Energy Sources 1
Most loads require specialty equipment to lift more than 500 lbs (70 m-kgs) of load higher than 1 ft (30 cm) off the ground. In such a case, the suspended load would exceed the high-energy threshold.
What is Suspended Loads?
According to the American Burn Association (2023), exposure to any substance greater than or equal to 150 degrees F (65 C) typically causes third-degree burns when contacted for 2 seconds or more.
What is High Temperature
Any arc flash exceeds the high-energy threshold because of the voltage exposure according to NFPA 70E (2024).
What is Arc Flash
More Energy Causes More Harm
What is Principle #2
Considering the average weight of a human is more than 150 lbs (68 kg), a fall from 4 ft (1.2 m) of elevation or more (measured from the ground surface to the bottom of the feet) exceeds the high-energy threshold.
What is Worker Fall from Elevation
According to the American Burn Association (2023), any circumstance with the release of steam exceeds the high-energy threshold.
What is Release of Steam
Use this category to capture any event where the energy exceeds the 500 ft-lb (70 m-kgs) threshold but is not specifically listed as one of the high energy sources. Energy can be calculated using the Energy Calculator.
What is Energy Calculation.
Electrical Contact and Arc Flash are this type of Energy source
What is Electrical?
If a falling object’s weight multiplied by the distance, it fell exceeds 500 ft-lbs. (70 m-kgs), it exceeds the high-energy threshold.
What is Object Fall from Elevation
According to the North American Combustion Handbook (Reed, 1978), a lightly combustible material such as paper burns at approximately 700 degrees F (370 C), far exceeding the temperature threshold. Fire with a sustained source of fuel exceeds the high-energy threshold.
What is Fire with Sustained Fuel Source
Must Understand where are the energy sources that can seriously hurt or kill us
What is principle #1
Suspended Load, Worker Fall from Elevation, and Object Fall from Elevation are this type of Energy source
What is GRAVITY?
A conservative estimate of 30 mph (48 kph) is the high-energy threshold. This energy exposure is taken from the point of view of the vehicle occupants, including the driver.
What is Motor vehicle Incident
Most incidents described as an explosion exceed the high-energy threshold.
What is Explosion
This percentage of hazards are missed because they are not reasonably identifiable before work starts
What is 20%?
Process gas is a hazard from this type of energy source
What is Pressure?
Computing mechanical energy can be complex, as it requires estimates of the moment of inertia and angular velocity for rotating objects and stiffness and displacement for tension or compression. Thus, all heavy rotating equipment beyond powered hand tools typically exceed the high-energy threshold and should be considered high-energy.
What is Heavy Rotating Equipment
Electricity greater than or equal to 50 V is sufficient to result in serious injury or death. Note that this is conservative, as most medical literature indicates that a current of 1 A or greater has the likely potential to cause a SIF.
What is Electrical Contact with Source
Controls Saves Lives
What is Principle #3
Research has found that exposure to energy in excess of this level ft/Lbs is more likely to result in a Serious Injury or Fatality (SIF).
What is 500 ft-lbs?