Why Audit

1
Why Audit?

• Or The Case of Non-Voltage Rated Gloves.
• IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop, Houston, TX
• John D. Aeiker
• February 5, 2003

2
Auditing Has Many Benefits

• Compliance with Standards
• Different Perspectives/Interpretations
• Another Set of Eyes
• Safer Work Practices
• Fewer Injuries/Incidents
• Provide Learning Opportunities

3
An Example

• Performing an Electrical Safety audit in an
  operating area of a large chemical plant
• Found only leather gloves in PPE Cabinet in a 440
  volt Motor Control Center
• Asked to see voltage rated gloves to verify
  current inspection
• Was told the leather gloves were the only ones
  needed in this MCC

4
The Problem

• Operators, Mechanics, and Electricians operated
  MCC equipment
• Site Electrical Safety Team had recently
  addressed the shock hazard issue VR gloves
  required for all work gt50 volts
• Operating area had not complied with site
  requirement
• Site had not audited for compliance

5
Benefits of This Audit

• Outside set of eyes aided Site to address
  resistance to change/improvement in operating
  area
• Identified Site internal compliance system
  improvements
• Safer work practices for all who operate MCC
  equipment
• Reduced potential for electrical shock