The Use of Permanent Absence of Voltage Testers

The use of permanent absence of voltage testers

Workers in South Carolina who are electricians or who work with electricity may use permanent electrical safety devices. This is used when performing an absence of voltage test and helps increase the likelihood that people will only be exposed to zero voltage. After years of its successful use, the safety organization UL has made a product specification for a permanently mounted absence of voltage testers.

As a result, these AVTs may come into wide use by professionals in place of portable voltmeters. However, it is not yet certain what place they will have including whether they will replace portable voltmeters. Electricians may or may not come to trust them, and OSHA will still need to respond to their use. However, it is likely that AVTs will be developed that can be used daily by workers in the field. Under current minimum OSHA compliance, workers need to have a voltmeter and be wearing personal protective equipment while working inside an electrical panel to do a voltage test.

Several factors affect the creation of safe work conditions using electricity. Having product specifications and a consensus standard are a start to the acceptance of permanent absence of voltage devices in this way.

People who are injured on the job, whether it is by electricity or some other means, are usually eligible for workers compensation. This is the case even if the worker’s action contributed to the injury. Workers compensation can be vital for an employee who has medical expenses after an accident. It may also help cover lost wages. However, not all employees know their rights, and in some cases, their employers might tell them they are not eligible. Employers might also try to retaliate against an employee for applying for workers compensation, but this is not permitted. A lawyer may be able to help a worker obtain the compensation they are entitled to.