The Electrical Safety Foundation International Applauds Ground-breaking Legislation

Jul 1, 2010 12:00 PM

THE ELECTRICAL SAFETY FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL (ESFI) applauds the introduction of the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 (HR 5112) in the House by Representatives Russ Carnahan and Judy Biggert. Companion legislation was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Tom Carper and Susan Collins.

“The introduction of the Federal Buildings Personnel Training Act of 2010 demonstrates that the federal government is committed not only to a monetary investment in energy-efficient technologies, but is equally committed to creating an environment where the safety of building personnel is a top priority,” stated Brett Brenner, ESFI President. “ESFI stands ready to work with GSA on their electrical safety awareness initiatives as soon as the legislation is passed.”

The federal government is the world's largest institutional user of energy and the largest single owner of facilities, consuming 1.6 percent of the nation's total energy equaling about $17.5 billion in annual energy costs. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included $5.5 billion allocated to the General Services Administration (GSA), which oversees more than 500,000 federal buildings and facilities, to upgrade and renovate facilities with a focus on energy performance.

This legislation will require the GSA to work with trade associations, professional societies and apprentice training providers to make sure that employees working at and around the federal government buildings are properly trained. The training will focus on keeping these workers safe on the job while ensuring that federal government buildings are doing all they can to improve their energy performance.

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safety in the home and the workplace. ESFI proudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May, and engages in public education campaigns throughout the year to prevent electrical fires, injuries, and fatalities.

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