incident energy. Justified energized work unfortunately has to happen at times. When this work is conducted, methods to reduce incident energy are critical for safety. The NEC now has provisions to do just that. Shock protection, on the other hand, has been a part of the NEC for quite some time. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) afford protection that saves lives. The NEC works to ensure that workers are protected from shock in various portions of the NEC. The most notable location in the Code focuses on temporary power, Article 590 for temporary installations. Shock protection provisions are included as part of Section 590.6, “GroundFault Protection for Personnel.” Again, these are only small examples of how the NEC works to ensure worker safety. There are many other sections that could be used as examples as well.

Insights Magazine | May/June 2014 | www.ieci.org

Closing Remarks Electrical safety is more than just applying a product or sitting through a training class; it’s a regiment of training and procedures implemented in combination with technology that saves lives. The NEC and NFPA 70E work together to help you in your quest for safety. But remember, we can be very knowledgeable and have all of the best safety solutions employed in our facility and yet still not achieve our goals for safety. If you don’t use your plans and strategies, that investment was all for naught. You must get moving and work to make a safe environment for you and those around you. Be an advocate of safety by at least doing the bare minimum – share your knowledge with those around you. Be that mentor that makes a difference in an apprentice’s life. Spread your knowledge; it just may save a life or keep someone out of the hospital. As always, keep safety at the top of your list and ensure you and those around you live to see another day. Thomas Domitrovich, P.E., is a National Application Engineer with IEC Platinum Industry Partner Eaton Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has more than 20 years of experience as an electrical engineer and is a LEED Accredited Professional. He is active in various trade organizations on various levels with IEC, the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association (NEMA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Domitrovich is involved with and chairs various committees for NEMA and IEEE and is an alternate member on NFPA 73. He is very active in the stateby-state adoption process of NFPA 70, working closely with review committees and other key organizations in this effort.

www.idealindustries.com

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