Nearly 50 people attended Empower Training Services’ Electrical Safe Work Practices Seminar, hosted by BAC Universal Electric, Ltd., in Pembroke, Bermuda, on March 2, 2018.

Led by Joe DeMonte, ABM Franchising Group’s Director of Technical Training and Support, the seminar marked the second time BAC Universal Electric, Ltd., hosted an Empower Training Services seminar. Their first was in February, 2016.

“Joe DeMonte took the time to understand the Bermuda market’s specific climate conditions and spoke to the various industries represented in the audience,” said Vito Giove, a Maintenance Sales Representative at BAC Universal Electric, Ltd. “He tied it into Bermuda’s Electrical Code by cross-referencing the similarities to NFPA 70E and making easily understandable parallels between the two countries.”

The seminar addressed how building owners and facility managers can address insurance obligations, protect and extend the lifespan of electrical distribution equipment, while maintaining uninterrupted electrical service and maintaining a safe environment. It also addressed how employees working near energized equipment can stay safe, and how to properly respond to an emergency situation and mitigate risks.

Giove praised DeMonte’s knowledge of electrical safety and his ability to present the dangers it presents in a relatable way. He said it helped to highlight the importance of implementing a preventive maintenance program to maintain a safe environment.

He added that the presentation was eye-opening for some audience members, who may not have realized they could be at risk for dangerous situations, such as Arc Flash exposure.

“It was relatable and showed things that many personnel are guilty of, and really brought to light the dangerous risks that could happen when your luck runs out and a life-changing event like an Arc Flash happens,” Giove said. “He highlighted the common challenges facing facilities and everyone walked away understanding running an electrical distribution system until it fails is not a good option.”

Giove said BAC Universal Electric, Ltd., plans to host more Empower Training Services seminars, and recommended that anyone managing a facility attend a seminar.

BAC Universal Electric, Ltd., has been a TEGG contractor since 2007. TEGG is a franchise brand of ABM Franchising Group, an operating unit of ABM.

“ABM and TEGG contractors are, without question, the experts in the field of preventive maintenance,” Giove said. “Being affiliated with TEGG definitely aids us in our conversation with our local clients, giving them the reassurance we have the trained staff to help address all of their electrical needs.”

Giove said the seminar provided attendees with a variety issues they could encounter and hopes they will use the knowledge to look for ways to improve safety at their facilities.

“We really hope our attendees understand the importance of staying safe and not using electrical rooms as a storage space or broom closet after attending a seminar,” Giove said. “It’s easy to fall victim to the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality, but I hope after this seminar, building owners and facility managers remember to find time and budget for electrical distribution system preventive maintenance.”

Empower Training Services offers a variety of training opportunities to TEGG franchisees throughout the year. For a list of upcoming training opportunities and resources, click here.

For more information about hosting an NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Seminar, click here or to contact Empower Training Services, click here.