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Idaho Spring Worker Safety

May 4th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Spring weather is always unpredictable, and Idaho worker safety is a concern for state businesses. One major area of concern is the possibility of power failures. Businesses should have a plan in mind for handling the power failures that happen in the spring. More than just an inconvenience, when a power outage occurs, businesses can experience property loss. Depending on the circumstances, employees can experience serious injury and even death if safety procedures aren’t followed.

For instance, if fuel heaters are used when the power fails, employers need to make certain proper ventilation is used. Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves can be used if they are properly installed and inspected. Never use outdoor grills, ovens, gas ranges or heaters that use propane in an attempt to heat a home or business. These items can be hazardous when used improperly.

Forced-air circulation is necessary to prevent a buildup of heat, which can be unsafe. This buildup happens because the forced-air circulation cannot occur when the power fails. Items such as heating stoves, especially those used in restaurants and other food preparations locations, can cause a buildup of heat. As a precaution, heating devices that need the ventilation provided by forced-air circulation should not be used when the power fails.

If generators are going to be used, they need to be installed by a licensed electrician who can make sure that all the required procedures are followed. If a generator is installed incorrectly, it can create an unsafe back feed of electricity. This back feed happens through the normal wiring used for distribution, and utility line workers and other people will be placed at risk of electrocution. Proper installation of generators also reduces the risk of a fire.

In addition to creating a fire hazard, heating devices should not be used when proper air circulation isn’t available because carbon monoxide can build up. When this happens, carbon monoxide poisoning can result.