Dangerous restart

Dangerous Restart

A dangerous restart occurs when power or energy is applied to a device whose "on / off" switch was in the "on" position when power was applied. NIOSH refers to this hazard as "The uncontrolled Release of Mechanical or Electrical and other Types of Hazardous Energy" (DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 99–110 July 1999).

This hazard is currently addressed by OSHA, NFPA and the CSA with mandatory requirements for hazard reduction through large and costly safety devices. (Electrial Standard for Industrial Machinery 2002 Edition)

Due to the cost and size restriction, there are currently no requiremets for this hazard reduction on appliances, small tools and hand held power equipment.

Examples of Dangerous Restarts are as follows:

Mother and child are working in kitchen with counter top mixer. The mixer is on with cake frosting in the bowl. Power is cut as a result of a local power outage. The mother turns away to evaluate why the power is out. The mixer power switch is still in the "on" position. The young child reaches into the bowl of the now powerless mixer to sample the frosting. Power is restored. The mixer comes on and injures the childs right hand.