Safety Topics for Electricians at an Oil Refinery
Oil refineries present a host of different potential hazards, including fires, and chemical and explosion dangers. Electricians working at oil refineries are presented with additional safety hazards besides the electrical-shock danger to which most electricians are exposed. A safety manager must discuss specific safety topics designed for the electricians working in a refinery.
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Personal Protective Equipment
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Since there are so many different chemicals containing sulfur, nitrogen and other materials located throughout a refinery, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be one of the first topics discussed. The use of hardhats, gloves, boots and fire protective clothing are essential parts of an electrician's tools when working in different areas of the refinery. During maintenance shutdowns, electricians are exposed to more hazardous substances because this maintenance deviates from normal operations. The use of face masks to protect the electrician from being exposed to gaseous material must be included in a PPE safety talk.
Permitting
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One of the main safety topics discussed with refinery electricians includes the need for permitting. Every type of work being performed at the refinery requires electricians to file this report so the operations room knows where and when the work occurs. The permit also allows the electricians to practice and review proper safety procedures before the actual repairs, to ensure he is properly prepared to perform the tasks in that area of the refinery as well as properly equipped to do the electrical job.
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Confined Spaces
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Many areas of the refinery are tightly packed with equipment as well as the control panels that operate the machinery. The collection of tanks, ducts, burners and reactors are closely placed together, resulting in the need for a discussion of confined-space working procedures. There are more dangers in confined spaces than when working out in the open, such as the increased danger of chemical exposure or electrical shock. Knowledge of the plant procedures for confined-space entry and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration's standards for confined-space entry are critical safety topics for refinery electricians.
Lockout and Tag-out
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Lockout and tag-out procedures are a must when determining what safety topics to discuss. The procedures must be followed at all times because of the fire and explosion dangers prominent at refineries. Lockout and tagging procedures require the electrician to identify the main power source of the equipment being repaired and turn the electrical control panel off. The electrician must place a locking device on the panel so no one can turn the panel back on while the electrician performs his work. The electrical control panel must be tagged with the label stating when the panel was locked and the name of the electrician who locked the panel.
Tools
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All power tools used by the maintenance department must be grounded and double-insulated to ensure the internal electronics do not pose a fire or explosion hazard. Unlike normal electrical tools and equipment, the tools used at refineries by electricians must have special safety features and construction to prevent these dangers.
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References
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