Two New Electrical Safety Courses From Arcflash.ca & Major Changes To IEEE 1584!  

Erin M • September 12, 2018

September Newsletter - 2018!

Summer is over, but Fall brings lots of exciting new things in the world of electrical safety! With two great new training programs available, including Electrical Safety Certification For Non-Electricians and Electrical Safety Certification For Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics, as well as a comprehensive video from an Engineer colleague in the U.S., Jim Phillips, on the next edition of IEEE 1584, we hope you enjoy our September Newsletter. Don’t forget, the Arcflash e-Learning Store is now up and running! Click here to check it out!


2018 IEEE 1584 - NEW VIDEO

Major Changes to the Next Edition

Jim Phillips, P.E.

In this one-hour video, Jim discusses the major changes to the next edition of IEEE 1584, as well as provides a bit of the history surrounding the last 16 years of the standard's development. Click here to watch online. Have questions? Give the team at archflash.ca a call. We’re always happy to help!

Electrical Safety Certification For Non-Electricians Course

A Course that will help to reduce the risk to skilled workers who are not electricians, but who may be exposed to electrical hazards.

Based on the 2018 edition of CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard. Intended for facilities maintenance and management personnel, custodians, Maintenance Supervisors, HVAC Technicians, Service Technicians, Solar and Wind Generator Installers, and other workers who are exposed to electrical hazards as part of their job duties.

The content of this half-day course can be customized to meet specific in-house needs

Topics may include:

- Safety with electrical test instruments

- Electrical Specific PPE and clothing

- Lockout

- Flexible Cords

- Electrical Incident Response and Management

For further information, please contact: len@arcflash.ca, 905 691 2880

Electrical Safety Certification For Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics Course

A Course that will help to reduce the risk to skilled workers who are not electricians, but who may be exposed to electrical hazards.

Based on the 2018 edition of CSA Z462 Workplace Electrical Safety Standard . Intended for Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics who are exposed to electrical hazards as part of their job duties

The content of this full-day, practically based course can be customized to meet specific in-house needs

Topics include:

- Electrical hazards of arc flash and shock

- Lockout (Establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition)

- Limits of Approach

- Safety with electrical test instruments

- Electrical Specific PPE and clothing

- Fuseology

- Safety with the installation and removal of cartridge fuses

For further information, please contact: len@arcflash.ca, 905 691 2880


Happy Labour Day - It’s Back to Work!

Labour Day in Canada is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It originally gave workers the chance to campaign for better working conditions or pay. The day is now part of a long weekend for many Canadians.

Labour Day is a time when many Canadians can relax and unwind from work or studies.

What Do People Do?

Traditionally, Labour Day was an occasion to campaign for and celebrate workers' rights during parades and picnics organized by trade unions. These still play a role in Labour Day for some Canadians, but many people see the first Monday in September as an opportunity to take a late summer trip, perhaps to their country cottage, or enjoy the company of family or friends at picnics, fairs, festivals and fireworks displays. For teenagers and other students, the Labour Day weekend is the last chance to celebrate with a party or to go on a trip before school re-opens for the new academic year. Canadian football fans may spend a large proportion of the weekend watching the Labour Day Classic matches live or on television. The Labour Day Classic consists of three games between high ranking teams in the Canadian Football League. One match is played on the Sunday before Labour Day and two on Labour Day.

Background

The origins of Labour Day can be traced back to April 15, 1872, when the Toronto Trades Assembly organized Canada's first significant demonstration for worker's rights. The aim of the demonstration was to release the 24 leaders of the Toronto Typographical Union who were imprisoned for striking to campaign for a nine-hour working day. At this time, trade unions were still illegal and striking was seen as a criminal conspiracy to disrupt trade. In spite of this, the Toronto Trades Assembly was already a significant organization and encouraged workers to form trade unions, mediated in disputes between employers and employees and signaled the mistreatment of workers.

There was enormous public support for the parade and the authorities could no longer deny the important role that the trade unions had to play in the emerging Canadian society. A few months later, a similar parade was organized in Ottawa and passed the house of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John Macdonald. Later in the day, he appeared before the gathering and promised to repeal all Canadian laws against trade unions. This happened in the same year and eventually led to the founding of the Canadian Labour Congress in 1883.

Labour Day was originally celebrated in the spring but it was moved to the fall after 1894. A similar holiday, Labor Day is held on the same day in the United States of America. Canadian trade unions are proud that this holiday was inspired by their efforts to improve workers' rights!

We hope you enjoyed all of the information in our September Newsletter and look forward to hearing from you, as well as bringing more up-to-date electrical safety information and tips in our October Newsletter!

As always, you are invited to contribute a story or a question that you would like to bring forward to other readers, related to workplace electrical safety or lockout, including PPE and safety equipment. Please send your stories and questions to Len at len@arcflash.ca. You can also continue the conversation with us on our Linkden Workplace Electrical Safety Communications group!

What is an Arc Flash and How to Prevent It

By Sara DeSantis • April 28, 2025
For electrical engineers, electricians, and safety managers, "arc flash" is a term that carries significant weight. Arc flash incidents are one of the most dangerous and potentially catastrophic hazards in the electrical industry. But what exactly is an arc flash, and more importantly, how can you prevent it? This blog will explain what arc flash is, why it occurs, and practical ways to safeguard your workplace and team from its dangers.
A group of men are working on a computer in a room.

Everything You Need to Know About Arc Flash Training

By Sara DeSantis • March 7, 2025
Electrical safety is a critical concern for professionals like electrical engineers, safety managers, and electricians. Among the many hazards in the field, arc flash incidents rank as some of the most dangerous, capable of causing severe injuries, equipment damage, or worse. If you work in Hamilton or Burlington, understanding what arc flash training involves and how it can protect individuals and assets is essential.
A group of men in blue overalls are giving each other a high five in a factory.

Why Electricians Need Arc Flash Training (And How to Get)

By Sara DeSantis • February 21, 2025
Working with electricity comes with inherent risks, and one of the most dangerous hazards is an arc flash. Every year, countless electricians, safety managers, and construction supervisors face incidents related to arc flash, which can cause severe injuries, equipment damage, and even fatalities. The solution? Comprehensive arc flash training. For electricians, staying safe isn’t just about wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE); it’s about understanding the risks, knowing how to prevent accidents, and being confident in addressing safety challenges. If you're in Hamilton or nearby, arcflash.ca offers high-quality training to equip you with this crucial knowledge.
Three men wearing hard hats and yellow vests are looking at a blueprint

Should You, as an Electrician, Have Arc Flash Training?

By Sara DeSantis • January 27, 2025
When working in the electrical industry, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. The risks of working with electricity are extensive, and arc flash incidents are some of the most dangerous and potentially fatal hazards electricians, safety managers, and construction workers face. This brings us to an important question: Should you undergo arc flash training? The answer is a resounding yes, no matter how experienced you are with Electrical systems.
A sign on a chain link fence warns of electrical safety

Understanding Arc Flash – What Every Employee Needs to Know About Electrical Safety

By Sara DeSantis • December 19, 2024
Electrical safety is a critical concern in many workplaces, especially for those who work directly with or near electrical systems. One of the most serious hazards in these environments is an Arc Flash. This sudden burst of electrical energy can cause devastating injuries, equipment damage, and even fatalities. Understanding the risks and learning how to protect yourself is essential for anyone working around electricity. Here’s what every employee needs to know about Arc Flash and electrical safety.

Changes to the 2024 Edition of CSA Z462

By Len Cicero • October 10, 2023
In this article, I discuss the new changes with the 2024 Edition.

Electrical Safety & Lockout Services During The COVID-19 Pandemic & More Valuable Information.

By Erin M • April 21, 2020
At Arcflsah.ca safety isn't just something we train, but rather a value that we live by. Our hearts truly go out to all of those who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciate all of the hard work and sacrifices being made by all of the frontline workers. We want to let you know that during this time we are taking proper precautions to help keep everyone safe during this difficult time and are still available to assist you should you need us! Online electrical safety courses and other resources are also available here We're all in this together!

March Electrical Safety Announcements, Exciting News Inside!

By Erin M • March 11, 2020
Overall, the 2018 OESR shows a downward trend in electrical fatalities and electrical injuries in Ontario . But there is still more work to do! Take a look at the full document here, and feel free to email or call Len with any questions you may have!

Arcflash.ca Shares Electrical Safety Advice, Videos, New Courses And More! 

By Erin M • February 10, 2020
In the unfortunate event that one has been involved in a motor vehicle collision where there are fallen wires on or near the vehicle, “Stay in the vehicle”… until the electrical utility personnel have arrived. A vehicles tires may smoke or explode from heating up, however remain in the vehicle, except in the case of fire. In the event of the worst case situation, the vehicle is on fire which cannot be readily extinguished. The driver is now in extreme danger. Contacting metal parts of the vehicle and ground at the same time could be fatal. By keeping both feet together and jump clear of the vehicle. Avoid touching the car as both feet come in contact with the ground. Take short shuffle steps keeping both feet as close together as possible. They must avoid contacting each other. Move in this manner away from the vehicle for at least 10 metres (33 ft). Jumping clear of a vehicle can be very dangerous and should only be attempted in circumstances where there is no other alternative such as a vehicle fire. The condition of the vehicle and physical ability of the occupant must also be considered. In the event that one witnesses a motor vehicle collision involving fallen wires, before getting out of your vehicle, examine the surroundings carefully and ensure that you are parked well away from the fallen wires. If it is night time, use a flashlight to examine the surroundings carefully from your vehicle window. Keep your distance including your vehicle a distance of at least 10 metres (33 ft) or more is recommended from the down wire or conductive object it is in contact with. If an energized wire touches a car, truck, metal fence or any other conductive object that object will now become energized and could cause serious or fatal injury. Establish the “Safe Zone” at least 10 metres (33ft) away from wires and anything the wires may be touching. Secure the area and prevent people from entering into areas where there are fallen or broken wires, or electrically charged objects. Do not attempt to move any fallen wires, call and wait for electrical utility personnel. To learn more, check out the video below, as well as the amazing pictures courtesy of the London Ont. Fire Department !

Happy Holidays From Arcflash.ca...

By Erin M • December 17, 2019
Arcflash.ca would like to wish everyone all the best to you and your families for a safe and happy holiday season - and best wishes in the upcoming year!
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