A Report From I.B.E.W. Local 150 Safety & Health Committee

Gene Crovetti - Dave Serzynski
Dave Roy

Work On Energized Circuits

Article 10 Section 6 of our agreement is one of great importance to our Safety and Health. It states: "on all energized circuits, or equipment carrying 440 volts or over, as a safety measure, two or more journeymen must work together. Approved rubber gloves, rubber mats and blankets shall be furnished by the Employer. All rubber goods must be given a proper test every ninety [90] days." For your safety, have another journeyman work with you. Not in the area but next to you. Have that JW watch you while you're working. If you're the second JW, watch the other's hands and tools. Alert that person if they're getting too close to hot bus or wiring. That person may be so focused on the task at hand that, they might not be aware of contacting some other live part. Wear eye protection also.

Article 5 Section 10 of our working agreement is important to our apprentices. It states: "First Year apprentices may perform all tasks assigned by a Foreman, and /or Journeyman; however, they shall not work on or near live voltage circuits or systems."  These apprentices are the future of our industry. The need to be taught safe work practices now, and will almost certainly assure that they will not have any lost time incidents in their future.

Remember the Carbon Monoxide monitor is at the hall for use on the jobs when CO problems are encountered. Ask to have it on the job. You may save yourself a headache. Also remember to wear a dust mask when working around fire proofing, hammer drilling, or some ceiling tile. These may or may not contain silica. Check the MSDS on these products.   It’s your "Right To Know".

Winter is here.  As of this writing, the temperature was still in the lower 50’s during the day.  Check your vehicles lights for proper function to see and be seen.

Have a safe and happy Holiday. 

Submitted by Dave Serzynski