RICHLAND, Wash. - Hanford Site workers have developed an innovative approach to keep them safe from the dangers of an arc flash, which occurs when an electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air to another conductor. These discharges can cause serious injury or death.
Recognizing an opportunity to improve the process for how workers disconnect power from a pump motor, the water and sewer utility team from EM Richland Operations Office (RL) contractor Mission Support Alliance (MSA) implemented a plan to use remote operated equipment when working with electrical components.
“Ensuring the safety of Hanford workers is the most important aspect of the work we do," said Jeff Frey, RL assistant manager for mission support. “We appreciate the foresight of MSA and its workers for creating a safer working environment."
Instead of using additional resources and staff to disconnect the power, the team can safely complete that work themselves using the remote equipment. With a remote switch, workers are able to stand at a safe distance from the electric source while disconnecting a pump motor from its power source for maintenance and repairs.
“I want to commend the water utility team for developing the plan to use remote operated equipment," said Todd Synoground, MSA vice president of public works. “Thanks to their dedication, we are creating a safer work environment that utility groups from other EM sites can follow and implement."
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
