Latest news with #NationalFireProtectionAssociation
Business Journals
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Navigating electrical maintenance facility requirements: What you need to know
Commercial and industrial facility management requires balancing costs, efficiency, maintenance, and safety. Having clear guidelines and support makes it easier. New National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70B guidelines outline requirements for these facilities for regular electrical maintenance, ensuring the safety and operability of equipment, as well as the well-being of building occupants. Maintaining compliance with the electrical code is key for keeping your building up to code, as well as safe and easier to manage in the long run. New NFPA 70B guidelines: What you need to know The NFPA 70B guidelines serve as a guide for industrial and commercial facilities. Published in 2023, the updated NFPA guidelines include updated language, marking a shift from a recommendation of maintenance to noting an electrical maintenance plan (EMP) as a formal plan facilities shall have in place moving forward. According to the NFPA, the updated language serves to 'provide for the practical safeguarding of persons, property, and processes from the risks associated with failure, breakdown, or malfunction.' The regulations are also designed to offer safety and reliability within a facility with 'a condition of maintenance of electrical equipment and systems.' The importance of electrical maintenance plans Electrical maintenance plans set a strong foundation for a well-maintained facility. Under NFPA 70B, electrical maintenance plans outline equipment testing, user training, risk assessments, and documentation requirements to promote safety and efficiency for building managers, facility engineers, and equipment operators. Every EMP should be designed to fit the individual facility's needs. Overhauling an entire building at once in order to meet code requirements is not always the most efficient or budget-friendly solution. Egan Company's team has worked with commercial and industrial facilities of all sizes, helping create custom solutions to bring equipment and buildings up to code methodically without drastically impacting budgets. Electrical maintenance plans can include: Electrical apparatus testing Infrared scans Electrical maintenance training Gear cleaning Arc flash studies Arc risk assessments Electrically safe work conditions Documentation of equipment and service Equipment and facility alerts Maintenance tracking and record-keeping Condition logging Maintenance intervals based on equipment type, criticality, and condition Asset tracking Implementing a customized electrical maintenance plan empowers facility teams, giving them greater control of the facility and electrical systems while promoting safety and efficiency. Make a plan (or update a plan) for your facility The safety, efficiency, and reliability of your facility's equipment is critical for your business' operations. A well-designed electrical maintenance plan that is up to date with NFPA 70B codes, as well as other local, state, and federal regulations, can extend the lifespan of your equipment, reduce downtime from unexpected breakdowns, and enhance the overall performance and safety of your facility. While running a commercial or industrial facility demands a lot from building managers and engineers, keeping up with electrical codes and maintenance plans doesn't have to be one of them. Multi-trades contractors and system integrators like Egan Company work alongside facility teams of all sizes, developing custom plans that fit each unique facilities' equipment and budget needs. Safety is at the heart of everything Egan does, and its electricians, service technicians, and account managers stay up to date with the latest safety guidelines from the NFPA and other organizations to ensure that wherever Egan goes, safety follows. To dig deeper with NFPA 70B or other electrical code requirements, connect with Egan, your local resource serving buildings across the state for over 80 years. Egan Company is a locally owned multi-trades contractor and system integrator with expertise in mechanical, electrical, engineering and design, curtain wall/glazing/panel systems (InterClad), millwrights, fabrication, building systems, controls and system integration, and service. Its purpose is anchored in passion and pride, Egan builds better lives and communities — together.
Forbes
04-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
How To Use Fireworks Safely. Estimated 14,700 People Injured In 2024
On the Fourth of July, many people will be playing with things that can explode, namely fireworks. Gee what could possibly go wrong? Well, when it comes to fireworks, plenty. In fact, in 2024, there were an estimated 14,700 people injured by fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This included 11 reported fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 1,700 emergency room visits dur to sparklers. Deaths increased by 38% and injuries' increased by 52% compared to 2023. Be Careful About Who Handles Fireworks This isn't the time to say, 'Hey, kids, go and play with those fireworks while us adults have some alone time.' In fact, it's never a good time to say that. You should never allow younger children to play with fireworks and older children' to do so unsupervised. That includes sparklers, which may look more innocent but can get up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, sparklers are what were responsible for 29% of all firework injuries among those under five years of age in 2022, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Instead of sparklers, give kids something else shiny like glow sticks or streamers. Also, never say, 'Hold my beer, while I show you how to set off fireworks.' Do not mix fireworks with alcohol, drugs or anything else that can impair judgment. Using fireworks requires your full attention. So you shouldn't be texting or scrolling to see what MrBeast is posting on social media while handling fireworks. Use Only Appropriate Fireworks Don't use illegal fireworks. Yes, this may sound like saying, 'Don't do anything illegal,' which may seem obvious. But you'd be surprised at how easy it is to obtain illegal fireworks. Check you local ordinances. What may be legal in some jurisdictions may not be in yours. Also, stick to fireworks explicitly for consumers and not restricted to professionals. Unless you are a professional fireworks person, you don't have the training, qualifications or equipment to handle professional fireworks. Additionally, make sure that you follow all directions and warnings included with the fireworks. If your fireworks don't have directions or warnings, they may not be legitimate or legal. Keep Water Close By Not everything goes as planned in life. And that includes using fireworks. It's a good idea to keep plenty of water nearby such as a bucket of water or a garden hose, just in case something catches fire or the fireworks continue to burn. Since you may not always be able to tell if fireworks have been completely extinguished after use, it's a good idea to soak all fireworks, used or unused, before discarding them. The last thing you want to do is light the trash on fire. Do Not Use Fireworks Indoors Another thing you should never say is, 'I'm going to the bathroom to light some fireworks,' unless you mean that euphemistically. Never use fireworks in an enclosed area. Instead, make sure that the space is wide open, far away from anything that may be flammable. It's also not a good idea to light fireworks in a container. That could lead pressure to build up, resulting in an even bigger explosion. Plus, it could break the container and send fragments flying around all over the place. Make Sure That You And Others Are Properly Protected Keep yourself and those around you adequately protected when using fireworks. Don't wear something that can easily catch fire like the wedding dress with the 27-foot train and a 10-foot veil that Mariah Carey wore in her 1993 wedding to Tommy Mottola. Anyone close to fireworks should wear protective eyewear and consider covering any exposed body parts. Use Proper Procedures When Lighting Fireworks Once you light any fireworks, quickly move away and keep a safe distance from them. You should never hold lit fireworks in your hand. Don't point fireworks at anyone or say, 'Here, catch this lit firecracker.' ● Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting ● Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How hot do sparklers get? Why you should consider glow sticks instead for kids
Sparklers are a fun tradition in the Tri-State around the Fourth of July holiday. But they also can be incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of a toddler. According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees (sometimes more, depending on the brand). That's really hot to have your little one's hand so close, and waving it so close to others. Kevin Moore, emergency department medical director for IU Health, suggested small children shouldn't handle anything that's lit, including a sparkler. The National Safety Council also recommends not allowing young children to handle fireworks, and to closely supervise older children. The National Fire Protection Association recommends glow sticks as a safer alternative to sparklers. Moore recommended the following advice if you're using fireworks at home: Don't let small children handle fireworks or anything that is lit, including sparklers. Don't point fireworks at people, animals, houses, etc. Follow instructions on packaging. Keep water nearby. Light fireworks one at a time. Don't try to relight a firework that didn't go off. Keep pets inside when lighting fireworks. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How hot do sparklers get? Fireworks safety tips for the Fourth of July
Indianapolis Star
27-06-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
How hot do sparklers get? Why you should consider glow sticks instead for kids
Sparklers are a fun tradition for children around the Fourth of July holiday. But they also can be incredibly dangerous, especially in the hands of a toddler. According to the National Safety Council, sparklers can burn at around 2,000 degrees (sometimes more, depending on the brand). That's really hot to have your little one's hand so close, and waving it so close to others. Kevin Moore, emergency department medical director for IU Health, suggested small children shouldn't handle anything that's lit, including a sparkler. The National Safety Council also recommends not allowing young children to handle fireworks, and to closely supervise older children. The National Fire Protection Association recommends glow sticks as a safer alternative to sparklers.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Setting off Fourth of July fireworks? Here's how to celebrate safely in PA, Bucks County
Summer is in full swing and with the Fourth of July right around the corner, the night skies across Bucks County will soon be illuminated with fireworks big and small. But if you're planning on celebrating at home, its important to know the law in Pennsylvania. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and caused $109 million in property damage. In 2023, fireworks were also involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here's what you need to know about buying, handling and enjoying fireworks this year: Pennsylvanians can buy and use "Class C" or consumer-grade fireworks like firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. Larger "display fireworks" are only to be used by professionals with a municipal permit. Anyone over the age of 18 can purchase, possess and use consumer-grade fireworks in Pennsylvania. Consumer fireworks do not include ground and hand-held sparklers and other novelties which are not restricted. Consumer fireworks in Pennsylvania are sold by retailers in stand-alone, permanent structures licensed by the Department of Agriculture. They can also be purchased online but they must be delivered to a licensed, permanent structure. The Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner has provided a list of tips to help keep you and your friends and family safe this summer: Don't use fireworks while consuming alcohol, illegal drugs or medication that can cause impairment. Keep a bucket of water, hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. Keep fireworks away from young children. Sparklers are the No. 2 cause of fireworks-related visits to the ER, according to the Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner. Soak spent and unused fireworks in a bucket of water before throwing them away. Wear eye protection and don't handle fireworks directly once lit. Never light fireworks inside pr near other people or buildings. Only light one firework at a time. Don't handle or attempt to relight a failed firework. Wait 5-10 minutes and then place duds in a bucket of water. Lacey Latch is the development reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times and The Intelligencer. She can be reached at LLatch@ This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Are fireworks legal in PA? What to know before setting off fireworks
