Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 2007 Workplace Electrical Safety Conference

Telus Convention Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
October 17-18, 2008

[ESPS Electrical Safety Program Solutions INC. was an exhibitor in Booth 17]

This is the 3rd Annual Conference and was an overwhelming success with in excess of 200 people in attendance.

The conference opened with an amazing presentation by Dr. Mary Capelli-Schellpfeffer inspiring all of us to realize that electrical hazards cannot be overlooked, and that the electrical incident statistics that are available are compelling, we must take action to reduce exposure to electrical hazards.

Dr. Mary's presentation was followed by Paul & Lorraine Hebert.  Paul was in an electrical incident over 14 years ago when he was shocked by 14,400 volts, resulting in both his legs and one arm being amputated, and significant electrical burns.  Paul's presentation is delivered like he was reliving the experience at that very moment, he tells us how his instinct told him something wasn't right, and then he was shocked.  Paul thought he was going to die, but someone had a master plan for Paul so that he could share his message and help other people not to become an incident statistic or worse a fatality.  The presentation just wasn't Paul's story, but that of his wife Lorraine as well.  Lorraine told us that the incident wasn't just about Paul, but it was about her, their family, and the community around them.  She tells us that she will never forget "that man" that gave the order to have the high voltage switch closed.

Other presentations included:

• NFPA 70E, 2009 Edition Harmonization in North America, Synergies & Challenges
• Arc Flash Hazard Analysis
• Arc Thermal Protective Clothing
• Arc Flash Hazard - How to use the NFPA 70E Tables
• Implementation of CSA Z1000 within an Electrical Utility
• Electrical Safe Work Conditions, CSA Z460, Lockout & NFPA 70E
• Electrical Safety Incidents & Lessons Learned
• The Right Stuff: Owner & E&I Contractor's Perspectives on Establishing an Electrical Safety Program, Terry Becker & Larry Johnson
• Have you ever asked yourself - "Is this a Toxic Task?", Mike Doherty 
• Safety Management Systems in your Electrical Safety Program
• Best Case Practices in Electrical Safety Training, Mike Doherty
• Luncheon Address, Status Update on CSA Z462, Mike Doherty, Chair of CSA Z462

Several Panel Discussions were held:

Implications of CSA Z462 Standard on the Electrical Worker, Facilitator, Mike Doherty

Embedding Electrical Safety into Education, Facilitator, Terry Becker

Ask the Experts, Facilitator, Mike Doherty

Note:  Both Terry Becker and Mike Doherty participated as expert panelists and on the ask the experts panel.

The following are some pictures from the 2007 CSA WESC Conference:

ESPS Booth 17 just set up		Terry's extra plate from his Honda Ridgeline
Mike and Terry just finishing setting up the booth		The booth finished and ready to go
Exhibit booth hall everyone is finishing setting up		Mike and Ernie Jones at the ESPS booth
Dr. Mary presenting		Pual & Lorrain Hebert presenting
Paul & Lorraine Hebert, a very inspirational and emotionally compelling presentation		Paul & Lorraine Hebert
ETAP Presentation on Arc Flash Hazard Analysis		Daniel Roberts, CSA Z462 TC member, presents on the NFAP 70E Table method
		The ESPS Team, Mike Doherty, President, Dr. Proditpo Ghosh, Senior Project Manager and Terry Becker, CEO at the exhibit booth at the Conference.
		Hugh Hoagland presents on arc flash testing.