Essential Functions

The purpose of the essential functions list is to allow prospective students who are considering a career to be informed of the physical, emotional, and psychological demands related to training and employment in a field of study. These lists are provided to allow prospective students to make informed career choices by providing them with a summary of the physical abilities and personality traits that are generally required for the successful completion of a curriculum and result in employment in a field of study after graduation. For students to be successful in the Electric Systems Technology programs, they must be able to perform the following essential functions:

Ability to Use Senses.

• Visual: Acuity to identify wire color and to read fine print on equipment or other documents required in the operation or maintenance of equipment. 
• Hearing: Ability to hear sounds and emergency signals (with auditory aids or a full-time interpreter for the hearing impaired) and to understand a normal speaking voice without direct access to the speaker's face.
• Smell: Ability to evaluate malfunctioning electrical equipment by distinguishing a burning smell.
• Tactile: Feel heat/cold, vibration, or pain and evaluate the possible danger of equipment malfunction or electrical shock.

Motor Ability.

• Ability to walk long distances and stand for long periods of time; lift, move, and transfer equipment of at least 50 pounds; maneuver in limited spaces; and climb and balance.
• Ability to work while in hot/humid and/or cold conditions.
• Ability to work at a height.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently and safely use equipment, power tools and hand tools, and other small and large equipment while wearing required safety gear.

Ability to Understand Need for a Safe Work Environment.

• Practical awareness of potential hazards and the required safety procedures.
• Ability to wear necessary safety gear.
• Ability to maintain a safe working environment at all times.

Ability to Communicate.

• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written forms to class partners and/or team and to instructors.
• Ability to write and perform routine mathematical calculations clearly and correctly.
• Basic proficiency in technology as the industry requires.

Ability to Problem Solve.

• Intellectual and conceptual ability for measuring, calculating, reasoning, analyzing, and prioritizing daily functions in electrical construction and maintenance.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency without jeopardizing safety.
• Ability to react and adjust as directed by instructors during lab or shop instruction or based on customer's needs.

Ability to Maintain Emotional Stability.

• Ability to function safely under stress in today's workplace and adapt to changing staff and client/customer situations.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism at all times in labs and work environments.

Ability to Perform Practical Outcomes.

• Ability to function under the practical guidelines of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).