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).