Safety When the Power’s Out

The power goes out and suddenly your workplace is drenched in darkness. Are you and your employees prepared? Here are some steps to take before and during a power failure:

Before:

1. Familiarize employees with exit routes in case immediate evacuation is necessary. Assign department leaders who can mobilize employees and find the safest route out.
2. Keep flashlights in the work areas in case there is a delay between the power outage and emergency generator start-up.
3. Identify equipment that should be turned off after power fails (this equipment could cause injury when restarted after power returns), and assign someone to shut down each machine. Put essential equipment on emergency power circuits.
4. Create a list of equipment that must be reset or restarted once power returns. If possible, program all equipment that operates unattended to shut down safely during a power failure …and to not restart automatically when power returns.

During:

If necessary, evacuate the building. If not, follow these steps.

1. Check all equipment on emergency power. Remember, it may take 20-30 seconds for the emergency power to activate after a power failure.
2. Disconnect any equipment that runs unattended or that automatically restarts when power returns.
3. Turn off unnecessary lights and equipment. This will reduce the risk of power surges and injury that could result if and when the power comes on unexpectedly.
4. Don’t connect additional items to emergency outlets during a power failure.
5. If you have refrigerators, freezers or cold rooms that contain perishable or heat-sensitive items, consider keeping dry ice on hand to keep things cool until power returns.
6. It’s also a good idea to designate an emergency contact person for each department who can be reached 24/7. This person should be knowledgeable about all major operations. Post contact names and phone numbers near machines.

Additional Information:

• Winter Power Outage Tips
• Worker Safety in a Power Outage
• Food Safety During a Power Outage