LTL Blog
Lineman's Testing Laboratories of Canada


BLOG
3 Reasons to Use an Accredited Testing/Re-Certification Laboratory
July 04, 2017
3 Reasons to Use an Accredited Testing/Re-Certification Laboratory

For your high voltage personal protective safety equipment and tools

WORKER SAFETY • COMPLIANCE • EFFICIENCY

Regulations mandate that all personal protective equipment (“PPE”) is to be tested by a certified laboratory on a regular basis. Using equipment that has been tested by an accredited or certified laboratory will help to ensure both worker safety and timely completion of tasks while on the job. An accredited lab will assess the integrity of the equipment per applicable industry standards. Properly maintained equipment lasts longer and is more likely to perform to its original manufacturer specifications. A laboratory that is not accredited has not been audited to ensure proper processes and procedures are in place to service your equipment in compliance with applicable legislation, and to ensure that the people working on your equipment are competent and have been trained!

WHAT IS NAIL?

NAIL for PET (North American Independent Laboratories for Protective Equipment Testing) is the only accreditation program for electrical equipment test labs in North America. We encourage customers to send their equipment to an accredited laboratory because it means the lab has undergone a rigorous certification process that includes inspection and approval of all high voltage testing equipment used in the testing/recertification process to ensure all PPE and tools are tested properly, as well as in accordance to applicable standards, including:

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO USE AN ACCREDITED LABORATORY?

1. WORKER SAFETY

A worker needs to feel confident that the equipment he is using is in proper working condition ― an accredited lab will assess the integrity of the equipment to ensure it is safe for use.

2. COMPLIANCE

An accredited lab remains current with changing legislation. To remain accredited, labs are regularly audited by an independent auditor to ensure the lab continues to adhere to standards and follow proper testing procedures. All labs must maintain detailed procedures manuals and records of all equipment tested. After each test, an electronic record is kept of what was tested, who performed the test, as well as the date of the test. The ability to present a test report proves advantageous in demonstrating due diligence to necessary authorities should an incident occur where a worker is injured.

3. EFFICIENCY

Skilled technicians at an accredited laboratory visually inspect as well as test your equipment to assess its condition. Any equipment defects are reported to the owner and recommendations are made to either replace or repair the item so that when in the field, the equipment will perform as required, minimizing the risk of downtime or harm to the worker.

Exercise due diligence ― ensure your testing lab is certified; your life depends on it.

To learn more about NAIL, click here http://www.nail4pet.org/downloads/NAILCriteria06.pdf, visit www.nail4pet.org or contact your local LTL Representative.

Comments:
Be the first to comment on this blog!
Leave a Comment
Your comment will go through an approval process and may not be visible to the public right away.
Sign me up for LTL news, Hot Zone Specials and product/service information!
Your information is safe with us. See our privacy policy.
NAIL for Pet / Infrastructure Health And Safety Association / OEL / EDA / Electrical Contractor Registration Association NAIL for Pet Infrastructure Health And Safety Association OEL EDA Electrical Contractor Registration Association