An overview of the state-of-the-art in electrical safety technology, work practices and management systems

For more than 20 years, each of the authors have led work enabling improvements in electrical safety. Since 1995, they have collaborated on advancing codes, standards, technology and work practices critical for improving electrical safety in industrial work environments. Collectively, the authors have published more than 100 technical articles on electrical safety and the prevention of electrical injury. This work has led to the development of new technology for hazards assessment, performance rating of flame resistant protective apparel, advancements in National Fire Protection Association Standard 70E, "Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, and the design and implementation of data collection of electrical accidents and injuries. This paper provides an overview of these advancements to enable better understanding and implementation of improvements in electrical safety programs and intervention strategies. This paper, with the title "Take Basics to the Future", was presented at the 2003 IEEE [AS Electrical Safety Workshop, and is an update of a paper originally presented at the 2001 American Society of Safety Engineers Conference, titled, "Electrical Safety: State of the Art in Technology, Work Practices and Management Systems", by J.J. Andrews, M. Capelli-Schellpfeffer, H.L. Floyd, T.E. Neal, and L.F. Saunders. The presentation at the 2003 Electrical Safety Workshop included the forward by Bruce McClung.