Electrical Safety

VIDEO How To Verify Total Absence of Voltage By The Push Of a Button

• Guest Article by Glen Bate (Panduit Account Manager)

VeriSafe voltage tester

When servicing LV MV HV electrical equipment, workers must comply with safety regulations that require a voltage verification test to validate the absence of voltage.

This process requires strict adherence to prevent accidents and bodily injury, but includes many stages that can be complex and time-consuming when using hand-held portable test instruments.

This paper examines the costs and limitations involved with using a manual absence of voltage tester. It also describes a new technology for the factory floor that automates the process, reducing time, complexity, and costs.

VeriSafe^TM by Panduit is the first-of-its-kind voltage tester that determines the absence of voltage with just a push of a button. This revolutionary 2018 NFPA 70E compliant product automates the required six-step testing process in about ten seconds, enabling your plant to operate faster, safer, and more efficiently.

Simplify electrical safety with the superior technology of VeriSafe.

Historical Costs of Checking for Absence of Voltage

Numerous studies exist pertaining to injuries resulting from electric shock and arc flash events. These studies recognise that establishing the economic payoffs of prevention is a critical factor in promoting workplace safety. Besides personal injury, the costs of property and equipment damage need to be considered.

Although estimates vary, studies have shown that the average direct cost of an electrical injury ranges from about US $50,000 to US $80,000′, while the indirect cost can exceed the direct cost by a factor of nearly four². Direct costs include lost wages or workers’ compensation payments, medical expenditures, and legal expenses.

Indirect costs include:

• wages paid during work stoppage
• administrative costs related to injury
• property damage and repair
• training and compensation for replacement workers
• lost productivity with less experienced workers
• fines related to workplace safety violations
• potential increase in absenteeism
• decrease in morale

Electrical injuries have one of the highest average workers’ compensation costs, second only to motor vehicle accidents³.

Injuries from contact with exposed wiring, transformers, or other electrical components frequently occur in the workplace and involve construction, installation, maintenance, and repair workers. These injuries are often costly and serious, as demonstrated by the number of days away from work; 51% of workers missed over one week of work due to these injuries, with 40% missing two weeks or more⁴.⁵.

Limitations of Using a Handheld Voltage Tester

Verifying the absence of voltage is part of the process to establish an electrically safe work condition. Step 5 of NFPA 70E-2015 Article 120.5⁶ describes this process:

Use an adequately rated test instrument to test each phase conductor or circuit part to verify it is de-energized. Test each phase conductor or circuit part both phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground. Before and after each test, determine that the test instrument is operating satisfactorily through verification on a known voltage source.

This process usually involves a portable, hand-held voltage test instrument. To be effective, it is critical to perform each step of the process in sequence, and it requires taking the necessary precautions, such as the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (Figure 1).

Competent & Authorised Persons

Note Panduit recommend that VeriSafe should be used by competent and authorised people. As VeriSafe is a new and innovative solution to make the Absence of Voltage Testing, we recommend that the people who will use this device, have to be trained in order to understand how it works and how to use it properly.

Please be aware that with this product there is no risk of having hazardous voltage on the indicator module and on the door, as they are isolated from the main power by the isolation module which is located inside the panel. This means that there is less than 5 volts (just enough to power the LEDs on the indicator) present at the device located on the door and used to launch the test procedure.

Figure 1. Absence of Voltage Test Using Handheld Voltage Test Instrument

VeriSafe – Request a Demo

Complexity

Adhering to this process prevents electrical injuries, but the process is complex and time consuming. Portable instruments are susceptible to mechanical and electrical failure and misuse by the person using the device. In addition, because the process of using a hand-held tester is dependent on human input, interaction, and interpretation, it is vulnerable to mistakes and errors.

Training Costs

Training on the selection, maintenance, and use of test instruments is crucial as are systems for inspecting and maintaining voltage test instruments. However, training and maintaining the test equipment incur the additional expenses of time and cost.

The Risks of Voltage Testing

Portable Handheld Voltage Detector in Action

Electrical Safety

Traditional Method – Determining absence of voltage with handhled testers presents a risk of exposure to electrical hazards

A disadvantage of implementing a voltage verification test with a hand-held tester is that the person performing it may be exposed to electrical hazards while verifying that the tester is working prior to and after the test, and during the test if the equipment was not de-energized.

With such a significant emphasis on performing work only on de-energized equipment, it is ironic that best practice relies on PPE and exposure to hazards before de-energized work begins. The need for PPE is a significant contributor to the overall time to carry out this process because the worker must first determine the required PPE, then obtain, inspect, dress, and properly store it after use. Additionally, PPE can be misused or not used at all, especially when there are time constraints.

When processes are overly complex or time-consuming, workers tend to become complacent and develop shortcuts as practices become routine. A normalization of deviance—small, gradual deviations from an established practice—may occur over time. With the lack of negative consequences, the lower standard eventually becomes the norm”.

Even when hazards are part of the everyday routine, deviations from a safety procedure can slowly become accepted practice. These deviations are particularly evident when there are time pressures, which is often the case when electrical maintenance causes unplanned or excessive downtime. If either training or enforcement of administrative procedures is lacking, the effectiveness of the procedures will diminish.

A More Efficient Way to Test for Voltage­ VeriSafe^TM Absence of Voltage Tester (AVT)

VeriSafe AVT – Prevents direct exposure to electrical hazards and determines voltage status before equipment is accessed

The VeriSafe^TM AVT automates the voltage verification process and is the first AVT tailored for electrical enclosures (Figure 2). By automating this process, the VeriSafe^TM AVT features the following:

• Tests without exposure to harmful voltages/currents
• Self-contained; no additional meters or tools are needed
• Built-in pre-/post-verification test
• Tests phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground
• Automated test sequence
• Active indication for absence of voltage
• Supports compliance with NFPA 70E-2018 Article 120.5
• Rated safety integrity level (SIL) 3 per IEC 61508

The VeriSafe^TM AVT is applicable for several applications:

• Equipment with a single source of incoming power
• High risk associated with access
• Equipment with high incident energy
• Remote or difficult to access locations — Outdoor, mezzanine, catwalk
• Sites with temporary or intermittent power
• Equipment with stored electrical energy — VFDs, capacitors, etc.
• Equipment frequently serviced by third-party technicians or contractors

Figure 2 VeriSafe AVT

NFPA 70E

One of the major changes to the 2018 edition of NFPA 70E involves the new requirements that allow an installed AVT to be used instead of a hand-held voltage tester. When the VeriSafe^– AVT is used in conjunction with a Lockout/Tagout Program, it meets the requirements for the process described in NFPA 70E-2018 Article 120.5:

Exception No. 1: An adequately rated permanently mounted test device shall be permitted to be used to verify the absence of voltage of the conductors or circuit parts at the work location, provided it meets the following requirements:

1. It is permanently mounted and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and tests the conductors and circuit parts at the point of work
2. It is listed and labeled to verify the absence of voltage
3. It tests each phase conductor or circuit part both phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground
4. The test device is verified as operating satisfactorily on any known voltage source before and after verifying the absence of voltage

Figure 3 Comparison of the VeriSafe AVT and Portable Device Testing Methods

VeriSafe AVT – The Safe, Efficient, Accurate Way to Verify

Integrating the VeriSafe™ AVT is a vital improvement to absence of voltage testing. A solid testing method helps create a reliable, safe, cost-effective system that workers can use as needed. The VeriSafe^™ AVT verifies the absence of voltage before equipment is accessed, making it easier for qualified electrical workers to determine an electrically safe environment in a fraction of the time required by hand-held portable test instruments.

VeriSafe AVT – Verification Steps

VeriSafe AVT – Safe, Efficeint & Accurate Way To Detect Voltage

VeriSafe Award Winning Panduit Product

1. B. Campbell and D. A. Dini, Occupational Injuries from Electrical Shock and Arc Flash Events. Quincy, MA: Fire Protection Research Foundation, 2015.
2. F. A. Manuele, “Accident costs: Rethinking ratios of indirect to direct costs,” Prof. Safety, pp. 39-47, Jan. 2011.
3. I. B. Horwitz and B. P. McCall, An epidemiological and risk analysis of Virginia workers’ compensation burn claims 1999 to 2002: Identifying and prioritizing preventative workplace interventions,’ Occup. Environ. Med., vol. 49, no. 12, pp. 1376-1385. 2007.
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. [Online]. Available:
5. U.S. Department of Labor. Bureau of Labor Statistics census of fatal occupational injuries. [Online]. Available:
6. Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace 2015 Edition, NFPA 70E, 2015.
7. L. Floyd and B. J. Nenninger, Personnel Safety and Plant Reliability Considerations in the Selection and Use of Voltage Test Instruments: IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, vol. 33, no. 2, pp 367-373, 1997.
8. A. Johnson. (2011- Nov. U. Not an easy task. Safety+ Health. [Online]. Available:
9. ‘J. Wettstein. (2013, Oct. 241. When safety shortcuts become the norm. [Online]. Available:
10. “Only AVTs listed to UL 1436 as an AVT meet this requirement.

VeriSafe – Request a Demo

Thorne & Derrick International, based in the UK, are Official Distributors for the Panduit range of cable ties for industrial and hazardous area management of data, telecoms, control, instrumentation and power LV MV HV cables in industrial and hazardous area industries including oil/gas, petrochemical, rail, renewable, construction and mining/quarrying industries – this includes stainless steel cable ties used to clamp and cleat cables located in medium/high voltage MV HV onshore and offshore substations.

CATU Insulated Tools for Live Line Working to IEC 60900 up to 1000 Volts

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager 

Insulated Tools

Live Line Working Tools – LV Cable Jointers Tools

Electrical Safety Equipment

The CATU Electrical range of insulated tools comply with the NF EN 60900 and IEC 60900 standards – these insulated tools are used by cable jointers and electrical engineers for live working and jointing cables up to 1000 volts.

CATU insulated hand tools are dielectrically tested to 10,000 volts AC by electrical testing and severe mechanical tests including impact tests, tearing tests and puncture tests to meet these standards and are for working live at nominal voltages up to 1kV AC and 1.5kV DC.

Contact us with your Sales Enquiries for the following product ranges – we stock and distribute the most extensive range of IEC 60900 insulated tools:

• Insulated Tool Kits
• Insulated Pliers & Cutters
• Insulated Spanners
• Insulated Sockets & Accessories
• Insulated Saws & Knives
• Insulated Screwdrivers
• Insulated Nut Spinners
• Insulated Link Extractors
• Insulated Hexagon Keys
• Insulated Box Spanners
• Other Insulated Tools
• Insulated Gloves

CATU Tools

IEC 60900:2018 

♦ Live Working Tools – Hand Tools For Use Up To 1000 V AC and 1 500 V DC

CATU Isomil insulated tools for live working cover all electricians and cable jointers requirements. Insulated tools are used by live working cable jointers on utility cables during connection, disconnection and cable fault repair of PILC, Consac, Waveform and XLPE SWA low voltage cables, 415V-600V.

From stock Thorne & Derrick can also supply complete LV Jointers Tool Sets and Jointers Tents to provide weather protection for utility workers carrying out maintenance, repair or installation services to both de-energised or energised power systems – for overhead line and pole working on cables and conductors we can supply a selection of insulating ladders compliant with EN 131 safety standards.

CATU Isomil Dual Material

Layer Insulating Tools

DUAL MATERIAL INSULATED TOOLS – FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Suitable for work on live cables, particularly low voltage (30cm area of a live bare wire, cable or conductor)
• Ergonomic hand tools
• Dual material with non-skid “softgrip” injected material for operator comfort

DUAL LAYER INSULATED TOOLS – FEATURES & BENEFITS

• Extensive product live for work on live cables; mainly used by LV Live Line Working teams
• Ergonomic insulated tools
• Dual-layer with a white insulating layer
• High mechanical strength in the layers due to dipping technique
• Steel with high mechanical properties

from CATU Electrical

CATU Electrical LV Live Line Working Tool Range

• IEC 60900 Insulated Pliers
• IEC 60900 Insulated Screwdrivers
• IEC 60900 Insulated Cutters
• IEC 60900 Insulated Hacksaws
• IEC 60900 Insulated Stripping Knives
• IEC 60900 Insulated Spanners
• IEC 60900 Insulated Ratchet Handles
• IEC 60900 Insulated Wrenches
• IEC 60900 Insulated Sockets

Electrical Safety Overhead Lines & Underground Cables

CATU Electrical Safety Equipment protects Senior Authorised Persons (SAP’s), Linesmen, Cable Jointers and Electrical Engineers during electrical construction and maintenance work on underground cables and overhead lines – typical applications include LV-HV cable jointing, fuse pulling, racking circuit breakers, electrical switching and live working.

For instance, insulating gloves offer personal protection against electrocution – durable, flexible, high dielectric and mechanical strength insulating gloves from 500V – 33kV.

The CATU MO-180-ARC is part of our range of arc flash helmets which is comfortable and safe when in use with insulating protection of the shell, shockproof for the head and eye and face protection againstof thermal effect. Easy to use – taking only 3 Seconds To Install.

Arc Flash Safety Helmet with Integrated Face Shield – CATU MO-180-ARC4

Insulating Matting | Voltage Detectors | Substation Kits | Phase Comparators

Pfisterer | Nexans Euromold | Prysmian | Cable Joints & Terminations MV HV

3rd Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference in Manchester on May 21st & 22nd 2019

Article by Chris Dodds – Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference – Manchester 2019

The 3rd Arc Flash & Isolation Safety Conference took place in Manchester on 21–22 May 2019.

The two-day event brought together electrical safety professionals to discuss arc flash hazards, safe isolation and practical risk management.

Its programme focused on real workplace experiences, technical developments and the challenges faced by electrical engineers.

Delegates had the opportunity to hear from specialists, review case studies and discuss ways to improve electrical safety.

The event also examined relevant standards, risk assessment methods and the selection of appropriate arc flash protective equipment.

Why Is Arc Flash Safety Important?

An arc flash is a dangerous electrical event that can release intense heat, light and pressure.

It may occur when an electrical fault produces an arc through the surrounding air.

Workers exposed to an arc flash can suffer severe burns and other injuries.

Effective risk management therefore requires suitable electrical system design, safe working procedures and appropriate protective measures.

Where a residual thermal hazard remains, correctly selected arc-rated PPE can provide an additional layer of protection.

Arc Flash Conference – Technical Topics

The conference addressed several important areas of electrical safety.

Its programme included the following technical subjects:

• The human factor in electrical safety: Reducing errors and improving workplace performance.
• Arc flash risk assessments: Understanding the UK approach to electrical hazard evaluation.
• Arc-rated clothing programmes: Developing and implementing suitable protective clothing arrangements.
• Maritime electrical safety: Managing arc flash hazards through vessel electrical system design.
• IEC 62271-200: Internal arc classification of relevant high voltage switchgear.
• IEC 61439: Improving safety in low voltage switchgear assemblies.
• Electrical safety training: Identifying gaps in worker knowledge and competence.
• Arc flash PPE: Understanding when protective clothing is required.
• Nuclear industry risk assessment: Lessons from a Swedish nuclear power plant.
• Protective clothing design: Understanding the construction and performance of arc flash PPE.
• IEEE 1584: Methods used to calculate arc flash incident energy.
• Practical workplace case studies: Applying arc flash assessments to real electrical installations.
• PPE selection methods: Comparing approaches to electrical arc hazard assessment.

Together, these sessions explored both the technical and human aspects of electrical safety.

Arc Flash Clothing | Polo Shirts | Jackets | Trousers | Sweatshirts | Helmets

Legal Responsibility and Electrical Safety Management

One of the conference sessions focused on the legal responsibilities associated with electrical installations.

Anthony Smith, CEO of Lantei Compliance Services and The Electrical Safety Network, delivered the presentation.

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

Anthony’s session examined the legal requirements for maintaining electrical systems and equipment.

It covered low, medium and high voltage installations, with particular attention to the responsibilities of duty holders.

The presentation included discussion of:

• The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
• The IET Code of Practice for Electrical Safety Management.
• Electrical maintenance responsibilities.
• Workplace compliance and safety management.

The aim was to help duty holders understand their responsibilities and manage electrical safety more effectively.

This presentation appeared as Session 14 in the original conference programme.

Electrical Safety Equipment

Safe electrical working may require specialist testing and protective equipment.

For example, appropriate voltage detectors and portable earthing arrangements can form part of approved isolation procedures.

Thorne & Derrick supply electrical safety equipment for suitable LV, MV and HV applications.

Voltage Detectors | Portable Earthing | Insulating Sticks | Insulating Gloves | CATU Electrical Equipment

Arc Flash Conference – Day 1 Highlights

The first day explored electrical safety culture, risk assessments, protective equipment and switchgear design.

Speakers also shared case studies from different industries.

Day 1 Speakers and Presentations

International Keynote Speaker – Jim Pollard

Jim Pollard, an arc flash specialist associated with Unlimited PPE Inc., was featured as an international keynote speaker.

His presentation focused on the human factors that influence electrical safety.

For example, working practices, decision-making and training can all affect how workers respond to electrical hazards.

Addressing these factors can help organisations improve safety performance.

Arc Flash Conference – Day 2 Highlights

The second day focused on arc flash PPE, calculation methods and practical risk assessment.

It also included a session on electrical safety responsibilities.

Day 2 Speakers and Presentations

IEEE 1584 and Arc Flash Calculations

The conference included a presentation about IEEE 1584 and arc flash hazard calculations.

Arc flash calculations help engineers estimate the incident energy associated with certain electrical faults.

These results can support risk assessment and protective measures within the method’s defined scope.

However, calculations require accurate electrical system information and the appropriate calculation standard.

Download the 2019 Arc Flash Conference Brochure

The original conference brochure contains details of the event programme, speakers and registration arrangements.

Although the event has concluded, the document remains a useful historical reference.

DOWNLOAD THE 2019 ARC FLASH CONFERENCE BROCHURE

What Could Delegates Learn?

The conference aimed to help electrical professionals develop their understanding of arc flash safety.

Its original programme highlighted several learning objectives.

• Understand developments in UK, European and international electrical safety standards.
• Review case studies involving arc flash hazard mitigation.
• Explore methods of assessing electrical arc flash risks.
• Understand the potential injuries associated with an arc flash.
• Learn about electrical safety responsibilities and workplace compliance.
• Compare approaches to arc flash assessment.
• Understand the selection, testing and maintenance of arc flash PPE.
• Explore electrical safety training requirements.
• Share experience with electrical safety specialists and other delegates.

The original programme also referenced NFPA 70E, CSA Z462, BS 7671 and IEEE 1584.

These references reflect the standards discussed during the 2019 event. Current projects must use the applicable editions and requirements.

Who Was the Conference Designed For?

The event targeted professionals involved in electrical engineering, workplace safety and industrial risk management.

Its intended audience included:

• Electrical technicians, engineers and managers.
• Engineering and maintenance managers.
• Electrical risk assessors.
• Electrical design engineers.
• Manufacturers of PPE and safety equipment.
• Safety advisers and facilitators.
• Instrumentation and control engineers.
• Process safety and loss prevention managers.
• Government safety regulators and inspectors.
• Occupational health and safety managers.
• Electrical training managers.
• Tradespeople working in potentially explosive environments.

2019 Arc Flash Conference – Event Details

The following details are retained from the original event announcement for historical reference.

Historical event: The conference has finished, and the registration prices and discounts are no longer active.

Original Delegate Discounts

The original event announcement included an early booking discount of 10%, equivalent to £75 per delegate.

It also advertised a three-for-two delegate offer.

These promotions applied only to the 2019 conference.

Arc Flash Statistics and Electrical Safety Awareness

The original conference article featured historical arc flash statistics from ISHN.

These figures included:

• 30,000 reported arc flash incidents per year.
• 7,000 burn injuries per year.
• 2,000 hospitalisations per year.
• 400 fatalities per year.

However, the original article did not establish a consistent reporting geography, timeframe or independently verified dataset for these figures.

Therefore, they should be regarded as historical claims rather than current annual statistics.

For electrical safety planning, organisations should use reliable incident information alongside site-specific risk assessments and applicable guidance.

Historical Arc Flash Statistics – Source: ISHN

Thorne & Derrick – Arc Flash and Electrical Safety Equipment

Thorne & Derrick International supply specialist equipment for electrical installation, maintenance and power distribution.

Our product range includes arc flash protection and electrical safety equipment for LV, MV and HV applications.

We support utilities, electrical contractors and industrial businesses working on power infrastructure projects.

Electrical Safety Product Categories

Explore our specialist product ranges:

• Arc Flash Clothing and Protection.
• Electrical Safety Equipment.
• Cable Duct Seals.
• Cable Cleats and Supports.
• Cable Glands.
• Cable Jointing Tools.
• Cable Pulling Equipment.
• Earthing and Lightning Protection.
• Electrical Feeder Pillars.
• LV Cable Joints.
• MV and HV Cable Joints and Terminations.

Electrical Equipment Manufacturers

Our original article featured electrical equipment manufacturers including 3M, CMP, Ellis Patents, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, PFISTERER, Prysmian, Alroc, CSD, Roxtec, CATU, Cembre, Lucy Zodion, ABB and Emtelle.

These manufacturers supply different products for cable installation, electrical distribution and related applications.

Power Cable Jointing and Installation

Thorne & Derrick also provide technical product information for electrical cable installation work.

Our Cable Jointers Photo Blog features contributions from electrical professionals working on LV, MV and HV installations.

For further information about our product offering, explore the Thorne & Derrick Power Brochure.

Thorne & Derrick – Joint | Terminate | Connect

Static Discharge Sticks 33kV – CATU CM-50 Medium Voltage Static Ground Discharge Stick

CATU CM-50 Medium Voltage Static Ground Discharger

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Static Discharge Sticks

Product Launch – MV Medium Voltage Static Ground Discharge Stick

Thorne & Derrick supply the CATU CM-50 Static Discharge Stick used for medium/ high voltage overhead lines, busbars and substation use up to 33kV. The CATU discharge stick complies to the IEC 60855 standard and is used to safely dissipate electrostatic charges.

♦ IEC 60855-1:2016 Standard | Live Working – Insulating foam-filled tubes and solid rods. Part 1: Tubes and rods of a circular cross-section.

CATU CM-50 static discharge stick is an insulating orange tube with a diameter of 39mm and made of epoxy fibreglass – equipped with 6 metre of copper cable, cross section section 6sqmm, PVC insulated.

Static discharge sticks are designed to safely remove the static charge after de-energising of medium/high voltage power systems – this includes draining voltage retaining components before maintenance work is performed up to 33kV. The discharge sticks are equipped with hand guard and grip protection with sufficient electrical safety clearance against physical contact with medium/high voltages.

Static discharge sticks are available for higher voltage applications – contact us to discuss your MV HV EHV Electrical Safety Equipment requirements. 

IEC 60855 | Discharge Sticks for Medium Voltage Substations

Catu CM-50 Static Discharge Stick Specification

T&D are the UK’s largest stockis of CATU Electrical Safety Equipment of products for underground, overhead line and substation safety at LV, MV and HV cable networks.

Insulating Gloves | Insulating Matting | Voltage Detectors | Arc Flash Clothing | Substation Safety | Portable Earthing LV MV HV

LHR ShoveIt | Hand Safety Tool Prevents Pinch Point Injury | LHR ShoveIt

LHR ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool

• uploaded by Chris Dodds – Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing ManagerShoveIt Tools | Largest UK Stocks | Contact Us for a Quotation

Shoveit

Push Pull Tools

Prevent Hand Injury & Pinch Point

Prevention Of Workplace Hand Injuries

Thorne & Derrick represent and distribute the ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool in the UK – the non-conductive hand tool substantially reduces hand and finger injuries by avoiding pinch points and other hand related safety issues while working with suspended loads and materials handling on job sites.

This mitigation measure, some may say “finger-saver”, safeguards employees by minimising hand and finger injuries – this proactive control measure protects against unnecessary workplace hazards. Gloves can limit severity but not remove risk.

Pinch Points & Hand Protection

A pinch point is commonly defined as any point where it is possible for a body part to be caught between moving and stationary plant or equipment. Pinch points are found in many places throughout a workplace.

Work tasks such as equipment maintenance, lifting materials, guiding loads, assembly line work and hoisting or hooking up trailers are just a few common tasks where pinch points are a common hazard.

The physical forces applied to the hand caught in a pinch point can vary and cause injuries ranging from bruises, cuts, fractures and scalping to mangled and amputated body parts, and even death.

The ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is used to promote hand injury prevention, whether minor or serious, in the electric utility power and transmission distribution sectors – the tool is also widely used in the oil and gas, rail, renewables, offshore and marine and construction industries to prevent “crush-effect” or pinch point inflicted hand injuries.

The non-conductive tool is available in standard lengths 42″, 50″ and 72″ with custom lengths available upon request subject to minimum order quantity – refer to the download below.

ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool is a non-conductive tool with a V-shaped hand that is designed to:

• Push against flat surfaces, corners or rounded edges of suspended loads
• Move pipes and tubulars with the “V” shaped end
• Grab slings and taglines with the hooks
• Manouevre suspended loads in MV HV EHV substations and switchyards

ShoveIt

Push Pool Tools

The range of Push Pull Tools manufactured by the Hand Safety Tool Company and distributed by Thorne & Derrick provide significant Health & Safety Improvements around site where “pushing and pulling” operations such as handling deliveries or loading/unloading in yards is commonplace. This download produced by the UK HSE enables the Risk Assessment according to Load Weight, Operation Frequency, Push/Pull Distances and other impacting factors – the range of tools to keep hands off loads, enable “hands-free” lifting, mitigate risk of load handing and prevent hand or finger injury are available in the UK from Thorne & Derrick.

ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool

The V-shaped head features a rubber lining to prevent slippage when using the hand tool.

The tool shape also allows users to safely guide drill pipe, casing and other tubulars without having to directly use your hands.

The opposing grab hooks help the user manouevre tag lines and slings as suspended loads.

A slip resistant hand grip is positioned halfway down the length of the tools. A second slip resistant hand grip is positioned halfway down the length of the tool. A second slip resistant hand grip is available on the 72″ model whilst the 42″ and 50″ are finished off with a D shaped handle. The grips are ergonomically designed to provide the user with maximum pushing and pulling control.

No metal parts are used in the manufacture of the ShoveIt hand safety tool – the tool is entirely non-conductive.

Non-conductive tools are used for a number of applications:

• Grab taglines
• Grab sling legs
• Land suspended loads
• Guide suspended loads
• Guide tubulars

LHR ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool  

New Features

• Rubber lining added to “V” to improve grip
• Opposing grab hooks to help with the maneuvering of cable slung loads
• Non-conductive – no metal parts
• Push / Pull force rating: Push 600lbs. / Pull 350 lbs
• Electrically tested to 75kV per foot

ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool available in 42in, 50in and 72in lengths

Should you require any further information, quotation or would like to place an order for the ShoveIt Hand Safety Tool please do not hesitate to contact Thorne & Derrick.

➡ NOTE: ShoveIt hand safety tools must NOT be used to pry or lift any item.

➡ Qualified and approved safety equipment and/or PPE should be used while using the ShoveIt tool.

T&D offer a range of electrical safety equipment including insulating gloves and insulating boots.

CATU Electrical Safety Equipment – Substation & Overhead Lines

LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV

Specialist Stockists & Suppliers of 11kV/33kV Joints & Terminations