Electrical Hazards (top)

The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire. Electrical
shock occurs when the body becomes part of the electric circuit, either when an
individual comes in contact with both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an
energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part that has become energized by
contact with an electrical conductor.

The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such
as the pathway through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the
exposure, and whether the skin is wet or dry. Water is a great conductor
of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet
conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the shock may
range from a slight tingle to severe burns to cardiac arrest. The
chart below shows the general relationship between the degree
of injury and amount of current for a 60-cycle hand-to-foot path
of one second's duration of shock. While reading this chart, keep in mind that most
electrical circuits can provide, under normal conditions, up to 20,000 milliamperes of
current flow

Current Reaction

1 Milliampere Perception level

5 Milliamperes Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing

6-30 Milliamperes Painful shock; "let-go" range

50-150 Milliamperes Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe

muscular contraction

1000-4,300 Milliamperes Ventricular fibrillation

10,000+ Milliamperes Cardiac arrest, severe burns and probable

death

In addition to the electrical shock hazards, sparks from electrical equipment can
serve as an ignition source for flammable or explosive vapors or combustible
materials. See Anecdotes.

Power Loss

Loss of electrical power can create hazardous situations. Flammable or toxic vapors
may be released as a chemical warms when a refrigerator or freezer fails. Fume
hoods may cease to operate, allowing vapors to be released into the laboratory. If
magnetic or mechanical stirrers fail to operate, safe mixing of reagents may be
compromised.
Preventing Electrical Hazards (top)

There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity,
including insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices.
Laboratory workers can significantly reduce electrical hazards by following some
basic precautions:

• Inspect wiring of equipment before each use. Replace damaged or frayed

electrical cords immediately.
• Use safe work practices every time electrical equipment is used.
• Know the location and how to operate shut-off switches and/or circuit breaker
panels. Use these devices to shut off equipment in the event of a fire or
electrocution.
• Limit the use of extension cords. Use only for temporary operations and then
only for short periods of time. In all other cases, request installation of a new
electrical outlet.
• Multi-plug adapters must have circuit breakers or fuses.
• Place exposed electrical conductors (such as those sometimes used with
electrophoresis devices) behind shields.
• Minimize the potential for water or chemical spills on or near electrical
equipment.

Insulation

All electrical cords should have sufficient insulation to prevent direct contact with
wires. In a laboratory, it is particularly important to check all cords before each use,
since corrosive chemicals or solvents may erode the insulation.

Damaged cords should be repaired or taken out of service immediately, especially in

wet environments such as cold rooms and near water baths.

Guarding

Live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more (i.e., electrophoresis

devices) must be guarded against accidental contact. Plexiglas shields may be used
to protect against exposed live parts.

Grounding

Only equipment with three-prong plugs should be used in

the laboratory. The third prong provides a path to ground
for internal electrical short circuits, thereby protecting the
user from a potential electrical shock.

Circuit Protection Devices

 Circuit protection devices are designed to
automatically limit or shut off the flow of electricity
in the event of a ground-fault, overload or short
circuit in the wiring system. Ground-fault circuit
interrupters, circuit breakers and fuses are three
well-known examples of such devices.

Fuses and circuit breakers prevent over-heating of

wires and components that might otherwise create
fire hazards. They disconnect the circuit when it
becomes overloaded. This overload protection is
very useful for equipment that is left on for
extended periods of time, such as stirrers, vacuum
pumps, drying ovens, Variacs and other electrical
equipment.

The ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, is

designed to shutoff electric power if a ground fault is
detected, protecting the user from a potential electrical shock. The GFCI is
particularly useful near sinks and wet locations. Since GFCIs can cause equipment to
shutdown unexpectedly, they may not be appropriate for certain apparatus. Portable
GFCI adapters (available in most safety supply catalogs) may be used with a non-
GFCI outlet.

Motors

In laboratories where volatile flammable materials are used, motor-driven electrical

equipment should be equipped with non-sparking induction motors or air motors.
These motors must meet National Electric Safety Code (US DOC, 1993) Class 1,
Division 2, Group C-D explosion resistance specifications. Many stirrers, Variacs,
outlet strips, ovens, heat tape, hot plates and heat guns do not conform to these
code requirements.

Avoid series-wound motors, such as those generally found in some vacuum pumps,
rotary evaporators and stirrers. Series-wound motors are also usually found in
household appliances such as blenders, mixers, vacuum cleaners and power drills.
These appliances should not be used unless flammable vapors are adequately
controlled.

Although some newer equipment have spark-free induction motors, the on-off
switches and speed controls may be able to produce a spark when they are adjusted
because they have exposed contacts. One solution is to remove any switches located
on the device and insert a switch on the cord near the plug end.

Safe Work Practices (top)

The following practices may reduce risk of injury or fire when working with electrical
equipment:

• Avoid contact with energized electrical circuits.

 • Use guarding around exposed circuits and sources of live electricity.
• Disconnect the power source before servicing or repairing electrical
equipment.
• When it is necessary to handle equipment that is plugged in, be sure hands
are dry and, when possible, wear nonconductive gloves and shoes with
insulated soles.
• If it is safe to do so, work with only one hand, keeping the other hand at your
side or in your pocket, away from all conductive material. This precaution
reduces the likelihood of accidents that result in current passing through the
chest cavity.
• Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where
condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the
equipment on a wall or vertical panel.
• If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main
switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment.
• If an individual comes in contact with a live electrical conductor, do not touch
the equipment, cord or person. Disconnect the power source from the circuit
breaker or pull out the plug using a leather belt.

High Voltage or Current (top)

Repairs of high voltage or high current equipment should be performed only by

trained electricians. Laboratory workers who are experienced in such tasks and would
like to perform such work on their own laboratory equipment must first receive
specialized electrical safety related work practices training by EHS staff. Contact the
University Safety Engineer at 258-5294 for more information.

Altering Building Wiring and Utilities (top)

Any modifications to existing electrical service in a laboratory or building must be

completed or approved by either the building facility manager, an engineer from the
Facilities department or the building's Special Facilities staff. All modifications must
meet both safety standards and Facilities Engineering design requirements.

Any unapproved laboratory facilities modifications discovered during laboratory

surveys or other activities are reviewed by EHS and facility staff to determine
whether they meet design specifications.

The most common electrical hazard on today's construction sites is from ground fault
electrical shock. In order to reduce shock-related injuries, the OSHA electrical standard
requires employers to provide either ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) for
receptacle outlets or an assured equipment grounding conductor program. Here are some
guidelines to prevent electrical injuries.
 Always use appropriate personal protective equipment, including but not limited to
rubber insulating gloves, hoods, sleeves, matting, and blankets.
Only use hand tools, electrical tools, and extension cords that are in good repair.
De-energize electric power circuits before working near, inspecting, or making repairs.
Provide grounding. Service or system ground where the neutral conductor is grounded.
Equipment grounding provides a path for current from a tool or machine to the ground.
Any live parts of electrical equipment operating 50 volts or more must be guarded to avoid
accidental contact.
When employees using jackhammers or hand tools do not know the exact location of
underground electrical lines, they must wear insulated gloves.
De-energize and ground overhead lines before beginning work. Unqualified employees
and mechanical equipment must stay at least 10 feet away from these lines.

These guidelines are an excerpt from the Tailgate/Toolbox Safety Meetings created by
Safety Services in Corona, Calif., a company that provides customized safety training and
support for small cons

Click here to read full article from Remodeling

Electrical hazards are invisible but deadly, causing fires and electrical shock. These hazards are easily
preventable if you use an NICEIC-registered contractor to install, inspect and maintain electrical
installations.

Always use an NICEIC-registered contractor to ensure that your electrics are installed and
maintained safely and correctly.

Government figures estimate that there are around 10 fatal and 2,000 non-fatal electric shock accidents in
the home each year, and around 19 fatal and 880 non-fatal shock accidents a year in the workplace.
However, there are about 12,500 electrical fires in homes across the UK each year. Although many incidents
are caused by faulty appliances rather than the electrical installation itself, a properly installed and well-
maintained installation could save lives.

Cables, switches, socket-outlets and other equipment deteriorate with prolonged use, so they all need to be
checked and necessary replacements or repairs made in good time.

Whilst it is relatively easy to make an electrical circuit work – it is far more challenging to make the circuit
work safely. To avoid the dangers that electricity can create to you and others it is essential that electrical
work is carried out only by those with the correct knowledge, skill and experience in the type of electrical
work to be undertaken.

In March 2006 the Electrical Safety Council published the results of their National Consumer Survey and
found that:
o 42% of consumers surveyed stated they had never had their electrics checked

o 32% of consumers surveyed who do DIY stated they had experienced one or more electric shocks
while carrying out DIY

o 59% of people do not use qualified electricians when carrying out electrical work

o 35% of consumers surveyed said their electrics are over 15 years old and a further 21% stated they
had no idea how old they were
 o

Why is it so important to work safely with or near electricity?

The electrical current in regular businesses and homes has enough power to cause
death by electrocution. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can
be hazardous because coming in contact with the "hot" or live part of the socket
could kill a person.

What kinds of injuries result from electrical currents?

There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and
falls. These injuries can happen in various ways:

• direct contact with the electrical energy.

• when the electricity arcs (jumps) through a gas (such as air) to a person who is
grounded (that would provide an alternative route to the ground for the
electricity).
• thermal burns including flash burns from heat generated by an electric arc, and
flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical
currents. High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only
very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
• muscle contractions, or a startle reaction, can cause a person to fall from a ladder,
scaffold or aerial bucket. The fall can cause serious injuries.

What are some general safety tips for working with or near electricity?

• Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear prior to each
use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
• Always tape cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage
cords causing fire and shock hazards.
• Use cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you
are using.
• Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can
cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.
• Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring
conditions exists. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified
electrician has checked the wiring.
• Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive materials when working
with or near electricity or power lines.
• Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains.
Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.
• Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit
before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.
• Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.
• Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of an emergency.
• Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively
identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.
• Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
• Do not use power tools with the guards removed.
• Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
• Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident.
Always disconnect the current first.

What are some tips for working with power tools?

• Switch tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply.

• Disconnect power supply before making adjustments.
• Ensure tools are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded tool must
have an approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This plug should be plugged in
a properly grounded 3-pole outlet.
• Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
• Do not bypass the switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting
the power cord.
• Do not use electrical tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless tool is
connected to a GFCI.
• Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
• Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases.

What are some tips for working with power cords?

• Keep power cords clear of tools during use.

• Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping
hazards.
• Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and
present less danger of shock or short circuit.
• Do not use light duty power cords.
• Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
• Do not tie power cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks.
Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.

What is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by detecting any loss of electrical
current in a circuit. When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before
severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful shock may occur during the time
that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity so it is important to use the GFCI
as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices.

GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against
electrocution for just that outlet, or a series of outlets in the same branch. A GFCI
Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an
entire branch circuit. Plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances
will be used.
 When and how do I test the Ground Fault Circuit Interupter (GFCI)?

Test the GFCI monthly. First plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall
outlet (the light should be turned on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If
the GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired
or replaced. Reset the GFCI to restore power.

If the "RESET" button pops out but the light does not go out, the GFCI has been
improperly wired and does not offer shock protection at that wall outlet. Contact a
qualified electrician to correct any wiring errors.

What is a sample checklist for basic electrical safety?

Inspect Cords and Plugs

• Check power cords and plugs daily. Discard if worn or damaged. Have any cord
that feels more than comfortably warm checked by an electrician.

Eliminate Octopus Connections

• Do not plug several power cords into one outlet.

• Pull the plug, not the cord.
• Do not disconnect power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet.
Pulling the cord causes wear and may cause a shock.

Never Break OFF the Third Prong on a Plug

• Replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.

Never Use Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring

• Use extension cords only to temporarily supply power to an area that does not
have a power outlet.
• Keep power cords away from heat, water and oil. They can damage the insulation
and cause a shock.
• Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put
in conduit or protected by placing planks alongside them.

Why is it so important to work safely with or near electricity?

The electrical current in regular businesses and homes has enough power to cause
death by electrocution. Even changing a light bulb without unplugging the lamp can
be hazardous because coming in contact with the "hot" or live part of the socket
could kill a person.

What kinds of injuries result from electrical currents?

 There are four main types of injuries: electrocution (fatal), electric shock, burns, and
falls. These injuries can happen in various ways:

• direct contact with the electrical energy.

• when the electricity arcs (jumps) through a gas (such as air) to a person who is
grounded (that would provide an alternative route to the ground for the
electricity).
• thermal burns including flash burns from heat generated by an electric arc, and
flame burns from materials that catch on fire from heating or ignition by electrical
currents. High voltage contact burns can burn internal tissues while leaving only
very small injuries on the outside of the skin.
• muscle contractions, or a startle reaction, can cause a person to fall from a ladder,
scaffold or aerial bucket. The fall can cause serious injuries.

What are some general safety tips for working with or near electricity?

• Inspect tools, power cords, and electrical fittings for damage or wear prior to each
use. Repair or replace damaged equipment immediately.
• Always tape cords to walls or floors when necessary. Nails and staples can damage
cords causing fire and shock hazards.
• Use cords or equipment that is rated for the level of amperage or wattage that you
are using.
• Always use the correct size fuse. Replacing a fuse with one of a larger size can
cause excessive currents in the wiring and possibly start a fire.
• Be aware that unusually warm or hot outlets may be a sign that unsafe wiring
conditions exists. Unplug any cords to these outlets and do not use until a qualified
electrician has checked the wiring.
• Always use ladders made of wood or other non-conductive materials when working
with or near electricity or power lines.
• Place halogen lights away from combustible materials such as cloths or curtains.
Halogen lamps can become very hot and may be a fire hazard.
• Risk of electric shock is greater in areas that are wet or damp. Install Ground
Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) as they will interrupt the electrical circuit
before a current sufficient to cause death or serious injury occurs.
• Make sure that exposed receptacle boxes are made of non-conductive materials.
• Know where the breakers and boxes are located in case of an emergency.
• Label all circuit breakers and fuse boxes clearly. Each switch should be positively
identified as to which outlet or appliance it is for.
• Do not use outlets or cords that have exposed wiring.
• Do not use power tools with the guards removed.
• Do not block access to circuit breakers or fuse boxes.
• Do not touch a person or electrical apparatus in the event of an electrical accident.
Always disconnect the current first.

What are some tips for working with power tools?

• Switch tools OFF before connecting them to a power supply.

• Disconnect power supply before making adjustments.
• Ensure tools are properly grounded or double-insulated. The grounded tool must
have an approved 3-wire cord with a 3-prong plug. This plug should be plugged in
a properly grounded 3-pole outlet.
• Test all tools for effective grounding with a continuity tester or a ground fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) before use.
• Do not bypass the switch and operate the tools by connecting and disconnecting
the power cord.
• Do not use electrical tools in wet conditions or damp locations unless tool is
connected to a GFCI.
• Do not clean tools with flammable or toxic solvents.
• Do not operate tools in an area containing explosive vapours or gases.

What are some tips for working with power cords?

• Keep power cords clear of tools during use.

• Suspend power cords over aisles or work areas to eliminate stumbling or tripping
hazards.
• Replace open front plugs with dead front plugs. Dead front plugs are sealed and
present less danger of shock or short circuit.
• Do not use light duty power cords.
• Do not carry electrical tools by the power cord.
• Do not tie power cords in tight knots. Knots can cause short circuits and shocks.
Loop the cords or use a twist lock plug.

What is a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)?

A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) works by detecting any loss of electrical
current in a circuit. When a loss is detected, the GFCI turns the electricity off before
severe injuries or electrocution can occur. A painful shock may occur during the time
that it takes for the GFCI to cut off the electricity so it is important to use the GFCI
as an extra protective measure rather than a replacement for safe work practices.

GFCI wall outlets can be installed in place of standard outlets to protect against
electrocution for just that outlet, or a series of outlets in the same branch. A GFCI
Circuit Breaker can be installed on some circuit breaker electrical panels to protect an
entire branch circuit. Plug-in GFCIs can be plugged into wall outlets where appliances
will be used.

When and how do I test the Ground Fault Circuit Interupter (GFCI)?

Test the GFCI monthly. First plug a "night light" or lamp into the GFCI-protected wall
outlet (the light should be turned on), then press the "TEST" button on the GFCI. If
the GFCI is working properly, the light should go out. If not, have the GFCI repaired
or replaced. Reset the GFCI to restore power.

If the "RESET" button pops out but the light does not go out, the GFCI has been
improperly wired and does not offer shock protection at that wall outlet. Contact a
qualified electrician to correct any wiring errors.
 What is a sample checklist for basic electrical safety?

Inspect Cords and Plugs

• Check power cords and plugs daily. Discard if worn or damaged. Have any cord
that feels more than comfortably warm checked by an electrician.

Eliminate Octopus Connections

• Do not plug several power cords into one outlet.

• Pull the plug, not the cord.
• Do not disconnect power supply by pulling or jerking the cord from the outlet.
Pulling the cord causes wear and may cause a shock.

Never Break OFF the Third Prong on a Plug

• Replace broken 3-prong plugs and make sure the third prong is properly grounded.

Never Use Extension Cords as Permanent Wiring

• Use extension cords only to temporarily supply power to an area that does not
have a power outlet.
• Keep power cords away from heat, water and oil. They can damage the insulation
and cause a shock.
• Do not allow vehicles to pass over unprotected power cords. Cords should be put
in conduit or protected by placing planks alongside them.
 Why is prevention of slips, trips and falls important?

In Canada some sixty thousand workers get injured annually due to fall accidents.
This number represents about fifteen percent of the "time-loss injuries" that were
accepted by workers' compensation boards or commissions across Canada. Not
mentioning a great economical loss, it amounts for a lot of pain and suffering and
sometimes (much too often) even death. All these, in most of cases, do not have to
happen. What is needed is:

• understanding how fall accidents happen,

• identifying the trouble areas, and
• eliminating or minimizing hazards of falling.

How do falls happen?

Statistics show that the majority (60 percent) of falls happen on the same level
resulting from slips and trips. The remaining 40 percent are falls from a height. This
document will summarize information on "falls on the same level" (slips and trips).
Falls from an elevation, such as falls from ladders, roofs, down stairs or from jumping
to a lower level, etc., will discussed in another document since each type of fall
requires different features in a fall prevention program.

Slips

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the
walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

• wet or oily surfaces,

• occasional spills,
• weather hazards,
• loose, unanchored rugs or mats, and
• flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all
areas.

Trips

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the
balance

and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

• obstructed view,
• poor lighting,
• clutter in your way,
• wrinkled carpeting,
• uncovered cables,
• bottom drawers not being closed, and
• uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces.
Introduction

The Electrical Safety Subject Area has been developed to promote an electrically safe
workplace free from unauthorized exposure to electrical hazards and to provide directions
for the implementation of electrical safety requirements in compliance with 10 CFR 851
DOE Worker Safety and Health Program. This subject area describes the procedures to be
used by employees of Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) and BNL contractors;
employees of a subcontractor; individuals who visit to perform work for or in conjunction
with BNL, and use BNL facilities.

The hierarchy of controls of the Electrical Safety Program are:

• Engineering controls;
• Lockout/tagout or unplug the equipment to eliminate the hazard;
• Install barriers to isolate the hazard;
• Energized Work Permits to control the hazard.

It is Brookhaven National Laboratory policy that no one works on or near energized

components above 50 volts, unless authorized and with an electrical work permit. This
permit ensures that the energized work is necessary, the procedures and PPE are in place
to protect the worker, and the training is current to perform the work. Otherwise, it is
required to work de-energized using the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Subject Area. Live parts
that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if there will be no
increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.

Contents

Section Overview of Content

(see section for full process)

1. Implementing Electrical Safety • Line Management conducts periodic

walkthroughs or field checks.
• Follow electrical safety practices.
• Design equipment and facilities
incorporating safety for operation and
maintenance.
• Perform periodic inspections of electrical
work.
• The AHJ approves all non-NRTL electrical
equipment and installations above 50 volts.

• Operation of vehicles or mechanical

equipment near overhead lines.
2. Operating Electrical Equipment
3. Working On or Near Live Parts
4. Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) for Electrical Work
5. Design and Installation of
Electrical Equipment
6. Interlock Safety for Protection of
Personnel
• Ensure personnel operating the equipment
are trained.
• Personnel must wear required PPE as
specified for Hazard/ Risk Category rating.
• Plan all electrical work using the energized
electrical work permit.
• Issue Energized Electrical Work Permit
and list all authorized personnel.
• Evaluate the proper energized electrical
work permit.
• Provide feedback following all electrical
work.
• Protect all personnel from electrical
hazards by applying one of the following
subprocesses:
o Determination of PPE by Shock
Hazard Analysis;
o Determination of PPE by Arc-flash
Hazard Analysis.
• Include energy isolating devices;
• Ensure electrical equipment and
installations conform to applicable codes
and standards.
• Document all electrical additions and
changes on system or facility drawings.
• Ensure that the arc-flash calculations are
performed by knowledgeable personnel.
• Ensure sufficient access and working space
is provided.
• When required, ensure that ground
detection is installed .
• Determine need for a new interlock
system.
• Determine interlock system design
requirements.
• Conduct independent review of interlock
system's design.
• Ensure interlock systems conform to
approved design documents.
• Ensure interlock system testing follows six
 criteria and proper PPE is worn.

• Ensure personnel are trained and operating

procedures for safety are in place.

7. Implementing the Electrical • Create an inventory of all owned

Equipment Inspection (EEI) Program equipment.
• Arrange for a BNL-certified EEI to review
the equipment in the inventory.
• Inspect the equipment and record the result
of the inspection.
• Apply a bar coded reference number to the
equipment and a colored sticker indicating
its approval status.

• Provide the user with the inspection

results.

Definitions

Exhibits
Approved Equivalent Electrical Training
Certification of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) For Operating Electrical
Equipment
Certification of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Working On or Near
Energized Equipment
Design Guide
Electrical Equipment Labels
Electrical Safe Work Practices
Engineered Voltage Monitoring Solutions for Lockout/Tagout
Interlock Safety for Protection of Personnel
Reputable Manufacturer Requirements
Review and Approval of Electrical Equipment and Installations
Selection and Use of Rubber Gloves and Insulating Blankets
Topics to be Covered During Departmental Job-Specific Training
Work Distance Table (Control Zones)

Forms
BNL Checklist for Review and Approval of Electrical Equipment
Electrical Work Permits with Instructions
Training Requirements and Reporting Obligations

This subject area contains the following training requirements:

• Electrical training and on-the-job training must be conducted at least annually by

each Department/Division for all personnel that the organization wishes to define
as Authorized Workers.
• Current, documented safety training is required for all electrical work on or near
energized conductors and consists of the following: Electrical Safety 1 (TQ-
ELECSAF1); Lockout/Tagout Authorized Worker (HP-OSH-151B-W); CPR (TQ-
ADULTCPR); and job-specific training (see the BNL Training and Qualifications
Web Site). Departments/Divisions must maintain a list of these authorized
workers. (Note: Lockout/Tagout Training is not required for the Testing,
Troubleshooting and Voltage Measuring (TTVM) Electrical Work Permit for 120
volts or less.)
• Job-specific training includes
o Personal protective equipment and tools appropriate for voltage and
current range;
o Review of the Energized Electrical Work Permit;
o Emergency actions which may be required.

This subject area does not contain reporting obligations.

External/Internal Requirements

Requirement
Requirement Title
Number
10 CFR 830,
Subpart A
Energy, Nuclear Safety Management, Quality Assurance Requirements

29 CFR 1910 Labor/Occupational Safety and Health Standards

29 CFR 1926 Labor/Safety and Health Regulations for Construction
DOE-STD-1066-
99
Fire Protection Design Criteria

Classification of Flammable Liquids, Gases, or Vapors and of

NFPA 497 Hazardous (Classified) Locations for Electrical Installations in
Chemical Process Areas
NFPA 70B Electrical Equipment Maintenance
NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces
O 414.1C Quality Assurance
P 450.7 Environment, Safety and Health (ESH) Goals
References

BNL Training and Qualifications Web Site

DOE Electrical Safety Handbook, DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

Engineering Design Subject Area

Environment, Safety, Health and Quality (Tier I) Inspections Subject Area

Fire Safety Subject Area

Hazard Analysis Subject Area

Integrated Safety Management Program Description

Laser Safety Subject Area

List of LESC Approved Inspectors, Laboratory Electrical Safety Committee Web Site

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Subject Area

Magnetic Fields, Static Subject Area

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code

NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Noise and Hearing Conservation Subject Area

Occurrence Reporting and Processing System (ORPS) Subject Area

Organizations Currently Recognized by OSHA as NRTLs Web page

RF and Microwave Safety Subject Area

Radiological Control Manual

Radiation-Generating Devices Subject Area

Safety and Health Services Division Web site

Work Planning and Control for Experiments and Operations Subject Area
Standards of Performance

Managers shall manage work to control risks and hazards, detect wrongdoing, ensure
customer satisfaction, and provide a benefit to BNL.

Managers shall perform "field walkthroughs" as a standard practice for assessing

performance and identifying areas for improvement.

All staff and guests shall share information based on experience (e.g., lessons learned) to
promote continuous improvement in business and work practices.

All staff and users shall ensure that they are trained and qualified to carry out their
assigned responsibilities, and shall inform their supervisor if they are assigned to perform
work for which they are not properly trained or qualified.

All staff and users shall identify, evaluate, and control hazards in order to ensure that
work is conducted safely and in a manner that protects the environment and the public.

All staff and guests shall promptly report accidents, injuries, ES&H deficiencies,
emergencies, and off-normal events in accordance with procedures.