By Leah Eclavea, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Public Affairs
CECA Charlisa Burkhalter, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas, validates that the equipment is de-energized during high-risk safety training at Camp Covington aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam, March 28. NAVFAC Marianas Self-Help Seabees received lockout/tagout training necessary to disable machinery or equipment by safely controlling hazardous energy prior to preforming any servicing or maintenance on the equipment. (Photo by Leah Eclavea, NAVFAC Marianas Public Affairs/160328-N-ZI019-006)
Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas Self-Help Seabees received high-risk safety training at Camp Covington aboard Naval Base Guam, March 28.
High-risk is a term used to categorize an activity with a high level of danger that may cause a severe or fatal mishap. This particular safety training focused on lockout/tagout procedures that are necessary to disable machinery or equipment by safely controlling energy prior to performing any service or maintenance.
"It's very important for my team to receive high-risk safety training on lockout/tagout," said Chief Builder (SCW) Joseph King, senior enlisted leader, NAVFAC Marianas Self-Help Seabees. "Whether they are replacing a blade or a hose, there are a lot of hazards with all of our different pieces of equipment, and we need to make sure they properly lock out and tag out the equipment for their safety and the safety of others."
The training also included a hands-on session where participants practiced assessing equipment, turning off and de-energizing the equipment, probing to ensure the equipment is de-energized, and then locking the power source.
"Prior to any equipment service or maintenance, employees should anticipate all potential hazards," said Junard Cruz, safety specialist, NAVFAC Marianas. "One key to doing this is to plan ahead. Get with your supervisor, understand who will be affected, and perform all the responsibilities that are required under lockout/tagout."
Cruz's presentation focused on the life-saving purpose of lockout/tagout, the types of hazardous energy, and safe electrical practices and procedures. Cruz emphasized that controlling energy is extremely important, because as low as 30 volts carries sufficient current to seriously injure and potentially kill someone.
"I think the training was valuable," said Builder 3rd Class Daniel Kvaley, builder shop supervisor, NAVFAC Marians Self-Help Seabees. "While we have already learned the importance of lockout/tagout, it's important to refresh on it."
NAVFAC Marianas Safety and Occupational Health Manager Mellissa Cruz said these training sessions are the command's continued commitment to bolster a culture of safety by integrating Operational Risk Management in day-to-day activities.
"Our primary goal at NAVFAC Marianas is to prevent mishaps," said Cruz. "What better way to do this than to conduct high-risk training throughout the year."
Cruz said high-risk safety training empowers personnel to execute their work and perform their mission safely, minimizes property damage and prevents injury and illness in the workplace.
NAVFAC Marianas Safety Specialist Junard Cruz conducts high-risk safety training for NAVFAC Marianas Self-Help Seabees at Camp Covington aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam, March 28. The training focused on lockout/tagout procedures necessary to disable machinery or equipment by safely controlling hazardous energy prior to preforming any servicing or maintenance on the equipment. (Photo by Leah Eclavea, NAVFAC Marianas Public Affairs/160328-N-ZI019-002)