High Voltage Electrical

Safety
(OSHA, NFPA & EN
Standards)

Course Objectives
Upon the successful completion of this
course, each participant will be able to:
Apply proper techniques and procedures
on High Voltage (HV) electrical safety in
accordance with the international standards
OSHA, NFPA, IEEE and EN
Explain the electrical safety standards and
regulations including voltages
Discuss basic electricity and HV
installations

Course Objectives
Describe HV equipment including power
transformers, switches, isolators and fuses,
circuit breakers, instrument transformers,
surge arrestors, capacitor banks as well as
earth and shunt reactors.
Recognized the characteristics and applications
of gas insulted substations (GIS) and review
metal-enclosed and metal clad switchgears
Analyze motor controllers, protection relays
and carryout testing and commissioning

Course Objectives
Illustratetest equipment and discuss
electrical switching as well as electrical
and special hazards.
Employ safety management and review
de-energized and energized work.
Identify
confined space and employ
personnel protection.
Discuss emergency planning as well as
portable cables.

OSHA Requirements for

Electrical Safe Work Practices
OHSA uses its Electrical Safe Work
Practices Standards for General
Industry (Manufacturing, Retail and
Service Industries) and Construction.
The General Duty Clause.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(a) "General"
Safety-related work practices shall
be employed to prevent electric
shock or other injuries resulting from
either direct or indirect electrical
contacts, when work is performed
near or on equipment or circuits
which are or may be energized.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(a) "General"
The specific safety-related work practices shall
be consistentwith the nature and extent of the
associated electrical hazards.
1910.333(a)(1) "Deenergized parts
Energized parts to which an employee may be
exposed shall be deenergized before the employee
works on or near them, unless the employer can
demonstrate
that
deenergizing
introduces
additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due
to equipment design or operational limitations.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(a)(1) "Deenergized parts
Energized 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.
Examples of increased or additional hazards
include interruption of life support equipment,
deactivation of emergency alarm systems,
shutdown of hazardous location ventilation
equipment, or removal of illumination for an
area.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(a)(1) "Deenergized parts
Examples of work that may be performed on or
near energized circuit parts because of
infeasibility due to equipment design or
operational limitations include testing of electric
circuits that can only be performed with the
circuit energized and work on circuits that form
an integral part of a continuous industrial process
in a chemical plant that would otherwise need to
be completely shut down in order to permit work
on one circuit or piece of equipment.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(a)(2) Energized parts
If the exposed energized parts are not
deenergized (i.e., for reasons of increased or
additional hazards or infeasibility), other safety
related work practices shall be used to protect
employees who may be exposed to the
electrical hazards involved.
Such work practices shall protect employees
against contact with energized circuit parts
directly with any part of their body or indirectly
through some other conductive object.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(b)(1) "Working On or Near
Exposed Deenergized Parts"
Conductors and parts of electric
equipment that have been deenergized
but have not been locked out or tagged
in accordance with paragraph (b) of this
section shall be treated as energized
parts, and paragraph (c) of this section
applies to work on or near them.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(b)(2) "Lockout and
Tagging"
While any employee is exposed to
contact with parts of fixed electric
equipment or circuits which have been
deenergized, the circuits energizing
the parts shall be locked out or tagged
or
both in accordance with the
requirements of this paragraph.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.333(c) "Work on Energized Equipment"
Only qualified persons may work on electric
circuit parts or equipment that have not been
deenergized under the procedures of paragraph
(b) of this section.
Such persons shall be capable of working safely
on energized circuits and shall be familiar with
the proper use of special precautionary
techniques,
personal protective equipment,
insulating and shielding materials, and insulated
tools.

Selection and Use of Electrical Work

Practices
1910.335(a)(1)(i) Personal
Protective Equipment"
Employees working in areas where
there are potential electrical hazards
shall be provided with, and shall use,
electrical protective equipment that
is appropriate for the specific parts of
the body to be protected and for the
work to be performed.

 Page 41

Electrical Hazard Analysis

Conduct a Shock Hazard Analysis;
Establish Shock Protection Boundaries;
Conduct a Flash Hazard Analysis; Establish
a Flash Protection Boundary; and
Select the Appropriate Personal
Protective Equipment and Tools.
Shock Protection Boundary: 130.2, page 24
Flash Hazard Analysis: 130.3, page 25
PPE: 130.3(B), page 25; 130.7, page 28

Shock Hazard Analysis

Requires employers to:
Determine the voltage to which
personnel will be exposed;
Boundary requirements; and
Personal protective equipment
necessary in order to prevent electrical
shock.

Electrical Hazard Analysis

Establish Shock Protection Boundaries;

Conduct a Flash Hazard Analysis;
Establish a Flash Protection Boundary; and
Select the Appropriate Personal
Protective
Equipment and Tools.
Shock Protection Boundary: 130.2, page 24
Flash Hazard Analysis: 130.3, page 25
PPE: 130.3(B), page 25; 130.7, page 28

Shock Hazard Analysis

Requires employers to:
Determine the voltage to which
personnel will be exposed;
Boundary requirements; and
Personal protective equipment
necessary in order to prevent
electrical shock.

Flash Hazard Analysis

Requires employers to document the incident energy

exposure of the worker to a potential arc flash
incident in units of calories per square cubic
centimeter (cal/cm2)
The incident exposure level is based on the working
distance of the employees face and chest areas
from a perspective arc source for the specific task to
be performed.
A Hazard/Risk Category Chart System is permitted
to be used in lieu of the detailed flash hazard
analysis using the calculation approach.

Distance Boundaries
Two types include:
Approach Boundaries - used to
reduce shock hazard(Limited,
Restricted and Prohibited); and
Flash Protection Boundaries used to reduce arc flash hazards and
may reduce arc blast hazards.

NFPA Boundary Definitions

Boundary, Limited Approach. An approach limit
at a distance from an exposed energized
electrical conductor or circuit part within which a
shock hazard exists.
Boundary, Restricted Approach. An approach
limit at adistance from an exposed energized
electrical conductor or circuit part within which
there is an increased risk of shock, due to
electrical arc over combined with inadvertent
movement, for personnel working in close
proximity to the energized electrical conductor or
circuit part.

NFPA Boundary Definitions

Boundary, Prohibited Approach. An
approach limit at a distance from an exposed
energized electrical conductor or circuit part
within which work is considered the same as
making contact with the electrical conductor
or circuit part.
Boundary, Arc Flash Protection. When an
arc flash hazard exists, an approach limit at a
distance from a prospective arc source within
which a person could receive a second degree
burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur.

Arc Flash and Arc Blast

Bussman slide, used by permission

Can have flash and blast in same incident. Blast, i.e. shrapnel
PPE is only for flash, not for blast

Approach Boundaries to Energized Parts

Approach Boundaries to Energized Parts

Flash Protection Boundary: Burns

Protective Clothing and Other PPE for Application

with an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis.

Methods of selection of protective clothing and other

personal protective equipment:
(1) Incident Energy Analysis. The incident
energy analysis shall determine, and the employer
shall document, the incident energy exposure of the
worker (in calories per square centimeter).
(2) Hazard/Risk Categories. The requirements
of 130.7(C)(9), 130.7(C)(10), and130.7(C)(11)
shall be permitted to be used for the selection
and use of personal and other protective
equipment.

Equipment Labeling

Distance Boundaries
Unqualified Persons must:
Not cross the Flash Protection Boundary of
48 unless they are wearing appropriate
shock and flash PPE;
Not cross the Limited Approach Boundary
of 42 unless they are escorted and closely
supervised by a qualified person; and
Never cross the Restricted Approach
Boundary of 12.

Distance Boundaries
Qualified Persons must:
Be trained and qualified to perform the
task/job and to understand the potential
hazards in crossing the Limited Approach
and Flash Protection Boundaries; and
Not cross the Limited Approach and Flash
Protection Boundaries unless he/she is
wearing the appropriate personal
protective equipment and using the
correct tools.

NFPA 70E V Rated Gloves

NFPA 70E V Rated Gloves

NFPA 70E Insulating Shoes

NFPA 70E Insulating Shoes

Where insulated footwear is used as
protection against step and touch
potential, dielectric overshoes are required.
Insulated soles must not be used as primary
electrical protection.
ASTM F1117 applies to footwear which has
been designed to provide additional
isolation or insulation of workers who could
be in accidental contact with energized
electrical conductors, apparatus, or circuits.

NFPA 70E FR Rated Clothing

NFPA 70E FR Rated

Clothing

NFPA 70E FR Rated Clothing

NFPA 70E FR Rated

Clothing
Blast Hood
A complete FR arc-rated enclosure
for the head and neck.

NFPA 70E FR Rated

Clothing
Inspection
FR apparel must be inspected before each
use.
Work clothing or arc flash suits that are
contaminated, or damaged to the extent
their protective qualities are impaired, must
not be used.
Protective items that become contaminated
with grease, oil, or flammable liquids or
combustible materials must not be used.

NFPA 70E FR Rated

Clothing
Storage
The garment manufacturers instructions
for care and maintenance of FR apparel
must be followed.
FR apparel must be stored in a manner
that prevents physical damage; damage
from moisture, dust, or other
deteriorating agents; or contamination
from flammable or combustible materials.

NFPA 70E FR Rated

Clothing
When FR clothing is cleaned, manufacturers
instruction must be followed to avoid loss of
protection.
When FR clothing is repaired, the same FR materials
used to manufacture the FR clothing must be used
to provide repairs.
When, trim, name tags, and/or logos are affixed to
FR clothing, guidance in ASTM F 1506, Standard
Performance Specification for Textile Material for
Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers
Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related
Thermal Hazards, must be followed.

NFPA 70E V Rated Tools

NFPA 70E Inspections

Visual Inspections.
- Safety and protective equipment and protective tools
must be visually inspected for damage and defects
before initial use and at intervals as service
conditions require; but in no case may that interval
exceed 1 year.

Manufacturers instructions for the care and

maintenance of protective equipment and tools
must be followed.
Equipment must meet the requirements of the
ANSI/ASTM Standards to which they manufactured
and used (Table 130.7(F)).

NFPA 70E Inspections

NFPA 70E Testing

The insulation of protective
equipment and protective tools must
be verified by appropriate tests and visual
inspections to ascertain that insulating
capability has been retained:
Before initial use
At intervals thereafter as service
conditions and applicable standards and
instructions require
In no case can the interval exceed 3 years

Personal Protective Equipment

Personal Protective Equipment

Included in photo: Flash or switching suit and hood, vrated tools and gloves, protective blankets, voltage
tester, safety glasses

Bussman slide, used by permission

Can have flash and blast in same incident. Blast, i.e. shrapnel
PPE is only for flash, not for blast

Dangers of Electrical Shock

Currents >75 mA* can cause
ventricular fibrillation(rapid,
ineffective heartbeat)
mA = milliampere = 1/1,000 of an
ampere
Death within minutes unless a
defibrillator is used
75 mA is not much current (a small
power drill uses 30 times as much)

Effects of Current on Body

50-150 mA: Extreme pain
Respiratory arrest; cannot let go
Death possible
1000-4300 mA: Ventricular fibrillation
Muscular contraction; nerve damage
Death likely
10000 mA: Cardiac arrest
Severe burns, probable death

WARNING!

The following slides are very graphic.

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 0

This hazard risk category poses minimal risk.
Some examples of tasks in this category are tasks
that involve:
Perform infrared thermograph and other noncontact inspections outside the restricted approach
boundary;
Circuit breaker or fused switch operation on panel
boards rated 600 V and below with their covers
on; and
Opening of hinged covers (to expose bare, energized
parts) on panel boards rated 240 V and below.

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 0

Requires the use of:
Long sleeve shirt and pants made of
non melting or untreated natural
fibers (e.g., cotton shirt and pants);
Eye protection (e.g., safety glasses);
Hearing protection (ear canal
inserts); and
Leather gloves (as needed).

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 1

This hazard risk category poses some risk.

Some examples of tasks in this category are tasks

that involve:
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing on
panel boards
rated 240 V and below;
Removal or installation of circuit breakers or fused
switches on panel boards rated at 240 V and below;
Removal of bolted covers on panelboards rated 240 V
and below; and
Work on energized electrical conductors and circuit parts
of utilization equipment fed directly by a branch
circuit of the panel board rated 240 V and below.

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 1

Requires the use of:
FR long sleeve shirt and pants, or
coverall, with a minimum Arc Rating of
4 cal/cm2
Electrical rated hard hat
Eye protection (e.g., non-metal safety
glasses or safety goggles)
Arc-rated face shield or arc flash
suit hood, with a minimum Arc
Rating of 4 cal/cm2
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts)
Electrical insulating gloves with
leather glove protectors
Leather or electrical insulating work
shoes

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 2

This hazard risk category involves tasks that pose a
moderate risk.
Some examples of tasks in this category are tasks that
involve:
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing, on
panel boards rated greater than 240V and up to 600V;
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing, on
600V Class Motor Control Centers (MCCs);
Work on control circuits with energized parts greater
than 120V, on 600V Class MCCs; and
Work on energized electrical conductors and circuit parts
of utilization equipment fed directly by a branch circuit of
the panel board rated greater than 240V and up to 600V.

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 2

Requires the use of:
FR long sleeve shirt and pants, or
coverall, with a minimum Arc Rating of 8
cal/cm2;
Arc rated arc flash suit hood or balaclava
and faceshield, with a minimum Arc
Rating of 8 cal/cm2;
Electrical rated hard hat;
Eye protection (e.g., non-metal safety
glasses or safety goggles);
Electrical insulating gloves with leather
glove protectors;
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts); and
Leather or electrical insulating work
shoes.

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 3

This hazard risk category involves
tasks that pose a high risk.
Some examples of tasks in this
category are tasks that involve:
Insertion or removal of individual
starter buckets when working on a
600 V Class Motor Control Center;
Insertion or removal of circuit
breakers from cubicles, doors open,
when working with 600 V Class
Switchgear (with power circuit
breakers or fused switches); and
Removal of bolted covers (to expose
bare energized parts) 600 V Class
Switchgear (with power circuit
breakers or fused switches).

NFPA 70E Hazard Risk 4

This hazard risk category
represents tasks that pose the
greatest risk.
Some examples of tasks in this
category are tasks that involve:
Removal of bolted cover (to
expose bare, energized parts)
when working with NEMA E2 (fused
contactor) Motor Starters, 2.3 kV
through 7.2 kV; and
Work on energized parts, including
voltage testing, when working
with Meta Clad Switchgear, 1kV
and above.

Energized Electrical Work

Permit
Requires the worker to:

Identify and understand the hazards

Be a qualified person
Wear the proper personal protective equipment
Restrict access to unqualified persons
Complete a pre-work job briefing

Permit is not required for testing and trouble shooting:

Personal protective equipment is required

Answer Slide Do not print in Participant Workbook

Summary of key points in activity; use after
discussing activity
Energized Electrical Work Permit identifies the hazards
130.1(A), page 24

Electrical Hazards

General

Wherever we have electricity, we

have the hazard of being open
exposed to electrical shock, whether
it is an wire or malfunctioning
equipment, either at home or the
workplace.

Unsafe Acts

Electrical Shock
Electrical Hazards, risks of injury or death arising
from exposure to electricity.
Electricity is essential to daily life, providing heat
and light and powering appliances in homes and
factories. It must, however, be treated with great
care, because the consequences of an electrical
fault can be serious and sometimes fatal.
Generally voltages greater than 50 volts can
present a serious hazard and currents of more
than about 50 milliamps flowing through the
human body can lead to death by electrocution.

Electrical Shock
A shock occurs when a live part of some
device is touched, so that current passes
through the body. Its severity depends on
many factors, including the body's
conductivity (the ease with which electricity
passes through it).
The conductivity is usually small, but can be
increased if the body or clothing is wet. The
risk of injury also increases according to the
size of the voltage or current, or the
duration of contact.

Electrical Shock
There is a risk of electrocution
(death by electric shock) if current
passes across the heart.
For example, if one foot is touching
wet ground, the risk is greater if the
arm on the opposite side touches a
high-voltage source than it would be
if the arm on the same side did so.

Effects of Electric Shock

Electrical Arc
Arc (electricity), type of continuous
electric discharge,giving
intense light and heat, formed
between two electrodes in a gas at
low pressure or in open air.
It was first discovered and
demonstrated by the British chemist
Sir Humphrey Davy in 1800.

15kA 660Vac Short Circuit

Origin of an Electric Arc

At the moment of contact separation in a switching
device, contact pressure diminishes rapidly.
Important local heating results, which as soon as
the separation is effective, revokes a thermoionic emission of electrons.
The speed of the electrons increases in the
electric
field existing between the contacts and
becomes
sufficient to ionize by impact the surrounding
atoms: This is the arc.

Precautions about Arcing and Flashes

Employees must wear protective
equipment for the eyes or face wherever
there is a potential danger of electric arcs,
flashes or flying objects resulting from
electric explosion.
This should include polycarbonate safety
glasses with side shields and a full-face
shield.
The following scenarios are examples of
situations with the potential for arcs:

Precautions about Arcing and Flashes

Working with a metal or conductive tool
near a live electrical contact point with
voltages above 600 volts;
Accidentally making contact across two
live electrical contact points with a
metal or conductive tool; and
Utilizing conductive materials or tools to
connect a circuit in place of properly
rated fuses or circuit breakers.

Precautions about Arcing and Flashes

Precautions to prevent arcs or flashes
include the following:
Keep covers over live electrical contact
points closed;
Avoid using metal or conductive tools
around live electrical contact points, when
possible;
Avoid pointing or placing metal tools near
live electrical contact points in equipment
with voltages above 600 volts;

Precautions about Arcing and Flashes

Verify the voltages present when working
near live electrical contact points;
Utilize test fixture boxes while performing
adjustments, calibrations, or function
tests of energized parts; and
Use properly rated fuses for the capacity
of the line or protection needed for the
equipment in question.

Blast
There are basically two types of arc control
pots.
The two most popular methods are the
axial blast pot and the cross blast pot.
The principle of operation of these breakers
is that the pressure developed by the
vaporization and dissociation of the oil is
retained within the pot by withdrawing the
moving contact through a tight aperture
with radial clearance.

Blast
This ensures that there is practically no release of
pressure until the moving contact uncovers the exit
vent on an axial blast pot or the side vents on a
cross blast pot.
The compressed hydrogen gas can then escape
across the arc path, exerting a powerful cooling
action on the ionized column.
When current zero is reached, the post arc
resistance increases and clearance occurs.
At lower currents the cooling action is less vigorous,
but also the degree of ionization is less, so
clearance is still achieved.

Explosion Protection
Due to the high mechanical forces up to tens
of tones -generated by electricity during fault
conditions, the personnel has to be protected
against explosion.
Explosion usually occurs in oil circuit breakers.
In order to avoid explosion at very high
currents, pressure limiting valves are used
in certain circuit breakers to protect the
explosion pots and these are called elastic arc
chambers.

Special Hazards

Unique Designs
Identify the hazardWhat is special
and
what type of hazard will exist?
How do I react should this hazard
occur
Is it an induced hazard
Caused by an incorrect decision or
action

Surge Protectors

These are devices which conduct

excessive electrical discharges,
caused by lightning strikes (external
over- voltages) or switching
operations and earth faults
(internal over-voltages), to earth,
thus protecting the connected
equipment against voltages which it
is not designed to withstand.

Ratings/Classes
Initial clamping level the voltage at
which the arrestor would operate. Eg.
Less than 1200V with 10kV/nsec pulse
slope
Power Consumption Less than 600MW
per phase (device only)
Extreme Duty Discharge Capability
Greater than 65kA (8x20usec pulse,
0.65 Coulomb)

Testing
The device is tested using an
impulse voltage tester.
This instrument tests all the
requirements.

Energizing

The device is connected between line

and earth and will clip (limit) any
overvoltages caused by switching or
lightning.

Safety Management

Safety Management
Audits
Every company must have regular
safety audits, both in-house and by an
external institute.
This will ensure compliance as well as
up to date safety measures

Policies
Policies must be drawn up, put in place
and also enforced.

Safety Management
Costs
It is difficult to determine costs of Safety
Management for individual companies,
but the cost of: NOT ADHERING to
SAFETY POLICIES is
UNCALCULABLE.

De-Energized Work

De-Energized Work
Policies and Procedures
Follow laid down procedures.

Voltage Detection Equipment

Voltmeters
Neon indicators
Stick

Lock and Tag Out

Grounds/Grounding

Definition:
Ground: A conducting connection,
whether intentional oraccidental,
between an electrical circuit or
equipment and the earth or to some
conducting body that serves in place
of the earth.
Inadvertent grounding of conductors
may result in arc flashes and burns

Grounds/Grounding
Lines must be visibly grounded.
Ground / Earth must be bolted
Ground electrical equipment and
cover high voltage conductors with
physical barriers.
Whenever possible work only with
one hand when you must work on
energized circuits.

Personal Protective Grounds

When work is done on an overhead
line, apart from visible earths, is my
own personal protective grounds
serviceable and connected?

Energized Work

Policies and Procedures

Energized electrical work is acceptable for
tasks which can only be performed with the
equipment energized or when the use of
de-energized electrical work procedures
presents a greater hazard.
OSHA has defined such work as repair,
maintenance, troubleshooting, or testing on
electrical circuits, components, or systems
while energized (i.e., live).
No other activities shall be performed while
energized.

Policies and Procedures

Due to the degree of electrical hazards
associated with this type of work, the
procedures, equipment, and other controls
described in this section must be used when
performing energized electrical work.
All energized electrical work practices and
procedure shall incorporate all other applicable
provisions of OSHA regulations covering work
in confined or enclosed workspaces, work
space illumination, alerting techniques, and
personal protective equipment requirements.

Qualified High Voltage Electrical worker

Energized electrical work on systems shall only

be performed by a trained Qualified High Voltage
Electrical Worker. Management is responsible for
determining whether an employee is qualified
to perform energized electrical work.
Only Qualified High Voltage Electrical Workers
are permitted to work on energized circuitry of 50
volts/25 amps to ground or greater.
This qualification shall be made based on
completion of applicable training and experience.

Qualified High Voltage Electrical

worker
Only Qualified High Voltage Electrical Workers
shall work on energized conductors or
equipment connected to energized high
voltage systems.
Except for replacing fuses, operating switches,
other operations that do not require the
employee to contact energized high voltage
conductors or energized parts of equipment
or clearing trouble or emergencies
involving hazard to life or property, no such
employee shall be assigned to work alone.

Qualified High Voltage Electrical

worker
A qualified person is the one who:
Spends a minimum of two years of
electrical training and experience with
high voltage circuits and equipment
under the oversight of another
Qualified High Voltage Electrical Worker.

Qualified High Voltage Electrical

worker
Who has demonstrated by
performance familiarity with the work
to be performed and the hazards
involved, and has successfully
completed the following training:
- Core Safety Training;
- Advanced Electrical Safety and
Lockout/Tagout training;
- Hazardous Electrical High Voltage training

Work Zones (Controlled Areas)

When working with high voltage, the area must be

clearly demarcated with something like danger
tape or electrical tape and signs indicating that
people are working in the area and on the
equipment.
Access to the work area must be strictly
controlled / limited.
The work zone should also be clear of any
equipment not being used.
Loose equipment can be a hazard and can
cause people to fall and end up in live equipment.

Work Clearances

Workspace Clearances
Clearances and Access Distances for
Energized
Electrical Work must comply with OSHA
regulations.
At least one entrance not less than 24 inches wide
and six (6) and a half (1/2) feet high must be
provided to give access to the working space
around energized electrical equipment.
When un-insulated energized parts are located
adjacent to such entrance, they must be guarded.

Work Clearances

The area in the immediate vicinity of the

workspace must be surveyed and all
potential hazards such as ladders, stacked
boxes, ceiling tiles, or doors that may fall
or swing into the workspace must be
secured to prevent interference with the
work being performed.
A clear escape path must be maintained
from the work space to an exit from the
area.

Clearances

Planning a Job
When work on electrical equipment needs
to be performed, it must first be planned.
Ensure that the correct equipment to be
worked in is marked.
Ensure that you have the correct Protective
Clothing and Equipment
Ensure the correct procedures and permits
are in place.
Have the correct people been notified.
All signs are in place.

Proper Tools
Earthing stick
Calibrated meters
Insulating blankets
Lockout keys
Tools as required rather have
extra than missing some tools
Instrument transformers

Confined Space

Confined Space
Scope and Application

Confined space is a space that is

large enough and configured so that
an employee can bodily enter and
perform assigned work.
Has limited or restricted means for
entry or exit e.g. Transformers.
Is not designed for continuous
employee occupancy.

Confined Space
Training Requirements

Confined space is a space that is

large enough and configured so that
an employee can bodily enter and
perform assigned work.
Has limited or restricted means for
entry or exit e.g. Transformers.
Is not designed for continuous
employee occupancy.

Confined Space
Duties of Employees

Ensure wearing of correct PPE.

Ensure permit is signed and scope of
work is clear.
Is an emergency contact system in place.
Is an attendant available?
Attendant an employee designated to
remain outside the confined space and
maintainconstant communication with
those inside.

Special Operating
Requirements
Permits to operate in this
environment.
Are the pumps, vents or fans in place
to purge the air in the case of
gaseous environments?
Is there a way of communicating if
radio communication is impossible?
Attendant on standby?

Personnel Protection

Personal Protective Equipment

Workers exposed to possible electric shock are
provided and use suitable protective equipment
or devices, such as insulated rubber gloves.
Workers exposed to possible electric shock or burns
are provided and use approved head protection.
For under 600 volts, head protection meets the
requirements for Class A or B in American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) standardZ 89.11986,
Requirements for Protective Headwear for Industrial
Workers.
For over600 volts, head protection meets the
requirements for Class B.

Rubber Gloves/Blankets
Use, Maintenance, Care
Rubber gloves and blankets are used as a means of
protection for the user. Any contact with an open or
live wire can be fatal and can result in severe burns
or even death.
The equipment should be maintained at all times
and before every use, must be checked for any
tears or cracks.
At high voltage a tear or a crack in the material
could be enough to provide a path for tracking
and electricity could be conducted through this tear.

Electrical Gloves and Insulated Blankets

Flash Suits
Flash suit will protect the user from serious
burns and electrical hazards, should a
fault/Explosion occur.

Eye Protection

Safety glasses should be worn, as serious

damage could be done to the eye should
a short circuit or flash occur. The glasses
will prevent direct damage to the eye

Hard Hats

In the event of a fault occurring on

an electric circuit, the use of a hard
hat will protect the user from flying
debris and pieces of equipment.

Personal Protective Equipment and First Aid

First aid equipment is available.

There are personnel trained in first
aid on-site.
The site also has an effective
communications system for
contacting help.

Emergency Planning

What If?

If somebody is electrocuted, do I know

How to remove the person from the
electricity without being electrocuted
myself?
Where to switch off the power?
How to perform CPR?
Who to contact?
Where the necessary alarms / phones are?
What the emergency numbers are?

Communications

Who must be informed first?

Where are the numbers located?

Electrical Fires

Do I have the correct equipment to

extinguish electrical fires?
Is it at hand?
When last have it been checked and
tested?
If it is empty, do I know where to find
additional units?

Extinguishing Electrical Fires

The fire is started when sufficient heat, fuel,

and oxygen are present.
In an electrical fire, heat is usually caused by a
high- energy arc.
The fuel is usually flammable insulators or any
other materials stored near the equipment
Oxygen is always present prior to an electrical fire.
Fire suppression of electrical fires is provided by a
Class C fire extinguisher.
This type is distinguished from other types by a
blue circle with a while C in it, as shown at the fig.

Extinguishing Electrical Fires

Extinguishing Electrical Fires

Class C agents include dry chemicals (sodium

bicarbonate potassium, chloride, ammonium
phosphate), carbon dioxide, and Halon 1211 or
1301 (halogenated hydrocarbons).
Of these, only Halon 1211 and ammonium
phosphate is acceptable for all fires. Water (Class
A only) or foam (Class B only) which is water and
detergent) are not suitable for extinguishing fires
on or near energized electrical equipment, but
are allowed once the equipment is deenergized.

Phone Numbers

What is the local emergency

number?
What is the number for medical
emergency?
Are all exits clear?

Panic Button
Is there a panic button in the case of
an emergency?
If it exists, does it sound an alarm in
the correct place, i.e. emergency
station / Security, etc.

Tools/Equipment

Do I have the correct equipment to

perform the required tasks/
operations?
Are all the tools serviceable?