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What would you recommend when the roof leaks through the ceiling and into the fluorescent light fixture in an office? Is it safe for employees to continuing working in the space with the light on?

Name withheld upon request

James Elledge replies ...

A. I would have the ballast de-energized (or at the very least, have the bulbs removed). Water and electricity, especially higher voltages for fluorescents, do not mix.

Furthermore, anyone attempting to fix the problem should wear the proper safety gear when trying to interrupt the current flow. Under these circumstances, it’s especially important to avoid sparks, or other unwanted surprises.

If someone was not aware of the leak and was working on the ceiling grid, he or she might personally experience the potential for shock—or worse.

Thanks for your question

Jim Elledge

Elledge, facility/office services manager for Dallas, TX-based Summit Alliance Companies, is the recipient of the Distinguished Author Award from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), is an IFMA Fellow, and is a member of TFM's Editorial Advisory Board. All questions have been submitted via the “Ask The Expert” portion of the magazine’s Web site. To pose a question, visit www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/fm_viewexpert.asp.

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