Procedure to Mark Unprotected Equipment
We will now learn about the procedure to mark unprotected equipment. To begin with, we will look into the industry safety practices.
Industry Safety Practices
Let us now look into the safety practices in the electrical industry.
Intended use
Select the device according to the purpose and use within the specified limit. Do not use the external auxiliary device
Instruction and safety
Contact the technical assistant to ensure how to use the device according to the safety labels and tags.
Installation
Refer Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and understand the processing characteristics of the material. Ground the equipment and install protective devices.
Operation
Use safety devices like guards, interlocks, and protect yourself with Personal Protective Equipment. Ensure that you see the signs of potential in a proper manner.
Maintenance & repair
Do a scheduled maintenance at intervals and confirm the correct operation of the device. If any fault occurs, replace it or repair it.
Equipment safety information
The specific conditions that an equipment can withstand are mentioned in the manual for the equipment or on the equipment. We also need to abide by a few precautions while handling and working with the electrical equipment.
Avoid open flame in the site area
Check the pressure daily to protect the equipment from wear, damage or leaks
Do not point dispensing handgun at anyone
Do not remove the molten hot melt cable with bare skin
If you encounter a disaster, seek medical attention immediately
Shut down the equipment safely as the level of shut down varies from one device to another.
General safety warning and caution
Every equipment comes with warning and caution symbols provided by the manufacturer. It is important that an electrician understand the warnings and symbols and handles the equipment accordingly.
The following table shows a few safety label and their description −
| Sr.No. |
Safety Label |
Description |
| 1 |
 |
Warning − Risk of electrical shock. It may cause injury or equipment damage if not observed correctly. |
| 2 |
 |
Warning − Potential hazardous situation. It can cause serious injury including death. |
| 3 |
 |
Caution − Potential hazardous situation. It can cause minor or moderate personal injury. |
It is recommended to carefully understand the type of equipment. It is also important to know the placement of equipment and what is to be kept away from it.
HM - Hot Melt – Caution: To stay away from the hot surface. If hot metal gets in contact with a hot surface, then it might lead to a disaster.
PC - Process Control - Warning: Untrained or inexperienced personnel may lead to equipment damage and personal injuries.
CA - Cold Adhesive - Warning: Do not use high pressure. It may release cold adhesive causing personal injury.
Approved symbols present on devices
The following table lists down a few approved symbols present on devices
| Sr.No. |
Icons |
Meaning |
| 1 |
 |
Corrosive product |
| 2 |
 |
Product hazardous to health |
| 3 |
 |
Toxic product |
| 4 |
 |
Product harmful to the environment |
| 5 |
 |
Explosive product |
| 6 |
 |
Product meets European safety requirements |
| 7 |
 |
Restriction of certain hazardous substances in electrical/electronic equipment |
| 8 |
 |
Safety Extra Low Voltage |
Marking at Site
In this section, we will the different marks on a site and understand what they mean.
Barricading and signage
There are different types of barricades use at the location. The following table shows a few barricades −
| Type |
Description |
Example |
| Caution |
Access permitted but caution required. It highlights hazardous area. |
 |
| Danger |
Access permitted under the instruction of authority. Restricted area: hot work, falling object, unprotected edge. |
 |
| Don’t Enter/ Electrical Work |
Used for switchboard, distribution line maintenance. |
 |
| Radiation |
Access permitted under the instruction of Radiation safety officer. |
 |
| Incident scene |
No access for any unauthorized person if an incident has occurred. |
 |
| Barrier mesh/ Bunting flag |
It is used to highlight the boundary of the work area. |
 |
| Solid Barricade |
This signage means establishing a safe distance from plant or equipment |
 |
Questions
1. What is required to understand about the equipment at the time of installation?
a) barricade
b) Symbols
c) MSDS
d) None of these
Ans: c
Explanation
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is referred before the installation of an equipment.
2. Which barricade is/are required to highlight the boundary of work area?
a) Barrier mesh
b) Radiation
c) Bunting flag
d) Both A & C
Ans: d
Explanation
According to the safety standards, Barrier mesh and Bunting flag are used to highlight the boundary of work location.
3. Which symbol represents the product that is harmful to the environment?
a. 
b. 
c. 
d. 
Ans: b
Explanation
Each symbol defines a product such as A represents hazardous to health, B represents harmful to the environment, C represents corrosive material and D represents explosive material.
