Brian Hall

The short answer is: sometimes, and only under very specific conditions. The longer answer will be explained in this article. Understanding which characteristics make equipment either safe or unsafe is the difference between a reasonable work practice and a preventable tragedy. The default rule under both OSHA 1910.333 and NFPA 70E is crystal clear: de-energize before you work. Lockout/tagout exists for a reason, and the accident record for facilities that skip it is sobering: electrocutions,...

Most facility managers and EHS leaders have heard of the NFPA 70B 2023 update by now. Many have taken steps to respond; they scheduled an infrared inspection, dusted off the maintenance documentation, or at least flagged it as something to revisit. That's a start. But there's a difference between "we've done something" and "we have a program that would hold up under scrutiny." The year 2026 is a great time to review whether what you’re doing today reflects what the standard actually requires....

If you've spent any time in traditional electrical work, you know how to read a system. You understand the hazards and how to approach them. But when it comes to solar power, it's a whole different ballgame. These systems present unique hazards that workers and safety managers can't afford to overlook. Let’s walk through how they work, what makes them unique, and how to make sure your team is prepared to work on them safely. How a Photovoltaic (PV) System Works The difference between solar...