EB_Newsletter

- Breaking News: National Training Symposium Announcement
- Spot the Violations in the Reception Area of Fear!
- GE Canadian Assembly Centre Grand Opening Next Week
- 3M Wants You to ‘Get the Big Picture’
- CECA Conference Looms Nearer
- Win an iPod Nano with Ty-Duct and Thomas & Betts!
- Test OSH Works for Free!
- IALD Looking for Enlighten-ing Speakers
- B.C. Helps Ontario Calculate the Cost of Workplace Accidents - Coming Events
- Your May 2007 Electrical Business

The National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) is sponsoring a national training symposium November 2-4 in Barrie, Ont., featuring keynote speakers, professional development activities and networking opportunities.

NETCO was recently launched by Eryl Roberts, executive secretary of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) and Phil Flemming, IBEW international vice-president (First District, Canada). According to NETCO, it is the only national voice of the electrical industry in Canada based on the labour-management partnership model that exists at local levels. Its mandate is to promote apprenticeship, continuous learning for journeypersons and national standards for the electrical industry in Canada.

Stay tuned to Electrical Business and E-Line: Your Industry News Broadcast for more information in the coming weeks.

SPOT THE VIOLATIONS IN THE RECEPTION AREA OF FEAR!

The imaginary company depicted in this picture is doing some redecorating in its reception area. The company is also about to celebrate an employee’s birthday. However, it had better hope an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspector doesn’t crash the party. How many OSHA violations can you spot?

Some of the violations shown are fairly obvious, while others require a strong knowledge of OSHA regulations. Consider yourself well versed in OSHA matters if you can spot at least 10 violations (but there are more). And while OSHA is an American outfit, we feel good workplace health and safety practices are universal.

— Contributed by Mancomm and its partner company, American Safety Training Inc.

GE CANADIAN ASSEMBLY CENTRE GRAND OPENING NEXT WEEK

GE Canada is celebrating the grand opening of its new Canadian assembly centre in Mississauga, Ont., on April 25. The official opening ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m., with plant tours, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres available throughout the afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This new facility will expedite the assembly and delivery of GE’s A-Series Lighting panelboards, and Spectra Series power panelboards and switchboards for Canadian customers.

Of special interest at the new facility is a dedicated training room where purchasers and installers can see these products in action and gain hands-on installation experience. Anyone interested in attending or organizing a group training session should call (877) 259-0941 ext. 2912.

3M Canada is ‘going big’ with its celebration of the 60th anniversary of 3M’s invention of vinyl electrical tape, which was developed in the 1940s by 3M inventors Snell, Oace and Eastwold. To commemorate this milestone, 3M Canada is inviting you to ‘Get the Big Picture’!

Beginning May 1 through June 30, specially marked rolls of Super 33+ and Super 88 tape will contain an official contest entry ballot to a sweepstakes for numerous prizes, including three 46-in. flat-screen LCD HD televisions—yet another way to see the big picture. There will be three separate prize draws across three Canadian regions, providing better chances for you to win.

Furthermore, distributors also get to take part in their own ‘mirror’ contest. Every time a counterperson sells Super 33+ or Super 88 tapes, he can fill out a ballot to win the same prizes. CLICK HERE for complete contest details (Note: website is scheduled to go live by May 1).

CECA CONFERENCE LOOMS NEARER

Although it may seem like a long ways away, the CECA National Conference in Ottawa this June is closer than you think.

Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO), which is hosting the event, tells us that the original Product Exposition (new this year) sold out, forcing them to expand the exposition and increase the amount of exhibitor space. Clearly a sign that this year's conference—with the theme “Change is Good”, after all—aims to be among the most exciting ever!

For its part, Electrical Business is pleased to announce it is sponsoring the conference's Friday Coffee Break, so be sure to grab a cup o' joe on us! CLICK HERE to learn more.

THOMAS & BETTS LAUNCHES TY-DUCT/iPod PROMO

Writeable protective film, smooth coined edges and a no-hassle, snap-on cover... Thomas & Betts sales reps are showing off their new and improved Ty-Duct Wiring Duct to the electrical industry this Spring. The best part is that, from now until June 22, everyone who receives a Ty-Duct product demonstration from a T&B sales rep is eligible to win an iPod Nano.

CLICK HERE to schedule your free product demonstration!

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched OSH Works, a management system to help you manage and improve your occupational health and safety program. The Web-based system enables you to plan, do, check and act on key OSH activities and requirements. You can upload your health and safety policies and procedures, as well as assign and track employee training.

This system meets the requirements of national and international OHS Management System standards such as CSA Z1000-06 and OHSAS 18001, and includes everything from hazard awareness tools and reports for incidents and audits, to sample emergency response plans and other programs. And with CCOHS as your guide, you have easy access to professionals who can help you resolve any gaps in your programs.

OSH Works benefits the whole organization by keeping health and safety in the minds of all employees. It reminds them about upcoming tasks and responsibilities, allows access to e-learning courses, and ensures that critical policies, programs and procedures are at hand. There is also quick access to legislation, and tools for resolving health and safety questions.

And here’s the best part: CCOHS is looking for pilot clients to help further enhance OSH Works in exchange for a free year of access. CLICK HERE if you’re ready to test drive OSH Works.

What is your favourite new trend in lighting? How do you balance creativity with new energy codes? What methods do you use to stay inspired on a tight budget? How do legislative trends impact lighting design?

If you like to talk about these and other lighting topics at length, then consider answering IALD’s call for speakers to present at the International Association of Lighting Designers’ Enlighten 2007. The association seeks experts to present workshops and seminars at the annual education conference, which is being held October 11-13 in Montreal.

This year’s theme is “The Passion of Light”, and the audience includes everyone from lighting specifiers and manufacturers to architects, interior designers and students. If you’re chosen to speak, you will receive a $300 US honorarium, economy class travel to the conference (up to a pre-agreed amount) and one full conference registration. To be considered, you must submit your proposal to IALD by April 27.er

CLICK HERE to link to a PDF containing all the necessary information.

With the launch of IAPA’s (Industrial Accident Prevention Association’s) Small Business Safety Calculator, Ontario small businesses are able to estimate the real, out-of-pocket costs of a workplace injury. Users can also access resources to help improve workplace health and safety, and prevent work-related accidents.

Ontario firms with fewer than 50 employees account for more than 90% of all firms in the province, and half of all jobs in Ontario are found in small businesses. However, statistics from the province’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) show that the job fatality rates of small businesses are 6.7 times higher than those for larger businesses, with 10% higher lost-time injury rates.

“Health and safety is not simply a legal obligation,” says Michael Abromeit, IAPA’s vice-president of operations. “It’s an opportunity to strengthen one’s business by reducing injuries, increasing productivity, and improving their health and safety performance.”

This is the first time such an option has been available and applicable for small businesses in Ontario. The calculator is modelled after one created by WorkSafe BC. With its co-operation, the calculator methodology was re-engineered for use in Ontario—specifically for those companies that fall within one of IAPA’s 12 industry groups. (And while “Electrical” isn’t one of those groups, we still feel there’s something to be learned here.)

There is no cost to using the calculator or any of its resources, so CLICK HERE to check it out.

Annual Electrical Industry Conference
Ontario Electrical League (OEL)
April 18-21
Windsor, Ont.
CLICK HERE for details

Automation Fair & Technology Expo 'Lunch and Learn'
Electromate Industrial Sales Ltd.
April 19
Dorval, Que.
Call (877) 737-8698 or e-mail sales@electromate.com

Quebec Forum on Electricity
The Canadian Institute
April 23-24
Montreal, Que.
CLICK HERE for details

Arc Flash: Measures for Prevention and Control
Schneider Electric (CSA)
Halifax, N.S., April 24
Moncton, N.B., April 26
CLICK HERE for details

Static, Transient Voltages & Lighting Protection Systems
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
Edmonton, Alta., April 25
Vancouver, B.C., April 27
Ottawa, Ont., May 23
Halifax, N.S., May 25
CLICK HERE for details

Design, Installation & Certification of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Locations
Canadian Standards Association (CSA)
May 7-8
Vancouver, B.C.
CLICK HERE for details

Lightfair
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)
May 8-10
New York, N.Y.
CLICK HERE for details

Quebec Region Golf Tournament
Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)
May 22
Pointe Claire, Que.
CLICK HERE for details

Annual General Meeting and Convention
Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA)
May 24-26
Lake Louise, Alta.
CLICK HERE for details

Annual Conference
Supply & Distribution Council, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC)
May 30-June 2
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
CLICK HERE for details

National Conference
Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA)
June 13-16
Ottawa, Ont.
CLICK HERE for details

Among the things we focus on in the May issue of Electrical Business are signalling devices. Specifically, one article looks at how far we’ve come in the past 25 years with regards to the fire protection of life safety electrical circuits in high-rise buildings, while another article, submitted by our own Ron Bergeron, looks at the issues surrounding fire/smoke alarms. We’ll also present a wrap-up of OEL’s Electrical Industry Conference in Windsor, another installment of “It’s Your Business”, and more.

• Radio on counter is plugged in via an extension cord (which is stapled to the counter).
• Spilled coffee on uncarpeted floor.
• Most of EXIT sign and part of door are obscured by “Happy Birthday” banner.
• Birthday cake on a plate on the counter next to an open jar of paint thinner.
• An employee is standing in the bathroom eating a sandwich.
• Open door of bathroom shows it is a mess.
• Cockroaches on the counter near the birthday cake.
• A ladder is propped in front of a partially open door.
• Fire extinguisher is on the floor instead of in its designated place.
• Table with birthday presents is blocking the emergency exit.
• Jar of paint thinner does not have a label on it, and has been left untended.
• The far EXIT sign is broken and hanging down.
• An electric cord has been strung across the passageway by the counter.
• Wiring is exposed below the hanging plant.
• Two plugs are plugged into the same extension cord on the front of the counter.

Want more information, or have information to share? Contact the Editor at acapkun@clbmedia.ca or call (905) 713-4391.

Think someone else would enjoy receiving E-Line? Send them to EBmag.com where they can sign up right on the Home Page.


		Vol. 2 No. 6
April 2007 - Breaking News: National Training Symposium Announcement - Spot the Violations in the Reception Area of Fear! - GE Canadian Assembly Centre Grand Opening Next Week - 3M Wants You to ‘Get the Big Picture’ - CECA Conference Looms Nearer - Win an iPod Nano with Ty-Duct and Thomas & Betts! - Test OSH Works for Free! - IALD Looking for Enlighten-ing Speakers - B.C. Helps Ontario Calculate the Cost of Workplace Accidents - Coming Events - Your May 2007 Electrical Business BREAKING NEWS: NATIONAL TRAINING SYMPOSIUM ANNOUNCEMENT The National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) is sponsoring a national training symposium November 2-4 in Barrie, Ont., featuring keynote speakers, professional development activities and networking opportunities. NETCO was recently launched by Eryl Roberts, executive secretary of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) and Phil Flemming, IBEW international vice-president (First District, Canada). According to NETCO, it is the only national voice of the electrical industry in Canada based on the labour-management partnership model that exists at local levels. Its mandate is to promote apprenticeship, continuous learning for journeypersons and national standards for the electrical industry in Canada. Stay tuned to Electrical Business and E-Line: Your Industry News Broadcast for more information in the coming weeks. SPOT THE VIOLATIONS IN THE RECEPTION AREA OF FEAR! The imaginary company depicted in this picture is doing some redecorating in its reception area. The company is also about to celebrate an employee’s birthday. However, it had better hope an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspector doesn’t crash the party. How many OSHA violations can you spot? Some of the violations shown are fairly obvious, while others require a strong knowledge of OSHA regulations. Consider yourself well versed in OSHA matters if you can spot at least 10 violations (but there are more). And while OSHA is an American outfit, we feel good workplace health and safety practices are universal. — Contributed by Mancomm and its partner company, American Safety Training Inc. GE CANADIAN ASSEMBLY CENTRE GRAND OPENING NEXT WEEK GE Canada is celebrating the grand opening of its new Canadian assembly centre in Mississauga, Ont., on April 25. The official opening ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m., with plant tours, refreshments and hors d’oeuvres available throughout the afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This new facility will expedite the assembly and delivery of GE’s A-Series Lighting panelboards, and Spectra Series power panelboards and switchboards for Canadian customers. Of special interest at the new facility is a dedicated training room where purchasers and installers can see these products in action and gain hands-on installation experience. Anyone interested in attending or organizing a group training session should call (877) 259-0941 ext. 2912. 3M WANTS YOU TO ‘GET THE BIG PICTURE’ 3M Canada is ‘going big’ with its celebration of the 60th anniversary of 3M’s invention of vinyl electrical tape, which was developed in the 1940s by 3M inventors Snell, Oace and Eastwold. To commemorate this milestone, 3M Canada is inviting you to ‘Get the Big Picture’! Beginning May 1 through June 30, specially marked rolls of Super 33+ and Super 88 tape will contain an official contest entry ballot to a sweepstakes for numerous prizes, including three 46-in. flat-screen LCD HD televisions—yet another way to see the big picture. There will be three separate prize draws across three Canadian regions, providing better chances for you to win. Furthermore, distributors also get to take part in their own ‘mirror’ contest. Every time a counterperson sells Super 33+ or Super 88 tapes, he can fill out a ballot to win the same prizes. CLICK HERE for complete contest details (Note: website is scheduled to go live by May 1). CECA CONFERENCE LOOMS NEARER Although it may seem like a long ways away, the CECA National Conference in Ottawa this June is closer than you think. Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO), which is hosting the event, tells us that the original Product Exposition (new this year) sold out, forcing them to expand the exposition and increase the amount of exhibitor space. Clearly a sign that this year's conference—with the theme “Change is Good”, after all—aims to be among the most exciting ever! For its part, Electrical Business is pleased to announce it is sponsoring the conference's Friday Coffee Break, so be sure to grab a cup o' joe on us! CLICK HERE to learn more. THOMAS & BETTS LAUNCHES TY-DUCT/iPod PROMO Writeable protective film, smooth coined edges and a no-hassle, snap-on cover... Thomas & Betts sales reps are showing off their new and improved Ty-Duct Wiring Duct to the electrical industry this Spring. The best part is that, from now until June 22, everyone who receives a Ty-Duct product demonstration from a T&B sales rep is eligible to win an iPod Nano. CLICK HERE to schedule your free product demonstration! *TEST OSH WORKS* FOR FREE!** The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has launched OSH Works, a management system to help you manage and improve your occupational health and safety program. The Web-based system enables you to plan, do, check and act on key OSH activities and requirements. You can upload your health and safety policies and procedures, as well as assign and track employee training. This system meets the requirements of national and international OHS Management System standards such as CSA Z1000-06 and OHSAS 18001, and includes everything from hazard awareness tools and reports for incidents and audits, to sample emergency response plans and other programs. And with CCOHS as your guide, you have easy access to professionals who can help you resolve any gaps in your programs. OSH Works benefits the whole organization by keeping health and safety in the minds of all employees. It reminds them about upcoming tasks and responsibilities, allows access to e-learning courses, and ensures that critical policies, programs and procedures are at hand. There is also quick access to legislation, and tools for resolving health and safety questions. And here’s the best part: CCOHS is looking for pilot clients to help further enhance OSH Works in exchange for a free year of access. CLICK HERE if you’re ready to test drive OSH Works. *IALD LOOKING FOR ENLIGHTEN-ING SPEAKERS* What is your favourite new trend in lighting? How do you balance creativity with new energy codes? What methods do you use to stay inspired on a tight budget? How do legislative trends impact lighting design? If you like to talk about these and other lighting topics at length, then consider answering IALD’s call for speakers to present at the International Association of Lighting Designers’ Enlighten 2007. The association seeks experts to present workshops and seminars at the annual education conference, which is being held October 11-13 in Montreal. This year’s theme is “The Passion of Light”, and the audience includes everyone from lighting specifiers and manufacturers to architects, interior designers and students. If you’re chosen to speak, you will receive a $300 US honorarium, economy class travel to the conference (up to a pre-agreed amount) and one full conference registration. To be considered, you must submit your proposal to IALD by April 27.er CLICK HERE to link to a PDF containing all the necessary information. B.C. HELPS ONTARIO CALCULATE THE COST OF WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS With the launch of IAPA’s (Industrial Accident Prevention Association’s) Small Business Safety Calculator, Ontario small businesses are able to estimate the real, out-of-pocket costs of a workplace injury. Users can also access resources to help improve workplace health and safety, and prevent work-related accidents. Ontario firms with fewer than 50 employees account for more than 90% of all firms in the province, and half of all jobs in Ontario are found in small businesses. However, statistics from the province’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) show that the job fatality rates of small businesses are 6.7 times higher than those for larger businesses, with 10% higher lost-time injury rates. “Health and safety is not simply a legal obligation,” says Michael Abromeit, IAPA’s vice-president of operations. “It’s an opportunity to strengthen one’s business by reducing injuries, increasing productivity, and improving their health and safety performance.” This is the first time such an option has been available and applicable for small businesses in Ontario. The calculator is modelled after one created by WorkSafe BC. With its co-operation, the calculator methodology was re-engineered for use in Ontario—specifically for those companies that fall within one of IAPA’s 12 industry groups. (And while “Electrical” isn’t one of those groups, we still feel there’s something to be learned here.) There is no cost to using the calculator or any of its resources, so CLICK HERE to check it out. COMING EVENTS Annual Electrical Industry Conference Ontario Electrical League (OEL) April 18-21 Windsor, Ont. CLICK HERE for details Automation Fair & Technology Expo 'Lunch and Learn' Electromate Industrial Sales Ltd. April 19 Dorval, Que. Call (877) 737-8698 or e-mail sales@electromate.com Quebec Forum on Electricity The Canadian Institute April 23-24 Montreal, Que. CLICK HERE for details Arc Flash: Measures for Prevention and Control Schneider Electric (CSA) Halifax, N.S., April 24 Moncton, N.B., April 26 CLICK HERE for details Static, Transient Voltages & Lighting Protection Systems Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Edmonton, Alta., April 25 Vancouver, B.C., April 27 Ottawa, Ont., May 23 Halifax, N.S., May 25 CLICK HERE for details Design, Installation & Certification of Electrical Equipment in Hazardous Locations Canadian Standards Association (CSA) May 7-8 Vancouver, B.C. CLICK HERE for details Lightfair International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) May 8-10 New York, N.Y. CLICK HERE for details Quebec Region Golf Tournament Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) May 22 Pointe Claire, Que. CLICK HERE for details Annual General Meeting and Convention Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA) May 24-26 Lake Louise, Alta. CLICK HERE for details Annual Conference Supply & Distribution Council, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) May 30-June 2 Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CLICK HERE for details National Conference Canadian Electrical Contractors Association (CECA) June 13-16 Ottawa, Ont. CLICK HERE for details CLICK HERE to check out more industry events at EBMag.com. ELECTRICAL BUSINESS, MAY 2007 Among the things we focus on in the May issue of Electrical Business are signalling devices. Specifically, one article looks at how far we’ve come in the past 25 years with regards to the fire protection of life safety electrical circuits in high-rise buildings, while another article, submitted by our own Ron Bergeron, looks at the issues surrounding fire/smoke alarms. We’ll also present a wrap-up of OEL’s Electrical Industry Conference in Windsor, another installment of “It’s Your Business”, and more. ANSWERS to Reception Area of Fear (from Top) • Radio on counter is plugged in via an extension cord (which is stapled to the counter). • Spilled coffee on uncarpeted floor. • Most of EXIT sign and part of door are obscured by “Happy Birthday” banner. • Birthday cake on a plate on the counter next to an open jar of paint thinner. • An employee is standing in the bathroom eating a sandwich. • Open door of bathroom shows it is a mess. • Cockroaches on the counter near the birthday cake. • A ladder is propped in front of a partially open door. • Fire extinguisher is on the floor instead of in its designated place. • Table with birthday presents is blocking the emergency exit. • Jar of paint thinner does not have a label on it, and has been left untended. • The far EXIT sign is broken and hanging down. • An electric cord has been strung across the passageway by the counter. • Wiring is exposed below the hanging plant. • Two plugs are plugged into the same extension cord on the front of the counter. Want more information, or have information to share? Contact the Editor at acapkun@clbmedia.ca or call (905) 713-4391. Think someone else would enjoy receiving E-Line? Send them to EBmag.com where they can sign up right on the Home Page.
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