Electrical Safety

Responsibilities
Hazard Control
Electrical Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment

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 Responsibilities

Management
Training
Safety
Corrective action
Meets code and regulations
Employees
Report deficiencies immediately
Only perform work on equipment authorized / trained for
Properly inspect all electrical equipment prior to use

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 Hazard Control
Engineering Controls
Electrical panels, breakers, disconnects, etc are enclosed
When required - water tight enclosures are in use
Electrical distribution areas are properly grounded
Clear approach of 36side and front is maintained
Conduit is fully supported
All non-rigid cords have strain relief where necessary
Administrative Controls
Only trained & authorized employees conduct electrical repairs
Barriers & warning signs - prevent unauthorized entry
Lockout / tagout
Electrical control devices properly labeled

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 Electrical Equipment
Examination - free from recognized hazards
suitability of equipment for an identified purpose
mechanical strength and durability
electrical insulation
heating effects under conditions of use
arcing effects
classification by type, size, voltage,current capacity & use
safeguarding of employees using or coming into contact with equipment
Identification of Disconnecting Means & Circuits
shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose
at the point where the circuit originates
each service, feeder, and branch circuit

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 Personal Protective Equipment

Shall be used when contact with exposed electrical sources are likely
Shall be designed for the job and environment
Shall be inspected or tested before use
Non-conductive head PPE required where overhead or energized parts
exist.
Eye / face PPE required when electrical arcs, flashes or flying objects
exist.
Shall maintain insulating capabilities at all times.
Electrically rated safety shoes / boots / gloves / head gear
Tools properly insulated
Electrically rated matting for all distribution panels / utility rooms

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 PPE Continued
Fuse handling equipment insulated for the circuit voltage
Ropes and other hand lines
Portable ladders shall have non-conductive side rails
Working on elevated platform - REQUIRES - safety watch on the
ground
Personnel working in elevated platforms must wear safety harness and
lanyard
Lockout tagout
Locks attached to prevent operating the disconnecting source
Tag contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation
Warning signs and barricades and or a safety attendant

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 Standard Operating Procedures
Electrical Pre-work Procedures

Treat all electrical circuits as Live

a Obtain permission from supervisor
b Lockout / tagout at electrical power sources
c Verify de-energized conditions exist - operate controls
d Voltmeter verification at live electrical source - must be rated for voltage
e Check exposed circuits phase to ground
f No voltage in exposed circuits - its ok to work
g If voltage is detected - Stop - determine source & eliminate voltage
h Conduct work
i Close up exposed circuits, boxes, control panels and equipment
j Remove lock and tag
k Obtain supervisor permission to energize circuits

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 Standard Operating Procedures
Working on Exposed Energized Circuits

Obtain permission from manager

Lock out and tag out all circuits possible
Treat all circuits as energized
Remove all conductive clothing and jewelry
Use all required PPE - including shields & barriers
Inspect all overhead lines before starting
Provide adequate lighting
Dont reach were you cant see
Approach distance see chart next slide.

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 APPROACH DISTANCE FOR QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES
ALTERNATING CURRENT

Voltage range (phase to phase) Minimum approach distance

300V and less. Avoid Contact

Over 300V, not over 750V.
Over 750V, not over 2kV
Over 2kV, not over 15kV.
Over 15kV, not over 37kV.
Over 37kV, not over 87.5 kV.
Over 87.5kV, not over 121kV
Over 121kv, not over 140kV
1 ft. 0 in. ( 30.5 cm)
1 ft. 6 in. ( 46 cm)
2 ft. 0 in. ( 61 cm)
3 ft. 0 in. ( 91 cm)
3 ft. 6 in. (107 cm)
4 ft. 0 in. (122 cm)
4 ft. 6 in. (137 cm)

Employees entering a confined space with exposed energized parts,

must use protective barriers, shields, or insulated materials rated at or
above the present voltage.
Secure all doors to prevent contact with employee and causing
employee contact with energized parts
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 Re-energizing Electrical Circuits After Work is
Completed

Qualified person shall

conduct test and visual inspection
verify all tools / equipment have been removed
Warn all employees that the system is going to be re-energized
Remove all locks and tags (by the individual that installed them)
Conduct a visual determine that all employees are clear and energize the
system

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 Powered Equipment Safety Rules

PEE = Cord or plug-type electrical devices including extension cords

damage free - no stapling, nailing or door jams
visually inspected - if damage is present repair immediately
do not over load circuits
ground type plugs - to - ground type receptacles
never alter plugs
if moisture is present - equipment must be double insulated or rated for the job
its not a good idea to be standing in water while operating PPE
locking-type connectors shall be properly secured when connected to a

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 Electrical Circuits Safety Procedures

Electrical power and light circuits are devices designed to connect or reverse
circuits under a power load condition
cable connectors, (not load-breakers) fuses, terminal plugs or cable splice
connectors may not be used, unless an emergency, to connect, disconnect or
reverse in place of proper electrical circuits
once a protective circuit is disconnected or opened, it may not be connected or
closed until it is determined safe to energize
over current protectors or circuits or connected circuits are never modified
only qualified employees may perform electrical circuit or equipment tests
all test equipment must be inspected before use - if damaged remove from service
test equipment must meet or exceed the voltage being tested & environment
electrical equipment is may not be used around flammable material unless the
proper measures have been taken to prevent the hazardous condition from
developing

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