Electrical Safe Work Practice

ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICE
PROCEDURE NUMBER: HES-206

CPL –HES 206 Electrical Safe Work Practice
CONTENTS
ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES HES-206
Section Title Page

1.0 Purpose 206 - 1
2.0 Scope 206 - 1
3.0 Roles and Responsibilities 206 - 2
4.0 Safe Work Processes 206 - 3
5.0 New Design, Modification, and Construction 206 - 40
5.1 Equipment Design Considerations 206 - 40
5.2 Substations 206 - 41
5.3 Guarding Live Parts 206 - 42
5.4 New Static Capacitor Banks 206 - 43
5.5 Lines 206 – 43
5.6 Perimeter Fence Grounding 206 – 47
5.7 Pipelines, Conveyors, and Metal Structures 206 – 47
5.8 Signage 206 – 47
5.9 Equipment Labeling, Marking, and Identification 206 – 48
6.0 Operation and Maintenance 206 - 49
7.0 Inspection and Testing of Insulating Rubber Products, Tools, and 206 - 52
Mechanized Equipment
8.0 Employee Training 206 - 54
9.0 Facility Work 206 - 59
10.0 Power System and Electrical Installation Security (Locking) 206 - 61
11.0 References 206 - 62
Revised/Printed September 2010, Uncontrolled when printed

HES 206 Electrical Safe Work Practice
Appendices
Appendix A – Clearance and Approach Boundaries Figures and Tables
Appendix B – Limits of Approach
Appendix C – Flame-Resistant Clothing Recommendations
Appendix D – Sample Calculation of Flash Protection Boundary Dc, Arc in Open Air Ema,
and Arc in Cubic Box Emb
Appendix E – Recommended Personal Protective Equipment
Appendix F – Work Area Protection
Appendix G – Job Briefing and Planning Checklist
Appendix H – Energized Electrical Work Permit
Appendix I – Substation Project Installation Safety Assessment Checklist
Appendix J – Substation Inspection Checklist
Appendix K – Electrical Control Room Inspection Checklist
Appendix L – Test Procedure for Daily Inspection of Rubber Gloves
Appendix M – Safety Tags
Appendix N – Grounding Cable and Jumper Ratings
Appendix O – Equipotential Grounding Techniques
Appendix P – Principles of Electrical Safety
Appendix Q – OSHA Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR)
Appendix R – Sample Procedures for Overhead Electrical Lines and Equipment
Appendix S – Example of Flash Protection Labels for Electrical Equipment
Appendix T - Glossary

1.0 Purpose
Most incidents and injuries related to electrical systems can be avoided by following the safe
work practices described in this document. In addition to the personal pain of suffering an
injury, incidents can result in lost time, medical costs, equipment damage, production loss,
and legal costs.
2.0 Scope
2.1 Provisions and Responsibilities

This document provides the minimum safety knowledge and procedures that allow
individuals and facilities to work with, or in proximity to, energized high- and low-voltage
sources. (In the language of applicable safety standards, this is formally designated to be
“working near” or “working on” exposed live parts - See Appendix T - Glossary.) Individuals
and facilities, however, are responsible for customizing this information to include details
and activities specific to their locations.
2.2 Safety Considerations

This practice sets minimum safety rules and safe work recommendations for the design,
operation, and maintenance of high- and low-voltage systems throughout Chevron Pipe Line
Company (hereinafter referred to as “company”) facilities. It is imperative that, at a
minimum, these guidelines are met (or exceeded) to enhance employee safety. If more
stringent local governmental codes, accepted employee safety practices, or design criteria
exist, follow those codes or standards.
2.3 Personnel Covered by This Procedure

This document applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors while they are close to
energized conductors, energized exposed parts of electrical equipment, or conductors and
equipment that potentially may become energized.
2.4 Activities Covered by This Procedure

This practice applies to new or modified high- and low-voltage installations. Existing
installations need not be physically modified to comply with this document unless qualified
personnel consider the modifications necessary to protect affected persons from recognized
hazards.

2.5 References
For the purpose of this practice, low voltage means 1,000 volts nominal or less phase-to-
phase or conductor-to-conductor, and high voltage means voltages above 1,000 volts ac,
phase-to-phase.
2.6 Limitations and Expectations

Knowledge of this practice by itself does not make a person a qualified electrical worker.
Each site should establish guidelines for informal and formal training, as well as the levels of
experience needed for workers in the electrical field or other workers whose job function
exposes them to a potential electrical hazard. (NFPA 70E, 110.3; NFPA 70E, 110.6)
3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
3.1 Location Management

The location manager or his or her designee is responsible for:
• Appointing a qualified employee as the location resource who is knowledgeable about
the current version of this document and its associated references. The person
appointed has the responsibility and authority for implementing this practice.
• Designating, if desired, a qualified employee for each functional or operational area
that is responsible for meeting all administrative, design, construction, maintenance,
and documentation requirements of this practice. This responsibility includes system
electrical planning, operation, and control. This person is also responsible for
obtaining, reading, understanding/interpreting, implementing, and maintaining
mandated (under law) governmental codes, policies, and practices.
• Approving the following:
o Exceptions to the Live Parts Work Policy
o Energized Electrical Work Permits NFPA 70E, 130.1(A)
o Personal protective equipment (PPE)
o Test equipment
o The decision to barrier and insulate instead of de-energize
3.2 Task Supervisor or Person in Charge (PIC)

(NESC 421A (modified))
This individual should be a “qualified employee,” (See Appendix T - Glossary) and is
responsible for:
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• adopting precautions that are within the individual’s authority to prevent accidents,
and taking positive action to obtain necessary precautions for those concerns not
within the individual’s authority to assure employee safety.
• ensuring that the site safety rules, training requirements, and operating procedures, as
contained in this or other practices, are observed by the employees under his or her
direction.
• preparing all the necessary documentation as required (e.g., switching procedures,
confined space procedures, digging permits, welding permits, etc.).
• preventing unauthorized persons from approaching places where electrical work
requiring qualification is being performed.
• ensuring that the tools or devices used are suited for the work at hand and that
applicable tools have been inspected and tested as required.
3.3 Employee
The employee is the person most responsible for his or her own safety.
“Qualified” and “authorized” employees should remain knowledgeable about applicable
electrical safety concerns as contained in this practice or other practices.
“Affected” employees should be aware of electrical hazards, where electrical work is not
their primary task, but where the opportunity for contact exists (i.e., during lockout/tagout,
when working near open crane rails or motor control centers and switchgear, around cable
ladders, and resetting devices and equipment).
3.4 Escort
The escort is a qualified employee whose responsibility is to safeguard the people in his or
her care and to assure that safety regulations are observed.
3.5 Contractors and Visitors

Contractors and visitors are to follow, at a minimum, all safety regulations of this facility as
contained in this practice.
4.0 Safe Work Practices
4.1 Live Parts Work Policy
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4.1.1 General Policies
The company’s general policy is that NO maintenance or construction/installation

work is performed on any conductors and/or exposed equipment parts at 50 volts
and above while energized. (NFPA 70E, 130.1; OSHA regulation 1910.333(a)(1))
If exposed live parts are not placed in an electrically safe work condition (i.e., for
the reasons of increased or additional hazards or infeasibility), work to be
performed is considered energized electrical work and should only be performed
as permitted by written permit. The energized electrical work permit could include
the following items:
a) A description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and their
location
b) Justification for why the work must be performed in an energized
condition
c) A description of the safe work practices to be employed
d) Results of the shock hazard analysis
e) Determination of shock protection boundaries
f) Results of the flash hazard analysis
g) The flash protection boundary
h) The necessary PPE to safely perform the assigned task
i) Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified persons from the
work area
j) Evidence of completion of a job briefing, including a discussion of any
job-specific hazards
k) Energized Work Approval (authorizing or responsible management, safety
officer, or owner, etc.) signature(s)
NOTE: See Appendix H for a sample of an energized electrical work

permit.
Work performed by qualified persons on or near live parts related to tasks, such as
testing, troubleshooting, voltage measuring, etc., can be performed without an
energized electrical work permit provided appropriate safe work practices and
personal protective equipment are provided and used.
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A hazard/risk evaluation procedure should be used before work is started on or

near exposed live parts operating at 50 volts or more, or where an electrical hazard
exists. For an example of such a procedure, see Annex F of NFPA 70E -2004.
Electrical equipment and lines should be considered energized unless put in an
electrically safe work condition (i.e., locked/tagged/tried, tested, and grounded in
accordance with section 4.9 and section 4.10).
All test equipment used should be approved by location management.
All tools and/or handling equipment that might make contact with exposed live
parts should be insulated and of an approved design.
Non-current-carrying metal parts, such as transformer cases or circuit breaker
housings, are considered energized to the highest voltage to which they are
exposed until they are tested and known to be totally free of voltage, or unless
they are grounded by an equipment grounding conductor. (NESC 420E
[(modified])
While working within reach of exposed live parts, the employee should remove
all jewelry and similar conductive apparel if such articles may inadvertently
contact the exposed live parts. (NFPA 70E, 130.6; OSHA regulation
1910.333(c)(8); OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(6))
When fuses are installed or removed, with one or more terminals within the
enclosure energized at more than 300 volts or with exposed parts energized at
more than 50 volts, tools and gloves rated for the voltage should be used. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(l)(7); NESC 420N; NFPA 70E, 130.7(D)(1))
Use only open devices designed to interrupt load current, if the circuit is under
load. Test for the absence of load current when opening devices not designed to
interrupt load.
When work is performed in the proximity of covered (non-insulated) wires, the
work should proceed using the same precautions as when working with exposed
live parts.
Two employees must be present if repair work (see definition of “Working On
(Live Parts)” in Appendix T - Glossary) occurs inside the limited approach
boundary and a shock hazard exists. One of the two must be qualified and the
other either qualified or authorized. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(1)(i))
A shock hazard analysis should be performed to determine the voltage to which
personnel will be exposed, boundary requirements, and the PPE necessary to
minimize the possibility of electric shock.
A flash hazard analysis is recommended before a person approaches any exposed
electrical conductor or circuit part not placed in an electrically safe work condition
to protect personnel from the possibility of being injured by an arc flash. The flash
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protection boundary, and the necessary PPE used by people while working within
the boundary, is determined during this analysis.
4.1.2 Exceptions to General Policies
All exceptions, other than those listed below, should be approved by the location
manager or his or her designee and require a written documented plan. (NFPA
70E, 130.1; FPN 1, 2, and 3; OSHA regulation 1910.269(o)(note))
• A qualified person may perform the following simple jobs:
o Use glow sticks or other high-voltage detectors
o Attach grounds
o Perform high-voltage phasing
o Take voltage readings
o Use hot sticks for switching operations
• Electrical servicing activities (maintenance troubleshooting and diagnostic

testing) that must be performed on energized electrical equipment require
the worker to take special precautions. Such activities covered by this
practice include:
o Voltage phasing
o Preventive maintenance observations and meter checks
o System component adjustment
o Voltage readings
o Troubleshooting
o Resetting device overloads
When these activities, listed as exceptions, place the worker in close proximity to
exposed live parts, appropriate PPE should be used. Such PPE, in addition to the
minimum basic PPE requirements for electrical personnel, may include:
• A face shield or flash hood.
• Insulating gloves with leather protectors.
• Flame resistant clothing or flash suit.
(NFPA 70E, 130.2; OSHA regulations 1910.269(l)(2)(i-iii), (L)(6)(i-iii))
The location management is responsible for approving the PPE selection for such
activities.
4.1.3 Requirements for Live Parts Work
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Before starting any construction work or maintenance work, requiring activities

other than the exceptions in section 4.1.2 Exceptions to General Policies, that will
place the worker(s) in close proximity to exposed live parts the:
• Electrical equipment should be totally de-energized.
• Work area should have an appropriate and be insulated.
(NFPA 70E, 130.1; OSHA regulation 1910.333(a)(1))
The decision to barrier and insulate instead of de-energizing should be made by
the task supervisor or PIC and approved by the location manager or his or her
designee.
Only persons qualified in the techniques required to work on exposed live parts
should do this work. Safety conditions outlined in this practice should be used for
all work on or near live parts. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(1))
When persons qualified for live part work must work on exposed live parts, they
should insulate and use barriers, as appropriate. (NFPA 70E, 130.7(D); OSHA
regulations 1910.333(a)(2) and(c)(2); OSHA regulations 1910.269(l)(2)(i-iii) and
(l)(3)).
When used, install physical or mechanical (field fabricated) barriers no closer than
the restricted approach boundary (distance). While the barrier is being installed,
maintain the restricted approach boundary distance, or place the exposed live parts
in an electrically safe work condition during the barrier placement. (NFPA 70E,
130.7(D)(1)(i))
To cross the prohibited approach boundary and enter the prohibited space is
considered the same as making contact with exposed live parts. Any work on
exposed live parts should use the procedures defined under “Working Inside the
Prohibited Approach Boundary” (see Appendix B – Limits of Approach). (NFPA
70E, Annex C C.1.2.4; Appendix A, A-1.2.2-A-1.2.4)
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4.2 Working On or Near Energized Equipment
4.2.1 Hazards
When working on or near energized equipment, there are two primary hazards to
consider:
• Flash hazard (relates to the thermal energy of an electrical arc).
• Shock hazard.
The following activities could create an electrical arc:
a) Doing any switching with doors open on switchgear or motor starters
b) Installing or removing circuit breakers or motor starter contactors with the
switchgear bus energized
c) Installing or removing combination circuit breaker and motor starter
cubicles, commonly referred to as "buckets"
d) Working on motor control centers with open doors (unless the power
components at 480 or 600 volts are well guarded) or when removing or
installing starters
e) Installing or removing safety grounds
f) Taking voltage measurements
g) Working on exposed live parts
4.2.2 Flash Hazard Analysis and Arc Flash Protective Equipment (NFPA 70E, 130.3)
Flash hazard analysis should be done before a person approaches any exposed
electrical conductor or circuit part not placed in an electrically safe work
condition.
Establish a flash protection boundary and require all personnel crossing the
boundary to wear appropriate arc flash protective equipment. This requirement
provides protection from vaporized metal, arc radiation, or hot gases should an arc
flash occur on the equipment. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(6)(i-iii))
The size of the flash protection boundary is determined by:
• The size of the source transformer or the available short-circuit megavolt
amperes (MVA)
• The clearing time of the protective device (fuse or circuit breaker)
upstream
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Refer to NFPA 70E-2004 section 130.3 to determine the flash protection

boundary for a particular application.
NOTE: See Appendix D, sample calculation of flash protection

boundary. The flash protection boundary may be calculated by
using the formulas in Appendix D.
4.2.3 Approach Distances
(NFPA 70E, 130.2; OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(2);(Table A-6); OSHA

regulation 1910.333(c)(3)(i-ii);(Table 5-5))
The approach distance to exposed live parts varies depending on a person’s status:
• “Affected” persons (persons who are not authorized or qualified) should
adhere to the limited approach boundary (Ten (10)-Foot Rule) and not
encroach on this distance from an exposed live part.
• “Authorized” persons, who are specifically trained for a task, may work
inside the limited approach boundary, but should never be allowed to work
as close as the restricted approach boundary allowed for a qualified
employee, as shown in Appendix A, Table A-6.
• “Qualified” persons may work up to the restricted approach boundary
distances listed in Appendix A, Table A-6. If a person is working near the
restricted approach boundary for an extended period of time, it is
recommended that special precautions such as insulating and barricading
be used.
A covered conductor is considered to have no insulating strength whatsoever and

should be treated as a non-insulated, exposed live part for the purpose of
determining approach distance.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix B – Limits of Approach.
4.2.4 Working on Live Parts
Only persons qualified in the techniques required to work on exposed live parts
should be used for this work. When such a person must work on exposed live
parts, he or she should insulate and use barriers, as appropriate. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(l)(1); OSHA regulation 1910.333(c)(2); NFPA 70E, 130.2; Annex C
C.1.2)
Any work on exposed live parts should follow the procedures defined in
“Working Inside the Prohibited Approach Boundary” (see Appendix B – Limits of
Approach).
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Crossing the prohibited approach boundary and entering the prohibited space is
considered the same as making contact with exposed live parts.
4.2.5 Insulated Armored High Voltage Cable
The Ten (10)-Foot Rule does not apply to armored insulated high-voltage cable.
Work activities may be performed adjacent to this type of cable while it is
energized. However, this type of cable should not be disturbed or moved while it
is energized without a documented plan approved by the location manager or his
or her designee.
4.2.6 Insulated Non-Armored High Voltage Cable
This type of cable does not have the added protection of armor and the integrity of
the insulation should be considered. The approval of the location manager or his
or her designee and a documented plan is recommended before work activities
that risk damaging the cable (e.g., tools dropped or swung) may be performed
within 10’ of this type of cable while it is energized.
This type of cable should not be disturbed or moved while it is energized.
EXCEPTION: Insulated armored and non-armored high-voltage cables may

be moved during special applications such as mining dragline
and other moveable substation cables, ship unloader cable
reels, and equivalent applications for mobile equipment.
4.2.7 Procedures for Climbing Structures While Working On or Near Live Parts
Fall prevention/protection should be used anytime an employee is working six (6)’

(180 cm) or more above the ground. Use the following precautions, as well as
those in the facility’s fall protection program (refer to company procedure HES-
207, Fall Protection Program):
• All small equipment and tools used aloft should be raised and lowered
using a handline, a canvas bucket, or other suitable container.
• Employees working overhead should take precautions to prevent tools or
material from dropping and falling.
• Employees on the ground should stay clear of overhead work to reduce the
potential of being struck by falling objects.
(OSHA regulations 1910.269(g)(2) and Part 1926, subpart E)
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4.2.8 Live Parts Operating at 50 Volts or More
Electric lines and equipment should be considered energized unless they have
been put in an electrically safe work condition, i.e., locked out or tagged out,
tested for the absence of voltage, and grounded as required in this practice.
Operating voltages of equipment and lines should be determined before work is
done on or near energized parts. (NFPA 70E, 130.1)
Only qualified employees may work on, near, or in an area where exposed live
parts operate at 50 volts or more.
Two qualified employees should be present to perform the following types of
work:
• Installation, removal, or repair of lines that are energized at more than 600
volts
• Installation, removal, or repair of de-energized lines if there is exposure to
contact with other parts energized at more than 600 volts
• Installation, removal, or repair of any other equipment if the employee is
exposed to parts energized at more than 600 volts
• Work that uses mechanical equipment (other than insulated aerial lifts)
near parts energized at more than 600 volts
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(1)(i))

Two qualified employees do not need to be present to perform the following work
functions:
• Routine switching if employer verifies that site conditions allow this
function to be performed safely
• Work using live-line tools, as long as the employee cannot make contact
with exposed live parts through inadvertent reach
• Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(1)(ii))
4.2.9 Insulating the Worker from Exposed Live Parts
Unless an approved insulating handle is used, no employees may approach or take

any conductive object closer to exposed live parts than the distances shown in
Appendix A, Table A-6 except when:
• The employee is insulated from the energized part. (Insulating gloves or
insulating gloves and sleeves, rated for the voltage, are considered to be
insulation of the employee only from the energized part upon which work
is being performed).
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• The energized part is insulated from the employee and any other
conductive object at a different potential.
• The employee is insulated from any other exposed conductive objects at a
different potential.
(NFPA 70E, 130.2(C); OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(2))

If insulating gloves are used to insulate the employee from the exposed live parts,
insulating sleeves should also be used. However, sleeves are not required if:
• Exposed live parts are insulated from the employee and these parts are not
being worked upon.
• The insulation is placed without exposure to the employee’s upper arms or
to other exposed parts.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(3))

Employees may not enter any space that contains exposed live parts unless
adequate illumination is provided. (OSHA regulation 1910.333(c)(4); NFPA 70E,
130.6(C))
The employer should assure that, to the extent that other safety-related conditions
permit, the employee works in a position so that a slip or shock will not bring the
employee into contact with exposed live parts.
When an employee works in a confined or an enclosed space that contains
exposed live parts, insulating materials, such as protective shields or barriers,
should be used to prevent inadvertent contact. (NFPA 70E, 130.6 (F); OSHA
regulation 1910.333(c)(5))
4.2.10 Working On or Near Installations Not Related to Power Generation, Transmission

and Distribution – Insulated Tools and Insulating Gloves
The following applies to working on or near exposed live parts in installations not
related to power generation, transmission, and distribution:
• Employees should use insulated tools or handling equipment if the tools or
handling equipment might make contact with such conductors or parts.
• Tools used should be rated for the voltage involved. Commercially
available insulated hand tools (pliers, screwdrivers) are typically rated up
to 1,000 volts ac.
(NFPA 70E, 130.7(D)(1); OSHA regulation 1910.335(a)(2))

• Employees should wear insulated gloves with leather protectors. (NFPA
70E, 130.6(C)(6) and 130.7 (C)(13(c); 130.7(C)(6))
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EXCEPTION: If working on exposed live parts of circuits rated 50 through

300 volts (phase-to-phase), insulating rubber gloves are not
required when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
• Fine dexterity is necessary for the task.
• Any insulated hand tools, test instruments and

equipment, test probes, test clips, and test leads required
for the task are visually inspected for external defects
and damage prior to each use.
• The work on the exposed live parts does not expose the
worker to accidental contact with other exposed live
parts in the vicinity of the task.
Leather gloves are used if necessary for arc flash protection.
NOTE: This exception does not apply to working on 277

volt phase-to-neutral circuits, since the system
phase-to-phase voltage rating is 480 volts
(480Y/277 volts, three-phase, four-wire).
4.3 Equipment/Line Status
4.3.1 Basic Rule
Electrical equipment and lines should be considered energized until put in an

electrically safe work condition, i.e., disconnected from energized parts, tested,
locked out and/or tagged out, and grounded in accordance with section 4.9
Lockout/Tagout and section 4.10 Grounding. (NFPA 70E, 130.1; OSHA
regulation 1910.269(l)(1); OSHA regulation 1910.333(a)(1))
4.3.2 Proper Work Environment
The preferred approach is to “de-energize.”

Equipment to be worked on should normally be tested, de-energized, locked out
and tagged out according to established practices.
While low voltages do not typically require the formalized procedures and written
switching instructions required for high-voltage work, a disciplined, analyzed
procedure should be followed.
If the work to be done is extensive and complex, a formal written switching order
should be followed to de-energize and lockout the equipment.
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Identify all potential voltage sources and make plans to positively control all
conductors and isolating devices. Additionally:
a) Determine all possible voltage sources; check all drawings, diagrams,
identification tags, etc.
b) Interview individuals familiar with the facility.
c) Interrupt all load current and then open isolation devices.
d) Where possible, visually verify open disconnects.
e) Apply lockout/tagout devices according to procedure.
f) Use voltage detection devices adequately rated for the situation and
determine that the voltage detector is operating properly before and after
each test.
g) Apply ground connection devices rated for the available short-circuit duty
where:
• Conductors could become energized.
• Induced or stored energy could exist.
• The de-energized conductors could be contacted by energized
conductors.
(NFPA 70E, 120.1)
4.3.3 Testing and Verification Techniques for Isolation
Consider all circuits energized until a voltage test positively verifies them as de-
energized. Use the “test before touch” concept. (NFPA 70E, 120.2(F); NFPA 70E
120.1)
Recognize that after no voltage is verified, voltage can reappear on a de-energized
system through such events as:
a) Backfeeds from voltage transformers or control power transformers.
b) Undocumented alternate sources.
c) Missed lockouts.
d) Equipment not operating at the time of test.
e) Lightning.
f) Induced voltage.
g) Energized line contacting a de-energized line.
h) Insulation failure.
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The following testing and verification techniques are recommended:

a) Test for absence of voltage on molded-case circuit breakers (1,000 volts
and less) because they cannot be visually verified.
CAUTION: Test for voltage both phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase.
b) Purchase panel boards (1,000 volts and less) pre-equipped with locking
devices and use these devices for lock out.
c) Remove fuses from low-voltage switches that have covered blades, if
applicable, after verifying there is no voltage.
d) Withdraw draw-out circuit breakers to the farthest position in the cubicle
(with the line and load stabs disconnected) and completely remove the
circuit breaker if a ground-and-test device will be applied. (NFPA 70E,
120.1)
e) Remove high-voltage motor starter (sometimes referred to as “NEMA E2”
starter) contactor assemblies completely from their cubicles, to avoid
accidental rolling of the contactor truck back onto the contact stabs.
f) Open isolation disconnects on circuit breakers within open-air
switchyards. Remove any fuses for additional isolation.
g) Do not rely on control circuit isolation for lockout purposes. Provide
primary circuit isolation on circuit breakers and motor starters (i.e.,
withdraw, or “rack out,” circuit breakers or open disconnect switches).
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(x)"Energy isolating device")
Any voltage testing procedure should include the following considerations:
• What voltage detector will be used and what will be done to verify proper
operation of the voltage detector before and after use.
• A requirement to define the boundary of the work area.
• A requirement to test before touching every exposed conductor or circuit
part(s) within the defined boundary of the work area.
• A requirement to retest for absence of voltage when circuit conditions
change or when the job location was left unattended.
• Where there are no accessible exposed points to take voltage
measurements, planning considerations must include alternate methods of
verification.
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4.4 De-energizing/Re-energizing Lines and Equipment for

Employee Protections
4.4.1 De-energizing Lines and Equipment (NFPA 70E, 120.1)
Verify an electrically safe work condition using the following process:

a) Determine all possible sources of electrical supply to the specific
equipment. Check applicable up-to-date drawings, diagrams, and
identification tags.
b) After properly interrupting the load current, open the disconnecting
device(s) for each source.
c) Where it is possible, visually verify that all the blades of the disconnecting
devices are fully open or that draw-out-type circuit breakers are fully
removed from cubicles.
d) Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with a documented and
established policy.
e) Use an adequately rated voltage detector to test each phase conductor or
circuit part to verify that they are de-energized. Before and after each test,
determine that the voltage detector is operating satisfactorily.
f) Where the possibility of induced voltages or stored electrical energy exists,
ground the phase conductors or circuit parts before touching them.
g) Where it could be reasonably anticipated that the conductors or circuit
parts being de-energized could contact other exposed energized conductors
or circuit parts, apply ground-connecting devices rated for the available
fault duty.
h) Establish a work zone in accordance with section 4.8 Work Zone.
4.4.2 Re-energizing Lines and Equipment (OSHA regulations 1910.269(m)(3)(xiii);

OSHA regulation 1910.269(m)(3)(x);OSHA regulation 1910.333(b)(2)(v))
Before re-energizing lines and equipment, complete the following steps:

• Remove all protective grounds.
CAUTION: Grounds left on equipment when re-energized present a short

circuit hazard. A positive method of control should be used to
assure removal before re-energizing (tags, leaving doors or
covers open, leaving the ground cables clearly visible, use of
magnetic ground signs, etc.).
• Remove all personal safety locks and tags from points of disconnect.
Page 206-16
• Clear all employees away from the lines and equipment.

• Re-energize lines and equipment following the facility’s procedures.
4.5 Power System Switching Procedures
4.5.1 Preparation
Written Switching Order (NFPA 70E, 130.1)

A written switching order is recommended before any switching is performed on
the high-voltage distribution power system (this recommendation does not include
switching of individual motors). The switching order should be:
• Written by a qualified employee.
• Reviewed by at least one other qualified employee.
• Signed and dated by both people before it is used.
See Appendix H for a sample Energized Electrical Work Permit form.
4.5.2 Job Briefing for Switching Procedures (NFPA 70E, 110.7)
Hold a job briefing before starting any switching. The PIC of the switching order
and all employees involved in the switching should attend.
At a minimum, review the following items:
a) The reason switching is being performed
b) One line drawing and/or power system status board to assure that all
involved understand what will occur
c) Each step of the switching order
d) The job assignments for all involved (who will do what)
e) Safety issues and required PPE
f) If required, review the:
o Electrical clearance requirements and/or lockout/tagout issues.
o Location of safety grounds – to be installed or removed and by
whom.
o Other issues (such as operational limitations).
4.5.3 During Switching
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During switching, follow the written switching order in the order the steps are
written, check off each switching step when completed, and record the time of
completion.
The following switching procedures are recommended:
a) The person receiving a switching command repeats the switching
command and confirms it with the person issuing the order before
executing the command.
b) If switching commands are given by radio, use a unique switching
channel. Cross-talk on the radio during switching could cause a switching
error.
c) When the switching is complete, document the status of the power system.
Use of a status board or pin board is one method of accomplishing this.
d) Document information on power system abnormalities to inform off-shift
personnel who may be involved in responding to power system problems.
Post this information near a power system status board or pin board.
e) Post any issues involving open electrical clearances (or parts of the power
system under lockout/tagout), the location of any safety grounds, and other
power system safety issues near the power system status board or pin
board.
f) A second person stands clear and acts as a safety observer for the person
doing the switching. The safety observer assures that each step the switch
operator is about to perform is correct.
4.5.4 Job Briefings Prior to Work (NFPA 70E, 110.7; OSHA regulation
1910.269(c)(1,2,3))
The PIC should conduct a job briefing before starting work on new installations
and modifications to existing installations.
He or she should conduct at least one job briefing before the start of each shift.
Hold additional job briefings if changes occur during the course of the work that
could affect personnel safety.
The job briefing includes the following at a minimum:
a) Hazards associated with the job
b) Work procedures involved
c) Special precautions
d) Energy source controls
e) PPE requirements
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f) Work zones
During the job briefing, each person involved should ask himself or herself the
following questions prior to starting the task:
• Do I thoroughly understand the job?
• Do I thoroughly understand my role and everyone else’s role in the job?
• Am I aware of all the hazards I may possibly encounter?
• Am I knowledgeable about all safety rules and required personal protective
equipment applicable to this job?
• Do I have safeguards in place to protect me from unexpected events?
A brief discussion is satisfactory if the work involved is routine and if the

employee, by virtue of training and experience, can reasonably be expected to
recognize and avoid the hazards involved in the job.
A more extensive discussion is needed if the:
• Work is complicated or particularly hazardous.
• Employee (qualified or unqualified) cannot be expected to recognize and
avoid the hazards involved in the job.
As work progresses during the day after the initial job briefing, a person working
alone should plan and review his or her work as if a briefing were held before
each task.
Refer to the “Job Briefing and Planning Checklist” in Appendix G.
4.6 Personal Protective Equipment

(OSHA regulation 1910.269(g) subpart I; OSHA regulation 1910.132-138; OSHA regulation
1910.335; NFPA 70E 130.7 and Table 130.7(C)(8))
The following PPE is recommended for protection from arc flash and shock hazards. Specific
PPE requirements will be designated during the job briefing before start of each job. (See the
Hazard Risk Category Classifications table in Appendix C.)
Recognizing that incident energy increases as the distance from the arc flash decreases,
additional PPE is recommended for any parts of the body that are closer than the distance at
which the incident arc flash energy may have been determined. (NFPA 70E, 130.3(B))
4.6.1 Clothing/Apparel
The employer should assure that employees who are exposed to exposed live parts
are trained in the hazards of arcs and flames of arcs. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(l)(6)(iii); NFPA 70E 130.3 (B), 130.7 Clothing/Apparel)
Page 206-19
A flash hazard analysis (or application of the tables from Appendix C) is

recommended before a person approaches an exposed electrical conductor or
circuit part that has not been placed in an electrically safe work condition.
It has been demonstrated that wearing flame-resistant clothing (long sleeves and
long pants) may reduce the severity of burns if an electrical flash occurs. Materials
that melt, such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and spandex, either
alone or in blends, are not permitted if these materials will melt into the skin when
exposed to high temperatures and aggravate the burn injury. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(l)(6)(iii) and note; NFPA 70E 130.7 (C)(12))
NOTE: Fiber blends that contain materials that melt, such as acetate,
nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and spandex, are permitted if
blends in the fabrics meet the requirements of ASTM F1506,
and if the blends in fabrics do not exhibit evidence of a melting
and sticking hazard during arc testing according to ASTM
F1959.
Meltable fibers such as acetate, nylon, polyester, spandex, and polypropylene

should not be used in fabric under-layers (underwear) next to the skin.
NOTE: Garments worn as under-layers that neither ignite nor melt

and drip in the course of an exposure to electric arc and
related thermal hazards may provide additional thermal
protection. An incidental amount of elastic used on non-
melting-fabric underwear or socks is permitted.
For calculated incident energy exposures 2 cal/cm2, and below, employees may
wear non-melting clothing as described in Hazard/Risk Category O. (NFPA 70E,
130.7 (C)(5)Exc.)
The employer must assure that conductive articles are not worn in close proximity
or within reaching distance of exposed live parts. This requirement includes rings,
bracelets, metal watchbands, unrestrained metal-framed eyewear, metal dangling
jewelry, and key chains. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(6))
4.6.2 Head Protection (NFPA 70E, 130.7 (C)(3); OSHA regulation 1910.335(a)(1)(iv))
Wear Class E hard hats when working in near proximity to energized or

potentially energized conductors or non-insulated, exposed equipment parts (See
ANSI Z89.1).
Keep hard hats clean and in good condition and do not alter them in any manner,
except for the addition of company-approved markings.
4.6.3 Eye Protection (NFPA 70E, 130.7 (C)(4); OSHA regulation 1910.335(a)(1)(v))
Page 206-20
Wear approved safety glasses with non-conductive sideshields at all times when
working with or in close proximity to potentially energized conductors or exposed
non-insulated parts. (See ANSI Z87.1).
Goggles and/or arc-rated face shields may also be needed for the task.
4.6.4 Hand Protection
Wear leather gloves for arc-flash protection when insulating rubber gloves are not
applicable. (NFPA 70E 130.7 (C)(13)(c))
Always use insulating rubber gloves with leather protectors (when required for
shock protection) in the following situations:
• When working on energized, or potentially energized, conductors or
equipment
• As an added means of protection any time while using live-line tools or
test probes
• During the installation or removal of safety grounds
(NFPA 70E, 130.7 (C)(6); ASTM D 120)
EXCEPTION: If working on exposed live parts of circuits or systems

rated 50 through 300 volts (phase-to-phase), insulating
rubber gloves may not be needed when all of the following
conditions are satisfied:
• Fine dexterity is required for the task.
• Any insulated hand tools, test instruments and

equipment, test probes, test clips, and test leads
required for the task are visually inspected for
external defects and damage prior to each use.
• The work on the exposed live parts does not expose the
worker to accidental contact with other exposed live
parts in the vicinity of the task.
• Leather gloves are used, if necessary, for arc flash

protection.
NOTE: This exception does not apply to working on 277

volt phase-to-neutral circuits, because the
system phase-to-phase voltage rating is 480 volts
(480Y/277 volts, three-phase, four-wire).
Page 206-21
(130.8(C)(12)(f))
Only use gloves that have been dielectrically tested within the previous six (6)
months. (ref. ASTM F496) (OSHA regulation 1910.137(b)(2)(viii))
Inspect and air test gloves before each use and immediately following any incident
that can reasonably be suspected as having caused damage. Air testing is
performed by trapping air in the glove and examining for pin hole or other
apparent leakage (see Appendix L - Test Procedure for Daily Inspection of Rubber
Gloves) (ASTM F496).
Store gloves in an approved glove bag or an equivalent protective location. If
possible, store gloves with the cuffs down.
Do not exceed the rating on the glove as shown in Table 1.
TABLE 1: Insulating Rubber Glove Ratings
Insulating Rubber Gloves
Class Maximum Use Voltage Test Voltage (AC)

(AC)
00 500 volts 2,500 volts
0 1,000 volts 5,000 volts
1 7,500 volts 10,000 volts
2 17,000 volts 20,000 volts
3 26,500 volts 30,000 volts
4 36,000 volts 40,000 volts
4.6.5 Hearing Protection (NFPA 70E 130.7 (C)(10))
Because electrical faults can result in intense sound levels, hearing protection in
the form of ear canal inserts should be used. See Appendix C, Table C-2.
4.7 Tools
(NFPA 70E 130.7 (D); ASTM F711)
4.7.1 Live-line Tools (OSHA regulation 1910.269(j))
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Store live-line tools in a clean and dry location. Live-line tools should not be
placed on the ground.
Wipe clean each live-line tool and visually inspect it for defects before use each
day. If, after wiping, the tool has contaminants that could affect its insulating
qualities or if its mechanical integrity is questionable, remove the tool from
service and have it repaired.
Following repair, retest the tool using the testing program procedures described
below.
Testing Procedure (OSHA regulation 1910.269(j)(2)(iii))
Remove each live-line tool from service at least every two years and administer
the following examination and tests:
a) Thoroughly examine the tool for defects.
b) If defects or contaminants that could affect the insulating qualities or
mechanical integrity of the tool are found, the tool may be repaired and
refinished or permanently removed from service.
c) If no defects are detected and no contaminants found, clean and wax the
tool using only a wax approved for live-line tools.
d) Use a test method that tests the entire working length of the tool.
e) Tools made of fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) should be tested with
wet conditions applied over the entire working length of the tool.
f) If the tool is made of FRP, the test consists of applying 100,000 volts per
foot (30 cm) of length for five (5) minutes. (ref. IEEE 978) (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(j)(1)(I); IEEE Std. 978)
g) Other high voltage tests are acceptable if the employer can demonstrate
that these are equivalent (such as IEEE Std. 978-1984).
4.7.2 Cord-connected Hand and Portable Power Tools
Use ground fault circuit interrupters when using cord-connected portable power
tools or other cord-connected equipment. (NFPA 70E, 110.9 (B)(3))
Visually inspect cord-connected portable power tools, extension cords, and other
cord-connected equipment before each use. Periodically inspect all extension
cords.
Observe the following precautions for any cord- and plug-connected equipment
not supplied by premises wiring:
• Use a tool equipped with a cord containing an equipment-grounding
conductor connected to the tool frame and to a ground at the other end (if
Page 206-23
the ground in the work environment increases the hazard, it may be

omitted); (OSHA regulation 1910.269(i)(2)(ii)).
• Use a tool of the double-insulated type.
• Use a tool connected to the power supply through an isolating transformer
with an ungrounded secondary.
Portable and vehicle-mounted generators being used to supply cord- and plug-
connected equipment should meet the following requirements:
• The generator frame should have a connection to ground (earth) (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(i)(3)).
• The generator can supply only the equipment located on the generator or
vehicle and cord- and plug-connected equipment through receptacles
mounted on generator or vehicle.
• Bond the non-current-carrying metal parts of the equipment and the
equipment-grounding conductor terminals of the receptacles to the
generator frame.
• With vehicle-mounted generators, bond the frame of the generator to the
vehicle frame.
• Bond any neutral conductor to the generator frame.
NOTE: Portable generators may be used for temporary power to

switchgear and/or motor control centers.
4.7.3 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(i)(4))

Observe the following precautions:
a) Do not exceed safe operating pressures for hydraulic and pneumatic tools,
hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and fittings.
b) Where a hydraulic or pneumatic tool may contact exposed live parts, use a
tool designed and maintained for such use.
c) For a hydraulic system supplying a hydraulic tool that may contact
exposed live parts, provide protection against loss of insulating value for
the voltage involved due to formation of a partial vacuum in the hydraulic
line (35’ or 1,050 cm) or more elevation between reservoir and hose end,
if there are no check valves, promotes formation of a partial vacuum).
d) Provide protection against moisture accumulation in the air supply where a
pneumatic tool is used on energized lines or equipment or where it could
contact exposed live parts.
Page 206-24
e) Assure that pressure is released before connections are broken, unless

quick acting, self-closing connectors are used. Do not kink hoses.
Employees may not use any part of their bodies to locate or attempt to stop a
hydraulic leak.
4.7.4 Ladders and Platforms
(OSHA regulation 1910.21 through 30)

Use ladders and platforms that comply with Subpart D of 1910. Ladders and
platforms should be:
• Properly secured to prevent their dislodgement.
• Used only in applications for which they were designed.
• Capable of supporting without failure at least 2.5 times the maximum
working load.
• Non-conductive when used for electrical tasks.
Do not exceed the working load for which the ladder or platform was designed.
4.8 Work Zone

Work zones may be needed to safeguard personnel from potential hazards. Use barricades, in
conjunction with safety signs, to limit or prevent access to work areas where hazards may
exist. (NFPA 70E, 130.7 (E); OSHA regulations 1910.269(l)(2). (u)(4), (o)(3))
In some instances, it is appropriate to barricade or otherwise identify a work area as
containing electrical hazards not normally encountered during routine operation of the
equipment and/or conductors. This process would normally be the case during maintenance
or renovations to existing installations and additions to installations where electrical
equipment and/or conductors are located. Appropriate identification alerts employees of the
hazards in their work areas. (OSHA regulations 1910.335(a)(2)(ii) and 1910.335(b))
4.8.1 Electrical Hazard Barricade Tape/Rope
Electrical hazard barricade tape/rope is used as a “temporary” hazard warning.

• Temporary means the duration of any work assignment where there is an
active effort to complete a permanent installation and employee safety is
not compromised by hazards other than electrical ones (e.g., a falling
hazard also exists).
• Red is the recommended color.
• The red tape should be imprinted with wording such as “Danger - Do not
Enter.”
4.8.2 Area Protection

Page 206-25
Areas Accessible to Qualified Employees Only

Qualified employees should:
• Determine the size of the work zone.
• Consider the types and size of conductive materials and equipment to be
used in the area.
• Determine the limited approach boundary (Appendix A, Table A-6).
• Determine the flash protection boundary.
If the work exposes energized or moving parts that are normally protected:
• Display danger signs.
• Erect suitable barricades to restrict other personnel from entering the area.
When working in a restricted section that borders other sections (i.e., a portion of
a substation, one section of switchgear, a row of transformers or breakers, or one
panel of a switchboard), a qualified employee should:
• Mark the work area conspicuously.
• Place barriers to prevent accidental contact with exposed live parts in
adjacent sections.
NOTE: Use designated work zones around “look alike” equipment.
Areas Accessible to Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic

Use appropriate warning signs and barricades where vehicles and non-qualified
pedestrian traffic may pass adjacent to electrical equipment that is under
maintenance, operating, or under construction, and the safety of these vehicles and
pedestrians could be compromised.
4.8.3 Enclosed Spaces
These recommendations apply only to enclosed spaces, such as manholes,

unvented vaults, tunnels, etc., that can be entered by employees. All other
confined spaces as defined by OSHA are covered by 29 CFR 1910.146 (OSHA
regulations). (NFPA 70E, 130.6 (F); NESC 423)
Assure that employees use safe work practices for entry into and work within
enclosed spaces and for rescue of employees from such places. If hazards remain
after the precautions taken for enclosed space or if the escape procedures cannot
be met, follow the permit-space or confined space requirements of 29 CFR
1910.146. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(e); OSHA regulation 1910.146)
Employees who enter enclosed spaces or serve as attendants should be trained in
the following:
Page 206-26
• The hazards of enclosed space entry

• Enclosed space entry procedures
• Enclosed space rescue procedures
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(e)(2))

Employees should be provided equipment to assure prompt and safe rescue.
Before removing any entrance cover to an enclosed space:
• Check for atmospheric pressure and temperature differences.
• Determine whether there is a hazardous atmosphere in the enclosed space.
• Eliminate any conditions that make it unsafe to remove the cover.
(OSHA regulations 1910.269(e)(3), (e)(4))

After removing the cover to an enclosed space, guard the opening with a railing or
a temporary cover/barrier. Such precautions help prevent an employee or objects
from falling into the enclosed space and causing injury.
Hazardous Atmosphere in an Enclosed Space
Before an employee enters the space, test the internal atmosphere for:
• Oxygen deficiency.
• Flammable gases and vapors.

For each test, use a direct-reading meter that can collect and immediately analyze
data samples, thus eliminating the need for offsite evaluation. Keep all test
equipment, used to monitor atmosphere in enclosed spaces, calibrated properly.
CAUTION: Use only test devices approved as intrinsically safe.
Do not enter an enclosed space that contains a hazardous atmosphere (confined

space hazardous atmosphere). See the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.146. (OSHA
regulation 1910.146)
While work is being performed in the space, if there is reason to believe that any
hazard may exist in the space or that traffic may cause a hazardous condition, an
attendant with first aid training should be immediately available to render
emergency assistance. This attendant may perform tasks outside the enclosed
space. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(e)(7))
If flammable gases or vapors are present above a safe level or an oxygen
deficiency exists, use forced air ventilation to maintain a safe level of oxygen and
Page 206-27
prevent the accumulation of flammable gases or vapors from reaching a hazardous

concentration. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(e)(11))
If flammable gases or vapors are at a safe level, forced air ventilation may be
waived, providing there is continuous monitoring to assure that there is no
increase of either.
Continuous forced air ventilation should:
• Be applied for a long enough period before workers are allowed to enter
the enclosed space. This process will assure that a safe atmosphere exists.
• Be directed to the employees’ immediate area.
• Continue until all employees have left the enclosed space.

The supply for the continuous forced air ventilation should come from a clean
source so that it does not contribute to the hazard in the enclosed space.
Use of Open Flames in an Enclosed Space
If using open flames in the enclosed space, test for flammable gases or vapors
immediately before using the open flame device and at least once each hour while
the device is being used in the enclosed space. If there is an indication that one-
hour periods are insufficient, test more frequently.
NOTE: Use local “Hot Work” procedures if open flames are used.
4.8.4 Underground Electrical Facilities (OSHA regulation 1910.269(t))
The following recommendations for work on underground electrical installations

in manholes and/or vaults are in addition to the recommendations for enclosed
spaces discussed above:
a) Use ladders or other climbing devices to enter or exit manholes or
subsurface vaults that exceed four (4)’ (122 cm) in depth.
b) Do not use cables or hangers as steps to climb in or out of manholes and
vaults.
c) Check equipment used to lower materials and tools for weight support
capabilities and defects before use.
d) Stand clear of the area directly underneath openings while tools or
materials are lowered or raised.
e) Assure that an employee capable of rendering emergency assistance is on
duty in the immediate vicinity of the manhole opening. Appropriate
training for the attendant includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR),
Page 206-28
first aid, hazards of enclosed space entry, enclosed space entry procedures,
and enclosed space rescue procedures.
f) Make sure that all employees are in constant communication. This
communication can consist of visual, voice, or signal line communication.
g) Permit an employee to enter if the nature of the visit does not involve the
energized cables or equipment, but it is for housekeeping, inspection,
meter reading, or similar activities. This entrance is permitted only if all
confined space entry requirements are met and the task can be done safely.
h) Provide rescue equipment at the work site to assure the prompt and safe
rescue of employees from the enclosed space. Rescue equipment includes
a mechanical device to retrieve personnel, a full body harness (wristlets
may be used in lieu of the harness), and a retrieval line.
i) If using pulling tapes, install them in the direction that presents the least
amount of hazard to employees. Station an employee at the far end of the
duct line to assure that required minimum approach distances are
maintained to protect employees. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(t)(4))
j) Move an energized, armored, insulated, high-voltage cable only after the
location manager or his or her designee has approved a documented plan.
k) Be sure to move an energized, insulated, low-voltage cable only under the
direct supervision of a qualified employee and while using insulating
gloves.
l) Before proceeding, inspect any cable to be moved for defects, using
appropriate PPE. See Appendix C for PPE requirements.
NOTE: Consider the special hazards of an arc flash event in a

confined space before a task is planned. In general, cables
connected to a solidly grounded power system represent a
greater arc flash hazard than cables (especially single-
conductor cables) connected to a resistance-grounded power
system.
m) Exact identification is required by electric means unless identification is

obvious when multiple cables are present. Protect all other cables not
being worked on against damage.
n) Maintain sheath continuity while work is performed on buried cable or on
cables in manholes or treat the sheath as energized. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(t)(8))
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(t)(1), (t)(2), (t)(3))
Any of the following conditions can cause cables to be defective:
Page 206-29
• Oil or compound leaking from cable or joints

• Broken cable sheaths
• Broken joint sleeves
• Hot surface temperatures
• Joints swollen beyond normal tolerances
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(t)(7)(note))

When any one of these conditions occurs, employees are NOT permitted in the
manhole while the cable is energized. However, if de-energizing the cable is not
possible, protect employees against potential hazards by shields or barriers that are
capable of containing the adverse effects of a fault in the joint.
When cutting cable, ground both ends where practical. Use a cable penetrator tool
(such as A. B. Chance company’s catalog number C600-1625) to penetrate the
insulation at the point of the cut if the cable cannot be visibly traced from the
point of the cut to one of the two ends.
4.8.5 Trenches and Excavation (OSHA regulations 1910.269(f), Part 1926, subpart P,
1926.652(a)(ii))
Refer to company procedure HES-202, Excavation.
NOTE: Safe trenching and excavation operations are covered in 29

CFR 1926.650, 1926.651, and 1926.652.
4.9 Lockout/Tagout (NFPA 70E 120.2 &110.4 , OSHA

Regulations 1910.269(d), 1910.147)
Refer to company procedure HES-203, Lockout Tagout.
4.10 Grounding
Use approved clothing (see Appendix C - Flame Resistant Clothing Recommendations),
rubber gloves with protectors, hard hat, and eye protection when testing for voltage and
placing/removing grounding devices. (NFPA 70E 130.7 (C)(9)(a))
Use visible maintenance grounds (of adequate size to withstand the available short circuit
current, see Appendix N) to assure that the conductors tested as de-energized remain safe.
(NFPA 70E, 120.3; OSHA regulation 1910.269(n)(4); ASTM F855)
Page 206-30
CAUTION: Grounds left on equipment when re-energized present a short-

circuit hazard. Use a positive method of control to assure
removal before re-energizing (tags, leaving doors or covers
open, leaving the ground cables clearly visible, use of magnetic
ground signs, etc.).
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(n) "Grounding for the protection of employees")

Apply grounds as if the circuit was energized. Insulated cables can retain a capacitive charge
and open wire lines can have induced voltage—both represent a shock hazard.
Attach the conductor connected to the ground (of a grounding cluster) first and remove it last.
4.10.1 Special Precautions

• Disconnect all auxiliary devices, such as voltage transformers or control
power transformers, by removing all fuses (primary and secondary) or by
racking out.
• Account for and remove all grounds before re-energizing.
• Be aware of other voltage sources when isolating motor-starter circuits.
• Remember that motor space heaters are usually supplied from “foreign”
voltage sources.
4.10.2 Parts that Require Grounding
Grounding should be required as final protection against backfeeds on all:

• Switchgear buses
• Feeders from substations
• Open wire lines
Ground all motors equipped with power factor correction capacitors. Additionally,
ground all motor circuits above 600 volts before working on the motor. Use a
switchgear “ground and test device,” or connect grounds at the load-side cable
connections of the circuit breaker or starter.
4.10.3 Special Situation -- Ungrounded Systems
Test for voltage, both phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase, before applying

grounds.
Page 206-31
4.10.4 Cable Cutting
Ground both ends where practical. Use a cable penetrator tool (such as A. B.
Chance company’s catalog number C600-1625) to penetrate the insulation at the
point of the cut if the cable cannot be visibly traced from the point of the cut to
one of the two ends.
4.10.5 Traditional Methods
This section describes the procedure for grounding transmission and distribution
lines and equipment:
a) Before work on lines or equipment designated as de-energized, issue a
“clearance” that all isolating points have been locked and tagged and
appropriate safety grounds have been installed, as detailed in this section.
(For exceptions, see section 4.10.6.) (NFPA 70E, 120.1, 120.2(F)(2)(g);
OSHA regulation 1910.269(d)(2))
b) Before any ground is installed, first test the lines or equipment for absence
of voltage unless a previously installed ground is present. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(n)(5))
c) Before installing grounds, visually inspect the grounding equipment to
confirm the equipment’s integrity.
d) Install temporary protective grounding equipment at the work location.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(n)(3); NFPA 70E, 120.3)
e) If installation of grounds at the work location is not feasible, install
grounds on each side of the work location as close to the work location as
possible.
f) Single-point grounding (equipotential grounding, see section 4.10.9) is an
acceptable means of grounding.
g) Ground static capacitors (surge protection capacitors and power factor
correction capacitors) before working on them even if there is no
possibility of their becoming energized. Wait five minutes between
isolating the capacitor and applying the grounds.
CAUTION: Grounds left on equipment when re-energized present a short-

circuit hazard. Use a positive method of control to assure
removal before re-energizing (tags, leaving doors or covers
open, leaving the ground cables clearly visible, use of magnetic
ground signs, etc.).
4.10.6 Grounding Previously Energized Part
Page 206-32
Before grounding any previously energized part:

• First connect one end of the grounding device to an effective ground.
• Next, test the previously energized parts for voltage.
• If the parts are free from voltage, the grounding may be completed.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(n)(6))

Using live-line tools, bring the grounding device into contact with the previously
energized part and securely attach it. Then:
• If the test indicates that the parts are not free from voltage, DO NOT attach
the grounds to the part.
• Determine the source of the voltage to assure that the presence of this
voltage does not prohibit completion of the grounding.
4.10.7 Removing Grounds
Grounds may be removed temporarily for testing. During the test procedure,
consider the previously grounded lines and equipment as energized.
When removing grounds:
• First remove the grounding devices from the de-energized parts using live-
line tools.
• Next, remove the connection to the ground.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(m)(7))
CAUTION: Take extreme caution. If the connection to the ground is

removed first before the connection to the de-energized part,
electric shock and injury may result.
4.10.8 Protective Grounding Equipment
Protective grounding equipment should be capable of conducting the maximum

ground-fault current that could flow during the time necessary to clear the fault.
This equipment should have an ampacity greater than, or equal to, that of no. 2/0
AWG copper. A larger conductor size may be required for higher capacity
systems.
An important characteristic of protective grounds is that the impedance to ground
be low enough to guarantee prompt operation of protective devices. This process
assures minimum exposure in case of accidental line or equipment tenderization.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(n)(4); NFPA 70E, 120.3 (D))
See Appendix N for information on grounding cable and jumper ratings.
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4.10.9 Equipotential Grounding
Equipotential grounding is a technique used in transmission and distribution lines.

Different methods include single-point, double-point, remote double-point, and
personal grounding. These grounding techniques require much skill. Before using
these methods, complete hands-on training and receive qualification.
Single-point grounding occurs when a worker connects all three phases together
with jumpers and then attaches the phases through a single jumper to a cluster bar.
The cluster bar is attached to the pole below the worker’s ‘. The cluster bar is
connected by a jumper to the neutral conductor, if available. If a ground fault
should occur, the worker will be at the same voltage as the lines and current
should not flow through his or her body.
Double-point grounding is necessary if work at the pole involves breaking the
circuit. It is necessary to ground sources that may come from either direction. The
phases are connected to each other, on both sides of the worker, to the cluster bar
below the worker’s feet and to the neutral.
Remote double-point grounding allows the worker more movement between the
jumper sets, but offers less protection than other methods. The grounds are
connected to structures, such as towers, on each side of the work location. In this
case, fault current would flow through the towers into the earth. With this method,
it is still possible to have potentially fatal current flow through the worker’s body.
It is not recommended unless additional safeguards are taken (see Personal
Grounding, below).
Personal grounding is where a jumper connects the conductor being worked on to
the cluster bar and to the neutral. These can be installed quickly and may be used
in addition to remote grounding when full three-phase grounding at the work site
is inappropriate.
NOTE: See Appendix O for figures that illustrate equipotential

grounding.
4.10.10 When Grounding is Impractical or Presents a Hazard
The following are exceptions to use of grounds:

• Grounding is impracticable.
• Grounding would present greater hazards.
• There is no possibility of contact with another energized source.
• Hazard of induced voltage is not present.
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If the employer can demonstrate that the installation of grounds is impractical or

presents a greater hazard, the lines or equipment may be considered as de-
energized if ALL of the following conditions are met:
• Lines have been de-energized as specified in section 4.4.
• There is no possibility of contact with another energized source.
• There is no possibility of induced voltage.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(n)(2))
4.11 Mobile Equipment Operation
4.11.1 In General
Inspect the critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating

equipment before use on each shift. Check the lower and upper controls to assure
they are functioning correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended checklist
for the inspection. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(p)(1)(i))
No vehicular equipment with an obstructed view to the rear can be used for off-
highway job sites, unless one of the following provisions is met:
• The vehicle has a reverse signal alarm louder than the surrounding noise
level.
• A designated employee signals that it is safe to make movements.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(p)(1)(ii))

Heavy equipment, with or without attachments, should have rollover protection
that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1926, Subpart W. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(p)(1)(iv))
Use lifting equipment within its maximum load rating. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(p)(3))
When a suspended load creates a hazard for any other employee, the mobile
equipment operator may not leave his or her position at the controls. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(p)(1)(iii))
If a mobile equipment operator notices that operating the equipment may place it
to within 10’ (305 cm) of energized or potentially energized conductors or circuit
parts of electrical equipment, he or she should notify the appropriate location
management and wait for further safety instructions. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(p)(4) minimum approach distance)
When potential exposure to electrical hazards can reasonably be anticipated
before the job assignment starts, notify contractors and location employees before
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the mobile equipment is moved to the job site. This notification is the
responsibility of location personnel.
4.11.2 Outrigger-equipped Vehicles
Operate outrigger-equipped vehicles with outriggers extended and firmly set to

provide stability. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(p)(2))
Outriggers may not be retracted or extended beyond the clear view of the operator,
unless all employees are outside the range of possible equipment motion.
If the work area or terrain prohibits full use of outriggers, operate the equipment
according to the manufacturer’s specifications for operation without outriggers.
4.11.3 Operator Training
Mobile equipment operators not qualified in electrical work need the following
training if their equipment has the potential of coming as close as 10‘ (see the
“Ten (10)-Foot Rule” definition in Appendix T - Glossary) to energized lines or
equipment:
• Training in the potential electrical shock hazards associated with
equipment operation under these conditions
• Training in techniques for proper equipment grounding (OSHA regulation
1910.269(p)(4)(iii)(c))
• Refresher training is recommended every two years
4.11.4 Operating Zone for Mobile Equipment (OSHA regulation 1910.269(p)(4))
A potential for electrical shock hazard exists when mobile equipment is operated
within the Ten (10)-Foot Rule area of energized, non-insulated, high-voltage
conductors or to energized, exposed, high-voltage current-carrying equipment
parts (or to parts that have the potential for becoming energized). (NFPA 70E,
130.5 (E))
To help eliminate this risk, follow the safety recommendations below.
Approach Distances (NFPA 70E, 130.5 (E)(1))
a) For lines and equipment energized at 50 kV or less, employees may not
bring materials or equipment closer than 10’ (305 cm) to exposed live
parts. For more than 50 kV, the distance is 10’ plus 4” (10 cm) for every
10 kV over 50 kV. (OSHA regulation 1910.333(c)(3)(iii))
b) Recommend that areas within a horizontal distance of 10’of an overhead
line be "coned off" with appropriate barricades
c) Whenever it is possible that any part of a vehicle or its load could violate
the Ten (10)-Foot Rule by error, malfunctions, inadvertent operation, or
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any other cause, ground the vehicle or barricade around it. (OSHA
regulations 1910.269(p)(4)(iii) and (c)(4))
d) If it is difficult for the operator to accurately determine the distance
between the equipment and the energized parts, assign another person to
observe the clearance and give timely warnings when the minimum
clearance distance is approached. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(p)(4)(ii))
e) It is generally recommended that no equipment or material be hoisted over
energized, non-insulated high-voltage conductors or equipment. Any
exception to this policy should require approval by the location manager or
his or her designee. Submit a documented plan for this type of work.
f) When operating in close proximity to energized conductors or circuit
parts, inspect all mobile equipment in accordance with the section of this
practice on inspection and testing of mechanized equipment (section 7.4).
Properly ground or barricade this equipment in accordance with the
section on grounding mobile equipment (section 4.11.5). (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(p)(4)(i); NFPA 70E, 130.5 (E); OSHA regulation
1910.333(c)(3)(iii)(c))
g) Post minimum approach distances on a plate of durable non-conductive
material so it is visible to the operator.
Mobile Equipment in Transit
The following clearances must be observed for equipment in transit with no load
and the boom is lowered:
• For voltages less than 50 kV, observe a minimum clearance of 4’ (122
cm).
• For voltages higher than 50 kV, increase the clearance 4” (10 cm) for
every 10 kV over that voltage.
• When visual conditions make it difficult for the operator to maintain the
desired clearance, designate a person to observe clearance for the operator.
EXCEPTION: An exception to this procedure is where lines have been de-

energized and visibly grounded or where insulating barriers
have been erected to prevent physical contact. (NFPA 70E,
130.5 (E)(1)); OSHA regulation 1910.333(c)(3)(iii)).
4.11.5 Grounding Mobile Equipment
Apply safety ground leads to mobile equipment as covered by this section.

Materials
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Ground leads should be not less than 2/0 flexible-stranded copper rubber-covered
cable to provide physical strength. The cable jacket is for mechanical protection of
the conductor only.
Ground leads should be visually inspected for any type of damage or wear before
installing.
Methods
Only personnel trained in the proper grounding techniques should attach/detach
grounding sets.
Ground mobile equipment before raising a crane or derrick boom or similar
equipment.
On a vehicle, trailer, or other mobile equipment (i.e., cranes, line trucks, and aerial
lifts), make a connection from a suitable ground plate or stud on the vehicle to the
best ground available in the immediate work area.
On distribution circuits, the “best ground” available is normally the common
neutral or ground grid system. The second choice is a tower or other grounded
structure. Only use a driven ground rod as a final alternative. Instruct workers to
stay clear of the driven ground location. Use other protective means, such as
barricades, as necessary to avoid “step potential” and “touch potential” hazards
that may occur around the driven rod during a ground fault.
Follow the correct grounding sequence:
• First, attach the ground lead to the best available ground.
• Then attach the ground lead to the vehicle.
Follow the correct sequence when removing grounds:

• Remove the ground device only after the crane, derrick boom, or similar
parts of the equipment have been removed from the vicinity of the
potentially energized conductors or equipment
• First, detach the ground lead from the vehicle.
• Then detach the ground lead from the ground.
4.11.6 Sample Procedures for Working Near Overhead Electrical Lines and Equipment
For procedures used by one business unit for working near overhead lines and
equipment, see Appendix R.
4.12 Infrared Testing

(ASTM E1934-99a)
4.12.1 Safety Interlocks

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Safety interlock systems offer a high degree of personnel safety and should be
used in all designs. Generally, do not bypass the interlock system or otherwise
render it inoperative while the equipment is energized. (NFPA 70E Part II 2-3, 11;
OSHA regulation 1910.269(v)(1)(ii))
Where defeating safety interlocks is required, a temporary bypass is allowed only
with approval of the switching authority.
After testing is completed, restore the interlocking system to full operable
condition. Follow procedures for working inside the restrictive approach boundary
when it is necessary to defeat an electrical safety interlock.
4.12.2 PPE for Infrared Testing
When performing infrared testing on open high- and low-voltage systems from
outside the limited approach boundary and the flash protection boundary, workers
should wear all of the approved PPE, including:
• Hard hats
• Safety glasses with side shields.
• Approved clothing.
• Safety shoes.
(NFPA 70E 130.7)

When performing infrared testing on metal-clad, enclosed switchgear that requires
opening the enclosure (exposing energized high-voltage parts), workers should
wear approved PPE, including:
• Hard hats.
• Safety glasses with side shields.
• Approved clothing including flame-resistant PPE or face/head protection if
working within the flash protection boundary.
• Safety shoes.
• Leather gloves.
• Protective hood or face shield, as appropriate, for the task.
See Appendix C for information on dressing for the task.
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5.0 New Design, Modifications and Construction
5.1 Equipment Design Considerations

Many equipment design elements are covered in the company’s Safety in Designs manual.
Design, operation, and maintenance considerations for personnel safety relevant to electrical
safety issues might include any combination of the following:
a) Separate low-energy circuits from circuits having a large arc flash hazard.
b) Apply current-limiting fuses, where appropriate, to reduce the arc flash hazard.
c) Purchase motor control centers with guards covering internal exposed live parts
above 120 volts.
d) Use ground-fault circuit interrupters to reduce shock hazards for portable
equipment.
e) Include fast protection that will clear faults as quickly as possible and reduce the
arc exposure time in the protective system design. Differential protection, with a
total fault clearing time of approximately 0.1 second, will greatly reduce arc
exposure and the probability of escalation to a more severe fault involving two or
more phases. Differential protection is recommended for all switchgear operating
at over 1000 volts.
f) Limit transformer sizes to 1,500 kVA and below to avoid excessive flash energy
for 480- and 600-volt systems.
g) Keep the arc flash hazard on 208Y/120 volt systems to a minimum risk level by
limiting the size of supply transformers at this voltage to less than 125 kVA.
(IEEE Std. 1584-2002 9.3.2)
h) Specify “remote closing and tripping” capability, using either a plug-in cord and
control or a supervisory control panel switch (for remote-operation), for all circuit
breakers operating at over 1,000 volts. This process allows the operator to be
outside of the flash protection boundary while closing or tripping a circuit breaker.
i) Specify two tie circuit breakers between switchgear buses to improve the
electrical isolation for busbar or switchgear maintenance. Workers could then
work on or within a switchgear cubicle without the possibility of one set of circuit
breaker stabs being energized.
j) Specify closed-door and remotely operated “racking” (insertion and removal)
capability for switchgear.
k) Specify insulated bus, which prevents or minimizes arc propagation within the
gear after the fault initiates and can reduce the arc flash hazard, for all electrical
switchgear and control gear of all voltages.
Page 206-40
NOTE: Insulated bus for equipment rated 1,000 volts or above is the
equivalent of a “covered conductor” (See Appendix T,
Glossary).
l) Specify “grounding balls” (i.e., those manufactured by A. B. Chance company) on

the load-side terminals of high-voltage circuit breakers to facilitate the connection
of safety grounds.
m) For lighting circuits, 120-volt supply is recommended because of the lower shock
hazard to personnel, but other voltages, such as 230 volts or 277 volts, may be
considered. (See section 4.2.10 for use of insulating rubber gloves.)
n) Allow adequate access and working space around equipment.
o) Specify that all electrical disconnect devices have lockout capability.
p) Provide adequate lighting around electrical equipment.
5.2 Substations
Design and construct all new substations in accordance with national and local codes and in
such a manner as to afford maximum protection of the public, qualified employees and non-
qualified employees.
When modifying existing substations, make every effort to upgrade the station to current
practices.
When designing, modifying, or constructing substations, follow these recommendations:
a) Always provide and maintain sufficient access and working space.
b) Consider designs that have no accessible conductors and use insulated cable and
dead-front switchgear for all new or revised 600 volt to 38 kV distribution
systems. (Generally, this consideration excludes incoming power feeds.)
c) Connect all equipment and structures to a common ground grid.
d) Make sure that draw-out-type breakers are in the open position when removed or
inserted. The control circuit should also be blocked or rendered inoperative, if the
design permits.
e) Locate all exposed live parts, including the energized racks of static capacitors, to
provide personnel clearance in accordance with Appendix A, Table A-1.
f) Enclose substations that are not totally enclosed and that have exposed, energized
parts by fences at least seven (7)’ (2.1 meters) in height, with gates secured by
suitable locks.
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g) Ground all conductive fences around substations. (OSHA regulation

1910.269(u)(3); NESC 92E)
h) Maintain the grounding to prevent electrical shock hazards when fences are
expanded or a section is removed.
i) Use bridging (bonding) conductors at all gates to assure electrical continuity to the
fence on each side of the gate and to the gate itself.
j) Install substation auxiliary systems in such a fashion that they do not require
maintenance personnel to approach closely to any non-insulated or unguarded
energized parts.
k) Do not install lighting and other auxiliary systems on poles or structures that
would require maintenance personnel to come in close proximity to high-voltage,
non-insulated lines and equipment.
l) Do not mount auxiliary equipment and services (area lighting, P.A. Systems, etc.)
on or in close proximity to, substation/high-voltage yard structures if such
positioning will breach dimensional clearance restrictions defined elsewhere in
this practice.
5.3 Guarding Live Parts

(OSHA regulations 1910.269(u)(4)(i) through (v)(5))
During the design phase or during modifications, follow the recommendations below.
Guard all exposed live parts, operating at 50 volts or more, against accidental contact by
locating them in a:
• Cabinet or enclosure.
• Room or vault accessible to only qualified employees.
• Balcony or platform.
For systems exceeding 1,000 volts, the above applies with the following additions: (OSHA
regulations 1910.269(v)(4) and (v)(5))
• Control access to metal-enclosed equipment with a lock.
• Exposed live parts should be accessible to qualified employees only.
The following recommendations should be followed for the guarding of all exposed live
parts:
a) Enclose energized parts installed in rooms and similar spaces with fences, screens, or
walls.
b) Lock all entrances not guarded by an attendant.
Page 206-42
c) Display signs warning unqualified personnel to keep out at the entrance to enclosures
or spaces with exposed live parts.
d) Do not allow unqualified employees to enter these rooms and spaces while supply
lines and equipment are energized.
e) Place guards around all exposed live parts that have voltages above 150 volts to
ground and that have no insulation covering, unless the location of these parts gives
enough horizontal and vertical clearance to prevent inadvertent contact.
f) For protection of personnel and equipment, all exposed live parts should remain
guarded during all functions except fuse replacement or other needed access permitted
to qualified personnel only.
g) Put barriers in place when guards are removed to prevent harmful contact.
h) Design covers or guards that must at any time be removed while the parts they guard
are energized, so that they cannot readily be brought into contact with the energized
parts.
(Also see OSHA regulations 1910.269(u)(4)(i-v))
5.4 New Static Capacitor Banks

(NESC 443I; OSHA 1910.269(w)(1))
All new static capacitor banks should have a permanently installed grounding switch that is
key or mechanically interlocked with the main line-disconnect switch that connects the
capacitor bank to the system. The interlock assures that both the line-disconnect and the
grounding switches are not closed at the same time.
Place conspicuous signage on all sides of the support frame accessible to personnel,
indicating that the capacitor bank frame is energized.
5.5 Lines
(NESC Part 2)
Design and construct all new lines in accordance with national and local codes and in such a
manner to afford maximum protection for the safety of the public, qualified employees, and
non-qualified employees.
When modifications are made to existing lines, efforts should be made to upgrade these lines
to current practices.
5.5.1 Recommended Spacing and Dimensional Clearances (NESC). See Appendix A of

this document.
The following are recommended clearances for lines:
Page 206-43
• Electrical supply stations and substations, in accordance with Appendix A,

Table A-1
• Vertical clearance of wires, conductors and cables above ground, rails, or
water, in accordance with Appendix A, Table A-2
• Lines adjacent to but not attached to buildings, clearances as shown in
Appendix A, Table A-3
• Where multiple circuits are located on a common structure, locate
communication circuits below supply circuits. Locate lower voltage
circuits below higher voltage circuits. Clearances should be as shown in
Appendix A, Table A-4.
• Where conductors supported on different structures cross each other, the
recommended vertical clearances are as shown in Appendix A, Table A-5.
5.5.2 Design Considerations for Lines
The following are design considerations for lines:

a) Give primary consideration to installing insulated cables for all new or
relocated distribution lines, if possible.
b) Do not locate non-electrical equipment on electrical structures that have
non-insulated conductors unless the Ten (10)-Foot Rule is observed.
c) Do not design supply circuits that use the earth as a conductor for any part
of the circuit.
d) Equip all guy wires with guy guards constructed from highly visible
material. Guys should also be grounded and properly tensioned. (NESC
93C)
e) Effectively ground all circuit-neutral conductors and non-current-carrying
parts of metal or metal reinforced supporting structures.
f) Do not install lighting and other auxiliary systems on poles or structures
that would require maintenance personnel to come in close proximity to
high voltage, non-insulated lines and equipment.
g) Install underground services in accordance with national and local codes.
Identify these services on drawings and mark the area above them with
signs.
h) Do not mount auxiliary equipment and services (area lighting, P.A.
systems, etc.) on or in close proximity to, substation/high-voltage yard
structures if such positioning will breach dimensional clearance
restrictions defined elsewhere in this practice.
5.5.3 Installing and Removing Overhead Lines (OSHA regulation 1910.269(q)(2))

Page 206-44
The employer must confirm the structural capacity of elevated structures, such as
poles and towers, before they are subjected to the stresses of climbing or the
installation or removal of equipment. If inadequate, brace or support the structure
to prevent failure.
When poles are set, moved, or removed near overhead conductors, avoid direct
contact between the pole and energized conductors. Wear protective equipment or
use insulated devices to handle poles. Do not contact the pole with any non-
insulated parts of the body. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(q)(1)(ii))
Guard or place attendants at pole holes where employees are working. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(q)(1)(iv))
Employ precautions during the installation or removal of lines near energized
conductors or energized equipment, such as barriers or the tension stringing
method. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(q)(2)(i))
Consider conductors, cables, pulling, and tensioning equipment energized if the
conductor being installed is close enough to energized conductors that any of the
following failures could energize the installation tools or equipment:
• Failure of the tensioning equipment
• Failure of the wire or cable being pulled
• Failure of previously installed lines or equipment
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(q)(2)(ii))

Ground vehicles to minimize touch potential and provide rapid protective relay
action to de-energize the lines if equipment failure or another unexpected event
causes the vehicle to come in contact with the energized line. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(p)(4)(iii)(C))
Employees on poles or towers or in aerial lifts need not treat the newly installed
conductors as energized if grounds have been installed on the conductors at the
work site.
When a conductor carrying over 600 volts crosses an energized conductor while
being installed or removed, deactivate the automatic reclosing feature for the
energized lines.
When installing lines parallel to existing energized lines, the employer is
responsible for determining whether or not the possibility of induced hazardous
voltage exists.
Work as though the lines are energized or apply the following rules:
a) Place grounds on each bare conductor so that no point is more than two (2)
miles (3.22 km) from a ground. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(q)(2)(iv))
Page 206-45
b) Leave the grounds in place until the conductor installation is completed

between dead-ends.
c) Remove grounds during the last phase of aerial cleanup.
d) Install grounds at each location where employees are working on bare
conductors and at all open dead-ends or catch off points or on the next
adjacent structure.
e) When two bare conductors are being spliced, bond and ground both
connectors.
f) When installing safety grounds to lines or equipment, make the connection
to ground first and then connect the other end of the ground to the line or
equipment using live-line tools and insulated gloves. (OSHA regulations
1910.269(m)(6) and (m)(7))
g) When removing safety grounds, use live-line tools and insulated gloves.
Remove the grounds from the line or equipment first, and then remove the
grounds from the ground connection.
Pulling and tensioning devices should be in safe operating condition and should
be leveled and aligned. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(q)(2)(v-xi))
Do not exceed the load rating of all associated equipment, such as stringing lines,
pulling lines, conductor grips, rigging and hoists.
Replace or repair defective pulling lines and accessories.
Do not use conductor grips on wire rope, unless the grip is specifically designed
for this application.
Maintain reliable communications between the reel tender and the pulling rig
operator. Only operate the pulling rig when it is safe to do so.
While a conductor or pulling line is in motion, do not permit employees directly
under overhead operations or on cross arms, except as necessary to guide the
stringing block or board over or through the stringing sheave.
Observe the following requirements during tower and structure work:
• Do not allow an employee under the tower or structure while work is in
progress, except to assist employees working aloft.
• Use tag lines and other similar devices to position tower sections being
assembled, unless these devices present a greater hazard.
• Keep load lines fully attached until loads are safely secured.
• Except during emergency power restoration, discontinue work when
adverse weather conditions make the work unusually hazardous.
Page 206-46
5.6 Perimeter Fence Grounding

(OSHA regulation 1910.269(u)(3); NESC sections 93E and 93C6)
To minimize the shock hazard associated with induced or impressed voltages on perimeter
fences, comply with the following recommendations during modifications/construction:
• Where high-voltage power lines cross over fences, ground the fence at the point of
crossing and at a distance not to exceed 150’ (45 m) on either side.
• When fences run under or are parallel to high-voltage power lines, ground them at
intervals not to exceed 150’ (45 m).
• In the conditions described in the two points above, bond any gate or other opening by
a buried bonding strap.
When using armored high-voltage cables, the grounding practices described in this section
need not apply.
5.7 Pipelines, Conveyors and Metal Structures

Where these items are parallel to, or pass under, high-voltage power lines, follow proper
grounding design.
5.8 Signage
Signs are essential for conveying information regarding a potential electrical shock hazard.
They are also used to convey operation and/or maintenance information.
This section of the practice makes no attempt to describe all types of signs, all locations
where signs may be required, or all possible lettering to be used. Use the references listed
within this practice to obtain the necessary information for sign requirements at your location.
5.8.1 Design
Consider the following for signage requirements:

• Material – Make signs out of a durable material that is appropriate for the
anticipated environmental conditions and expected length of exposure.
• Colors and shapes – Make the color and shape of the sign consistent with
regulatory and consensus practices requirements.
• Lettering – Use large and highly visible lettering and anticipate dark or
low-light situations.
• International symbols – Use internationally accepted symbols as much as
practicable.
5.8.2 Location
Page 206-47
At a minimum, place signs of warning/information as follows:

a) On all doors, gates and fence locations for substations.
b) On doors to switchgear rooms and on other similar compartments where
potentially energized exposed electrical parts are located.
c) On all transmission and/or distribution structures where employee or
public presence may be expected.
d) In the case of multi-support structures, locate the signs on each supporting
member.
e) Where a low-voltage bus is supplied from two or more sources and
presents a back-feed opportunity to the high-voltage system (and an
interlock system is not provided), conspicuously display a sign that warns
of this potential problem.
f) If temporary alterations must be made to secondary load supply systems in
order to maintain power supply continuity at the secondary voltage level
(thus presenting a back-feed opportunity), then conspicuously display a
sign warning of this potential problem until the need for the temporary
alteration is abated.
g) At roadways or railways where horizontal or vertical clearance from
energized or potentially energized sources is minimal. (Refer to Appendix
A, Table A-2.)
h) At all low profile electrical equipment installations where physical
distance requirements for employees and/or the requirements for handling
of conductive material cannot be met or are marginal.
i) At all overhead pipes, bridges, etc., where adjacent energized electrical
conductors and parts exhibit potential electrical shock hazards to
maintenance or construction personnel.
j) Where inadvertent electrical contact is possible.
k) On all equipment and devices subject to operation or manipulation. Use
large, prominent, and therefore easily read lettering.
(OSHA regulations 1910.269(u)(4)(iii), (v)(4)(iii))
5.9 Equipment Labeling, Marking, and Identification
5.9.1 Equipment Operating at Over 600 volts, Nominal
Mark each cover or door behind which energized parts exist on switchgear, unit
substations, transformers, pullboxes, covers for pullboxes, terminal and
Page 206-48
connection boxes, and motor starters with “DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE – KEEP
OUT.”
Mark building services over 600 volts with “DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE –
KEEP OUT.”
Mark the feeder or circuit number on the front and rear of permanent structure of
the switchgear or equipment, but not on removable enclosure covers to the
equipment.
5.9.2 Equipment Operating at 600 Volts or Less, Nominal
Mark entrances to guarded rooms or locations with warning signs prohibiting

entry by unqualified personnel.
5.9.3 Other
Indicate the voltage of exposed parts at outdoor switchgear or transformer

locations.
Identify disconnects that have no load interrupting or fault closing rating with
clear signs to prevent improper operation.
If a back-feed is possible, identify with a warning sign.
If there is an external or “foreign” voltage source, identify the source with a
warning sign.
Identify clearly all disconnect devices and the equipment with which they are
associated. (OSHA regulation 1910.303(f))
Identify clearly the rear doors of switchgear compartments.
6.0 Operation and Maintenance
6.1 Substations
When entering an attended substation, employees other than those assigned to station work
should report to the employee in charge. Upon reporting, these employees should receive
special safety instructions and a job briefing. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(u)(6))
6.1.1 Enclosures (OSHA regulation 1910.269(u)(4)(iv))
Keep substation enclosures locked at all times except while work is being
performed.
6.1.2 Storing Materials (OSHA regulation 1910.269(k))
Page 206-49
Keep substation lots free of debris. Do not store materials and equipment not
necessary for distribution and transmission system repair and maintenance (R &
M) in substation lots.
Establish specific storage locations for distribution and transmission, repair, and
maintenance materials. Specifically identify and periodically inspect the storage
location. The location manager or his or her designee should approve storage
areas.
6.1.3 Inspections and Maintenance
Annually inspect substations to determine the general condition of all equipment;

including grounding systems (see Appendix J).
Qualified employees should perform the inspection.
Equipment maintenance is recommended every three to five years.
6.1.4 Servicing Substation and High Voltage Yard Auxiliary Equipment
When servicing existing equipment compromises worker safety, consider

relocating such equipment.
If the equipment cannot be relocated, employ alternate safety procedures such as
de-energizing or requiring appropriate personal safety equipment and clothing for
work in close proximity to energized parts.
6.2 Guarding Live Parts during Operation and Maintenance

(NFPA 70E, 130.2; OSHA regulations 1910.269(u)(4) and (u)(5); (v)(4) and (v)(5); NESC
124)
Provide guards around all exposed live parts where the clearance requirements of Appendix
A, Table A-1 cannot be met. (Refer to NESC section 124.)
When necessary to assure reasonable safety, guard certain exposed live parts or give
clearances in excess of those specified. These parts include those over or near passageways
through which material may be carried and those on or near spaces such as corridors,
storerooms, and boiler rooms used for non-electrical work. Use substantial guards and
completely shield or enclose the energized parts without openings. Guards for spaces
accessible to unqualified personnel should be removable only by means of tools or keys.
Guard each portion of parts whose potential is unknown in the same manner as described
above. Guarding should be based on the maximum voltage that may be present on the surface
of that portion. Examples of such parts include telephone wires exposed to induction from
high-voltage lines, ungrounded neutral connections, ungrounded frames, ungrounded parts of
insulators or surge arresters, or ungrounded instrument cases connected directly to a high-
voltage circuit.
Page 206-50
Guards less than 4” (10 cm) outside the guard zone should completely enclose the parts from
contact up to the heights listed in Appendix A, Table A-1 column 2. They should not be
closer to the exposed live parts than the distance specified in Table A-1 column 4, except
when suitable insulating material is used with circuits less than 2,500 V to ground.
6.3 Rights-of-Way
Maintain rights-of-way in a clear and orderly condition, and keep trees and brush well clear
of overhead lines.
Prohibit any vehicle that could inadvertently come within 10’ (305 cm) of an energized line
(see the definition of Ten (10)-Foot Rule in Appendix T - Glossary) from parking in this area.
Examples would be aerial lifts, mobile cranes, dump trucks, dumpsters, and high lift fork
trucks.
Recommend that areas with a horizontal distance of 10’of an overhead line be “coned off”
with appropriate barricades prior to starting any work near an overhead line.
6.3.1 Storage of Materials in Rights-of-Way (OSHA regulation 1910.269(k))
Do not store material and equipment on rights-of-way under non-insulated high

voltage lines closer than 10’ (305 cm) horizontal for lines energized at 50 kV or
less.
For lines energized at voltages above 50 kV, add 4” (10 cm) for every 10 kV
above 50 kV.
Do not store materials and equipment closer than the distances stated below in
areas that are not restricted to qualified employees and that are located near
exposed live parts:
• For lines and equipment energized at 50 kV or less, the Ten (10)-Foot
Rule applies (10’ or 305 cm).
• For lines and equipment energized at more than 50 kV, the distance is 10’
(305 cm) plus 4” (10 cm) for every 10 kV over 50 kV.
To these minimum clearances, add enough distance to account for:

• Maximum sag and side swing by conductors.
• Space needed by the equipment used to handle the stored materials.
In areas restricted to qualified employees, do not store material within the working
space around energized lines or equipment.
Page 206-51
7.0 Inspection and Testing of Insulating Rubber

Products, Tools, and Mechanized Equipment
7.1 Documentation
Maintain test records on all equipment, rubber goods and live-line tools.
7.2 Insulating Rubber Products
7.2.1 Insulating Rubber Gloves (OSHA regulation 1910.137(b)(2) and Tables I-6
through I-6 NFPA 70E, 130.7 (B))
The employee should visually inspect and air test the gloves at the beginning of
each use. This inspection is the employee’s responsibility.
Electrically test insulating rubber gloves in accordance with the in-service care of
insulating gloves and sleeves, per ASTM F496.
Dielectrically test insulating rubber gloves:
• Before their first use.
• Every six (6) months during use.
• When the gloves might have been damaged, test before the next use.
7.2.2 Insulating Rubber Sleeves
Visually inspect rubber sleeves at the start of each work day in which they will be
used.
Dielectrically test the sleeves:
• Every 12 months thereafter.
Electrically test insulating rubber sleeves in accordance with the procedures for
in-service care of insulating gloves and sleeves described in ASTM F496.
Store insulating rubber sleeves in canvas bags designed for that purpose.
7.2.3 Insulating Blankets, Line Hoses and Covers
This equipment is not designed for permanent installation. Follow the

manufacturer’s specification for use, as exposure may result in ozone checking,
corona cutting, or excessive weathering.
Test and inspect insulating blanket and line hose in accordance with ASTM F478
and F479.
Page 206-52
Dielectrically test blankets:

• Every 12 months thereafter.
Test line hoses and covers upon indication that the insulating value is suspect.
Visually inspect this equipment for defects before use and installation on
energized conductors, devices, or equipment, and at other times if damage is
suspected.
Do not use damaged or possibly damaged equipment until it has passed an
electrical retest.
7.3 Tools
7.3.1 Live-line Tools
Visually inspect live-line tools for defects and contamination on a regularly

established basis. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(j)(2)(iii))
Before using the tool each day, visually inspect it for defective hardware
attachments, cracks, deformities, contamination, proper operation, and
cleanliness. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(j)(2))
Wax and then dielectrically test the tool every two years (24 months).
Dielectrically test fiberglass tools while wet. IEEE 978-1984, The Guide for In-
Service Maintenance and Electrical Testing of Live-Line Tools, may be used for
reference.
7.3.2 Insulated Tools
Assure that insulated tools meet the requirements of ASTM F1505 Specification
for Insulated Hand Tools. (NFPA 70E, 130.7 (D); OSHA regulation
1910.335(a)(2))
7.4 Mechanized Equipment
7.4.1 Insulated Equipment
For insulated, extendible-boom aerial personnel devices, articulating-boom aerial

personnel devices, and any combination thereof (such as line trucks), perform the
following:
• Inspect annually (every 12 months).
• Follow the inspection and test methods outlined by the manufacturer,
ANSI A92.2, and ASTM Standard Designation F914.
Page 206-53
• Whenever this equipment is to be used to elevate an employee into close

proximity of energized or potentially energized lines or equipment, a
basket liner should be inserted in the basket. This liner should totally cover
all surfaces exposed to the employee and should be dielectrically tested per
ANSI A92.2 annually (every 12 months).
7.4.2 Non-Insulated Equipment
For non-insulated, digger-derrick, extensible-boom equipment, follow the

inspection and test procedures stated in ANSI A10.31.
7.4.3 Safety Components of Mechanized Equipment
Inspect the critical safety components of mechanical elevating and rotating

equipment before use on each shift. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(p)(1)(i))
Check the lower and upper controls to assure they are functioning correctly.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended checklist.
8.0 Employee Training
8.1 Types of Training

Recommended training includes:
a) Initial training
b) Qualified employee
c) Authorized employee
d) Refresher
e) Lockout/tagout
f) Training on the Electrical Safe Work Practice (this document).
All training should be of the classroom and/or the on-the-job type. Refresher training may be
computer based.
8.2 Certification and Recordkeeping
8.2.1 Certification (OSHA regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(vii))
The employer should certify all personnel upon demonstration of the success of
the training. Certification may include a dated record of successfully passing a test
or an outline of the course or courses completed.
Page 206-54
Location management should certify who are “qualified” employees, “authorized”

employees, and who has the qualifications to work in each area. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(vii))
NOTE: A person can be considered “qualified” with respect to certain

equipment and methods (such as maintenance of HVAC
equipment,) but still be unqualified for others.
8.2.2 Recordkeeping
The location management should assure that all required training is completed and
documented. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(vii); OSHA regulation
1910.269(d)(2)(ix))
Establish and maintain records for each person considered a “qualified” employee
as defined in Appendix T of this practice. The records should include:
• Name and identification.
• Date and time of training.
• Content of training (such as a course outline or on-the-job demonstration
of skill).
• Basis for acceptance as “qualified” (e.g., test grade, demonstration of skill,
and work location).
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(vii))
8.3 Personnel Responsibilities and General Qualifications
8.3.1 Responsibilities
The company should verify, through regular supervision and inspections

conducted at least annually, that each employee is complying with the required
safety-related work practices. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(iii); NFPA 70E,
120.2 (B)(7); OSHA regulation 1910.269(d)(2))
NOTE: It is recommended that the facility conduct periodic audits of

the required electrical safe work practices.
Supervisors should make sure procedures are in place and that employees are
trained in those procedures. (NFPA 70E, 110.3)
Employees must follow safe work practice procedures, including using PPE and
understand how an employee’s qualification status relates to the current task.
8.3.2 General Qualifications and Skills Recommended (OSHA regulation

1910.269(a)(2))
Page 206-55
This section lists general training/skills recommended for employees based on

different types of working situations.
Employees “working on” or “working near” live parts should have experience in
the following areas:
a) Basic mechanical skills
b) Basics of electricity
c) Troubleshooting and circuit analysis
d) Job planning
e) Job auditing
f) CPR and emergency response
(OSHA regulation 1910.332; NFPA 70E, 110.6)
Employees working on systems of 50 volts or greater should maintain the
following certifications:
• CPR
• First aid
(NFPA 70E, 110.6(C); OSHA regulation 1910.269(b)

Personnel involved with selection and safe use of a voltmeter or other instruments
used within the restricted approach boundary should know proper use of a
voltmeter or other instrument where measurement is expected, anticipated, or
required in order to execute a task safely.
All personnel working in the vicinity (at, or even outside, the limited approach
boundary – depending on the energy available) of exposed live parts should have
training in the following areas:
• Hazard recognition – Consider what, where, degree, method of exposure,
and how to avoid all potential hazards.
• Recognition of flash protection boundary – Understand and appreciate the
hazard of radiated energy from sources of various energy levels. (NFPA
70E, 110.8 (B)(1) and 130.3)
• Knowledge of local procedures and lock-and-tag requirements – Know
what is required to work on or near an energized electrical conductor.
(NFPA 70E, 120.2)
• PPE – Become familiar with proper personal protective equipment:
a) The appropriate type to use for each situation.

b) The location of the equipment.
Page 206-56
c) How to use each item properly.

d) The employee is responsible for following PPE usage procedures
and knowing when PPE is required. The employer is responsible
for providing the equipment and defining procedures.
• Acceptable methods of insulating/isolating persons from shock and the
most appropriate method for shock isolation/insulation during both work
and rescue. (NFPA 70E, 110.6 (C))
8.4 ‘Qualified Employee’ Training

(OSHA regulation 1910.332(b)(3))
For a person to be considered a “qualified employee,” he or she must satisfy the following
requirements:
a) Understand the specific hazards associated with electrical energy and be able to
identify and understand the relationship of such hazards to possible injury. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(ii); NFPA 70E, 110.6)
b) Be familiar with safety-related work practices, safety procedures, and other personnel
safety requirements that relate to the job or task assignments
c) Be familiar with any other safety practices, including applicable emergency
procedures related to work and safety
d) Be able to perform CPR and first aid (Also see OSHA regulation 1910.269(b)(1))
e) Be able to distinguish exposed live parts from the other parts of electric equipment,
machines, and processes
f) Be able to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts
g) Know and understand the clearance and minimum approach distances required when
working with the voltages to which he or she will be exposed
h) Know proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment,
including arc-flash protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and
insulated tools, when required
i) Understand induced, static, and impressed voltages, grounding integrity, condition of
poles and structures, and circuit and equipment location
j) Know how to determine the degree and extent of a hazard, the PPE needed and job
planning necessary to perform the task safely
k) Be familiar with methods of release of victims from contact with exposed live parts
l) OSHA regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(ii); NFPA 70E, 110.6 (D))
Page 206-57
8.5 ‘Authorized Employee’ Training

For a person to be considered an “authorized employee”, he or she must:
• Understand the specific hazards associated with electrical energy.
• Be able to identify and understand the relationship between electrical hazards and
possible injury.
• Have familiarity with safety-related work practices, safety procedures, and other
personnel safety requirements that relate to job assignments.
• Have familiarity with any other safety practices, including applicable emergency
procedures related to work and safety.
Recommended skills and knowledge in addition to those above include:
• Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish potential exposed live parts from the
other parts of electric equipment, machines, and processes.
• Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live
parts.
• Ability to recognize when special precautionary techniques, personal protective
equipment, including arc-flash protective equipment, insulating and shielding
materials, and insulated tools are needed.
• Methods of releasing victims from contact with exposed live parts.
8.6 Refresher Training

Frequent training and reinforcement of electrical safety is essential, especially for items such
as power system components that are maintained infrequently. (OSHA regulation
1910.269(a)(2)(iv))
Establish schedules for refresher training, or retraining of personnel as the situation dictates,
including:
• To keep abreast of technology, new types of equipment, and procedural changes
• To maintain proficient skills
• If a supervisor, periodic audits, or the annual inspection reveals that employees are
not complying with required safety-related work practice.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(a)(2)(iv))
If seldom used safety-related work practices are employed (OSHA considers these tasks that
are performed less than once per year), training or retraining should precede the performance
of the task.
Page 206-58
Conduct refresher training on this Electrical Safe Work Practice at least every three years and
preferably more often. Computer-based refresher training courses are available on the
company intranet.
8.7 Lockout/Tagout Training

(OSHA regulation 1910.269(d)(2)(vi), and (vii); OSHA 1910.333(b); NFPA 70E, 120.2)
Refer to company procedure HES-203 Lockout Tagout.
8.8 Retraining
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(d)(2)(viii))
Authorized and affected employees should be retrained when:
• A work assignment changes.
• Equipment changes.
• Energy control procedures change.
• A periodic inspection reveals inadequacies in the program.
9.0 Facility Work
9.1 Location Management

Location management should assure that the following meet or exceed all safety regulated
recommendations of this practice, along with required and consensus design and safety
practices:
• Design criteria for all existing electrical facilities, modifications to the existing
facilities, and new construction
• Vendor equipment and system design
All maintenance/construction projects (electrical or otherwise) at the location should be
performed following all of the electrical safety recommendations of this practice.
Page 206-59
9.2 Contractors
(NFPA 70E, 110.4)
Whenever outside servicing personnel or contractors are to be engaged in activities, the
onsite employer and the outside employer(s) must inform each other of existing hazards,
personal protective equipment/clothing requirements, safe work practice procedures, and
emergency/evacuation procedures applicable to the work to be performed. This coordination
must include a meeting and documentation.
Contractors should be aware of and comply with the following:
• At a minimum, all applicable facility safety specifications apply to contractor
personnel.
• Contractors are responsible for ensuring that equipment they supply and use meets
facility safety and health practices.
• Key contractor personnel should be trained in this document (Electrical Safe Work
Practice).
• Contractors need to have prior understanding or be informed of the potential electrical
shock hazards associated with their work.
• Contractors need to notify the appropriate facility representative of any changing
work conditions that relate to potential electric shock hazards.
As contractor employees are replaced or added, or contractor work is further sublet, the
primary contractor is responsible for advising or informing new contractor employees of all
electrical safety considerations that may apply to them under this, or other applicable rules or
specifications.
9.3 Non-Qualified and Non-Authorized Personnel

(OSHA regulation 1910.335(b)(3); NFPA 70E, 130.2 (D)(2); NFPA 70E, 130.7 (E)(3))
Any person without qualified or authorized training requires an escort within areas where
physical safe work distance clearances (see Appendix A, Table A-1 and Table A-2) cannot be
met. In general, this requirement includes all secured electrical installations and
conductor/bus minimal clearance from buildings, rooftops, or other structures.
Examples of non-qualified and non-authorized personnel may include non-trained visitors,
non-electrical maintenance employees (e.g., grass cutters, painters, roof repair personnel),
potential contractor personnel, and equipment vendors.
9.4 Electrical System Safety for Operations

It is essential that general switching and controlling procedures between power generators
and user locations be well understood and documented.
Page 206-60
9.5 Accident/Incident Investigation

A local electrical safety team should investigate all electrical contacts, near misses, and
switching errors. Recommendations should be made to improve the electrical safety program.
These recommendations should be sent to the corporate safety division and corporate
business unit managers for further evaluation and distribution.
It is important that these accidents/incidents and near misses be evaluated from a fact-finding,
versus a “fault finding” approach.
9.6 Periodic Electrical Safety Reviews

It is recommended that qualified personnel and/or an outside consulting service
knowledgeable in applicable electrical safety concerns review electrical systems, maintenance
procedures, and operating practices on the following schedule:
• At least once every two (2) years
• More often if changes occur that are likely to increase the potential for electrical
shock hazard (i.e., an increased frequency of electrical accidents, changes in the work
force, renovation of the current system, or new construction)
10.0 Power System and Electrical Installation Security

(Locking)
Locations with exposed parts that are energized or potentially energized should be locked,
including:
• Substations.
• Entrances to switchgear rooms that have exposed energized, or potentially energized
parts.
• Other locations that have energized, or potentially energized high-voltage conductor
and exposed parts of electrical equipment.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(u)(4)(iv))
10.1 Safety Lock

A safety lock is a controlled lock with unique lock/one key or unique lock group/one key.
Its function is to protect personnel, and should be installed on each tagout/lockout location.
Use of a safety lock on high- and low-voltage distribution systems is recommended to
prevent a switch or breaker from unintentionally operating. This process is important for
protecting workers.
Page 206-61
10.2 Operating System Lock

The function of an operating system lock is to prevent unintentional operation of a high-
voltage line switch. Unique one-lock/one-key locks are not required but are strongly
recommended for operating system locks.
10.3 Preferred Lock System

In the interest of overall employee safety, a one-lock/one-key system offers the highest degree
of safety in any locking situation.
10.4 Equipment Access Interlock Systems

Equipment access interlock systems offer a high degree of personal safety and should be used
in all design considerations with the exception of phasing of conductors following new or
revised installations. (NFPA 70E, 110.8 (B)(4); OSHA regulation 1910.333(c)(10))
Except for phasing of conductors following new or revised installations, do not bypass, or
otherwise render inoperative, interlock systems while the equipment is energized. When
performing the phasing task, additional personal protective equipment may be required.
10.5 Remote/Other Utility Operations (Clearance,

Lockout/Tagout)
Where generating and switching locations are influenced by distance, do not compromise
personnel safety by lack of a positive locking or other procedure.
It is recommended that a formal written agreement be made between the parties outlining the
agreed-upon clearance or lockout/tagout procedure.
Provide all clearances in writing.
The clearance or lockout/tagout system associated with the remote location may be used but
do not compromise the safety of the Facility clearance or lockout/tagout policy.
11.0 References
Engineering Standards, Latest Edition Applies
11.1 ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

A10.31Digger Derricks-Safety Requirements, Definitions, and Specifications
A92.5 Boom-Supported Elevated Work Platforms
B30.5 Mobile and Locomotive Cranes
Z87.1 Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection
Page 206-62
Z89.1 Requirements for Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers

Z41 Safety-Toe Footwear
11.2 ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)

D120 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves
E1934 Standard Guide for Examining Electric and Mechanical Equipment with Infrared
Thermography
F478 Specifications for In-Service Care of Insulating Line Hose and Covers
F479 Standard Specification for the In-Service Care of Insulating Blankets
F496 Standard Specification for the In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and
Sleeves
F696 Standard Specification for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves and
Mittens
F711 Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in
Live Line Tools
F914 Standard Test Method for Acoustic Emission Insulated Aerial Personnel Devices
F478 Specifications for In-Service Care of Insulating Line Hose and Covers
F855 Specifications for Temporary Grounding Systems to be Used on De-energized
Electric Power Lines and Equipment
F1236 Standard Guide for Visual Inspection of Electrical Protective Rubber Products
F1505 Specification for Insulated Hand Tools
F1506 Standard Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Textile Materials for
Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and
Related Thermal Hazards
F1891 Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
F2178 Standard Test Method for Determining the Arc Rating of Face Protective Products
11.3 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations)

29 CFR (Title 29 - Labor)
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_level=1&p_part_
number=1910
Subpart I 1910.137 Personal Protective Equipment, Electrical protective devices
Page 206-63
Subpart J 1910.146 Permit-required Confined Spaces

Subpart J 1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)
Subpart R 1910.268 Telecommunications
Subpart R 1910.269 Electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution
Subpart S 1910.301 - 399 Electrical - General
Subpart K 1926.400 - 449 Construction Electrical
Subpart E 1926 Fall Protection
Subpart P 1926 Excavations
11.4 IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

IEEE 978 Guide for In-Service Maintenance and Electrical Testing of Live-Line Tools.
IEEE 1584 IEEE Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations
ANSI/IEEE C2 National Electric Safety Code
11.5 NFPA (National Fire Protection Association)

NFPA 70 National Electrical Code
NFPA 70B Electrical Equipment Maintenance
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
11.6 Applicable State and Local Codes

All company facilities should meet or exceed the above referenced guidelines, codes and
regulations.
Page 206-64
Appendix T – Clearance and Approach Boundaries Figures

and Tables
FIGURE A-1 Clearance from Exposed Live Parts
(Based on Figure 124-1 NESC C2-2002. From IEEE Std. C2-2002. Copyright 2001 IEEE. All rights reserved.)
Live Part
Guard Zone at Radius

Table A-1, R= Column 4
Horizontal Clearance Vertical Clearance

Table A-1, Column 3 Table A-1, Column 2
TABLE A-1 Clearance from Exposed Live Parts
Clearance From Exposed Live Parts
Note: Obtain distances for intermediate voltages by interpolation.
Nominal Vertical Clearance of Horizontal Clearance of Clearance Guard to Live

Voltage Unguarded Parts Unguarded Parts parts
Phase-to-
Phase
kV Feet In. m Feet In. m Feet In. m/cm
.151 to 2.4 8 9 2.67 3 4 1.02 0 3 7.6 cm
7.2 8 10 2.69 3 4 1.02 0 4 10.1

cm
13.8 9 0 2.74 3 6 1.07 0 6
15.2
23.0 9 3 2.82 3 9 1.14 0 9 cm
34.5 9 6 2.90 4 0 1.22 1 0 22.8
cm
Page 206-A1
Clearance From Exposed Live Parts
Note: Obtain distances for intermediate voltages by interpolation.
Nominal Vertical Clearance of Horizontal Clearance of Clearance Guard to Live

Voltage Unguarded Parts Unguarded Parts parts
Phase-to-
Phase
kV Feet In. m Feet In. m Feet In. m/cm
46.0 9 10 3.00 4 4 1.32 1 4 30.4

cm
69.0 10 5 3.18 4 11 1.50 1 11
40.6
115.0 11 7 3.53 6 1 1.85 3 1 cm
138.0 12 2 3.71 6 8 2.03 3 8 58.4
cm
161.0 12 10 3.91 7 4 2.24 4 4
93.9
230.0 14 10 4.52 9 4 2.84 6 4 cm
362.0 20 2 6.1 14 8 4.5 11 8 1.12 m
550.0 28 4 8.6 22 10 7.0 19 10 1.32 m
1.93 m
3.6 m
6.0 m
(Table derived from Table 124-1 NESC C2-2002. From IEEE Std. C2-2002. Copyright 2001 IEEE. All rights reserved.)
Page 206-A2
TABLE A-2 Minimum Basic Vertical Clearance
Minimum Basic Vertical Clearance of Wires, Conductors and Cables Above Ground, Rails
1, 2
or Water
Note: Voltages are phase-to-ground for effectively grounded circuits.
Clearance Categories (Open Conductors)
3
Where wires, conductors, or Neutrals and 0 to 750V 751V to 22kV
cables cross over or overhang Grounded Guys (Phase-to-Gnd) (Phase-to-Gnd)
Feet Meters Feet Meters Feet Meters
1. Railroad tracks 23.5 7.2 24.5 7.5 26.5 8.1
2. Roads and other areas subject 15.5 4.7 16.5 5.0 18.5 5.6
to truck traffic
3. Residential driveways 15.5 4.7 16.5 5.0 18.5 5.6
4. Other land traversed by 15.5 4.7 16.5 5.0 18.5 5.6
vehicles
5. Spaces or ways accessible to 9.5 2.9 12.5 3.8 14.5 4.4
pedestrians only
6. Water areas not subject to 14.0 4.0 15.0 4.6 17.0 5.2
sailboating
7. Water areas subject to
sailboating
Less than 20 acres 17.5 5.3 18.5 5.6 20.5 6.2
20 to 200 acres 25.5 7.8 26.5 8.1 28.5 8.7
200 to 2,000 acres 31.5 9.6 32.5 9.9 34.5 10.5
Over 2,000 acres 37.5 11.4 38.5 11.7 40.5 12.3
8. Areas subject to sailboat Clearances above ground shall be 5' (1.5 meters) greater
launching than item 7 above.
Where wires, conductors, or cables run along and within the limits of highway or other road right-
of-way, but do not overhang the roadway
9. Roads in urban districts 15.5 4.7 16.5 5.0 18.5 5.6
10. Roads in rural districts where 13.5 4.1 14.5 4.4 16.5 5.0
it is unlikely that vehicles will cross
under the line
1
For unguarded rigid exposed live parts (fuse cutouts, pole transformer bushing, etc.) clearance, refer to Table 232-2
NESC C2-2002.
2
For clearances of insulated conductors see Table 232-1 NESC C2 -2002.
3
Increase distances 4 in. (10cm) for each 10 kV over 22 kV phase to ground.
(Table is based on Table 232-1 NESC C2-2002. From IEEE Std. C2-2002. Copyright 2001 IEEE. All rights reserved.)
Page 206-A3
TABLE A-3 Clearance of Exposed, Non-insulated Items
Clearance Of Exposed/Non-insulated Wires, Conductors, Cables and Unguarded Exposed Live

Parts Adjacent But Not Attached to Buildings and Other Installations Except Bridges
Application Minimum Clearance

1
751 V - 22 kV
Phase-to-Ground
Feet Meters
A. Buildings
1. Horizontal 7.5 2.30
2. Vertical
Over or under roofs of projections not accessible to 12.5 3.8

pedestrians
Over or under balconies and roofs accessible to 13.5 4.1

pedestrians
Over roofs accessible to mobile equipment but not subject 13.5 4.1
to truck traffic
Over roofs accessible to truck traffic 18.5 5.6
B. Signs, chimneys, billboards, radio and television antennas, tanks,

and other installations not classified as buildings or bridges
1. Horizontal 2.3 2.3
2. Vertical over or under catwalks and other surfaces upon which 13.5 4.1
personnel walk
3. Vertical over or under other portions of such installations 8.0 2.30

1
Distances shall increase 4″ (10 cm) for each 10 kV over 22 kV phase-to-ground.
(Table is based on Table 234-1 NESC C2-2002 From IEEE Std. C2-2002. Copyright 2001 IEEE. All rights reserved.)
Page 206-A4
TABLE A-4 Vertical Clearance Between Conductors
Vertical Clearance Between Conductors at Supports on Same Structure

(Distance In Inches and Centimeters)
Upper Level Conductors
Open Supply Conductors
Lower Level 0 to 8.7 kV 8.7 to 50 kV

Conductors or
Cables Same Utility Different Utilities
in. cm in. cm in. cm
Communication 40 100 40 100 40 Plus 100

Conductors and “A”
Cables
1 1
Triplex & Quadplex 16 41 16 Plus 41 40 Plus 100
0-750 V Supply Cable “A” “A”
Open Conductors over 16 41 16 Plus 41 40 Plus 100

750V to 8.7kV “A” “A”
2, 3 2, 3
Open Conductors over 16 Plus 41 16 Plus 41
8.7 kV to 22kV “A” “A”
Open Conductors >22 16 Plus 41 16 Plus 41

kV to 50kV “A” “A”
“A” = 0.4″ (1.0 cm) per kV over 8.7 kV
1
Increase to 40" (100 cm) if conductors are operated by different utilities.
2
Increase to 40" (100 cm) if live line maintenance is performed and adjacent circuits are neither de-energized nor covered.
3
Example:
Different utilities, other utility does live line maintenance 26.6 kV circuit above a 13.9 kV circuit. Phases may be displaced
by 180 degrees, therefore voltage difference is considered to be
26.6 + 13.9 = 40.5 kV
A = 0.4 (40.5 - 8.7) = 12.72" (32 cm)
Clearance = 40 + 13 = 53" (133 cm)
(Table is based on Table 235-5 NESC C2-2002 From IEEE Std. C2-2002. Copyright 2001 IEEE. All rights reserved.)
Page 206-A5
TABLE A-5 Basic Vertical Clearance
Basic Vertical Clearance of Wires, Conductors and Cables Carried

on Different Supporting Structures
Upper Level Conductors
Supply Cables Meeting Rule 230C1 Open Supply Conductors

and Supply Cables of 0-750 V over 750 V to 22 kV
Lower Level Conductors meeting Rule 230C2 or 230C3
1
Feet Meters Feet Meters
Communication Conductors, 2
2 0.60 5 1.50
Cables and Messengers
Open Supply Conductors 0-

750 V; Supply Cables over
2 0.60 2 0.60
750 V meeting rule 230C2 or
230C3
Open Supply Conductors 3 3

2 0.60 2 0.60
750 V to 22 kV
Trolley and Electrified 4 4

4 1.20 6 1.80
Railroad Conductors
Guys, span wires, neutral

conductors and surge 2 0.60 2 0.60
protection wires
1
Rules 230C1, C2, and C3 cover cables supported on effectively grounded bare messengers or neutral conductors, cables having
effectively grounded sheaths or shields, or 5 kV non-shielded cables supported and cabled together on effectively grounded bare
messengers.
2
This clearance may be reduced to 4' (1.20 m) where supply conductors of 750 V to 8.7 kV cross a communication line more than
6' (1.80 m) horizontally from a communications structure.
3
This type crossing is not recommended.
4
Trolley and electrified railroad contact conductors of more than 750V should have at least 6' (1.80 m) of clearance.
(Table is based on Table 233-1 NESC C2-2002. See the NESC table and notes for complete details. From IEEE Std. C2-
2002. Copyright 2001 IEEE. All rights reserved.)
Page 206-A6
FIGURE A-2 Limits of Approach
(Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70E-2003, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, copyright © 2004,
National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This guideline is not the complete and official position of the
NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the standard in its entirety.)
Page 206-A7
TABLE A-6 Approach Boundaries
Approach Boundaries
Nominal System Limited Approach Boundary Restricted Prohibited

Voltage Range, Approach Approach
Phase-to-Phase Boundary Boundary
Exposed Exposed Fixed Includes

Moveable Circuit Part Inadvertent
Conductor Movement Adder
Less than 50 Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified
51 to 300 10' 0″ 3' 6″ Avoid contact Avoid contact
301 to 750 10' 0″ 3' 6″ 1' 0″ 0' 1″
751 V to 15 kV 10' 0″ 5' 0″ 2' 2″ 0' 7″
15.1 to 36 kV 10' 0″ 6' 0″ 2' 7″ 0' 10″
36.1 to 46 kV 10' 0″ 8' 0″ 2' 9″ 1' 5″

46.1 to 72.5 kV 10' 0″ 8' 0″ 3' 3″ 2' 1″
72.6 to 121 kV 10' 8″ 8' 0″ 3' 2″ 2' 8″

138 to 145 kV 11' 0″ 10' 0″ 3' 7″ 3' 1″
161 to 169 kV 11' 8″ 11' 8″ 4' 0″ 3' 6″

230 to 242 kV 13' 0″ 13' 0″ 5' 3″ 4' 9″
345 to 362 kV 15' 4″ 15' 4″ 8' 6″ 8' 0″
500 to 550 kV 19' 0″ 19' 0″ 11' 3″ 10' 9″

765 to 800 kV 23' 9″ 23' 9″ 14' 11″ 14' 5″
Notes:
1. Affected persons, persons who are not authorized or qualified must not cross the limited approach boundary. (See Appendix B,
Item B.1; section 4.2.3)
2. Authorized persons, persons who are specifically task trained, may work inside the limited approach boundary. However, in no
case should an authorized person be allowed to work as close to exposed live parts as the restricted approach boundary allowed
for a qualified person. (See section 4.2.3)
3. Qualified persons may work up to the restricted approach boundary. For a qualified person to cross the restricted approach
boundary he/she should follow the rules outlined in Appendix B, Item B.2; section 4.2.3)
4. Qualified persons who cross the prohibited approach boundary should follow work procedures required to make contact with
exposed live parts. To cross the prohibited approach boundary is considered the same as making contact with exposed live parts.
(See Appendix B, Item B.2)
This table is based on NFPA 70E-2004, Table 130.2 (C). Reprinted with permission from NFPA 70E-2004, Standard for
Electrical Safety in the Workplace, copyright © 2004, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269. This table
is not the complete and official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which is represented only by the Standard
in its entirety.
Page 206-A8
Appendix U – Limits of Approach
A. P re p a rin g fo r Ap p ro a c h to Exp o s e d Live P a rts

Observing a safe approach distance from exposed live parts is an effective means of
maintaining electrical safety. As the distance between a person and the exposed live
parts is decreased, the potential for electrical accident increases.
B. S a fe Ap p ro a c h Dis ta n c e
1. Unqualified Persons
Unqualified persons are safe when they maintain a distance from the exposed live
parts, including the longest conductive object being handled, so that they cannot
contact or enter a specified air insulation distance to the exposed live parts. This
safe approach distance is the limited approach boundary.
Unqualified persons must not cross the flash protection boundary unless they are
wearing appropriate personal protective clothing and are under the close
supervision of a qualified person.
Where there is a need for an unqualified person(s) to cross the limited approach
boundary, a qualified person must advise him or her of the possible hazards and
continuously escort the unqualified person(s) while inside the limited approach
boundary. Under no circumstance is the escorted unqualified person(s) permitted
to cross the restricted approach boundary.
Note that the flash protection boundary may be greater than the limited approach
boundary for higher capacity systems.
2. Qualified Persons
Determine the flash protection boundary and, if the boundary is to be crossed, use
appropriate arc-flash protective equipment.
For a person to cross the limited approach boundary and enter the limited space,
he or she must be qualified to perform the job/task. An exception to this
requirement is that an authorized person is permitted to cross the limited approach
boundary if he or she is specifically trained for the task to be done.
Page 206-B1
To cross the restricted approach boundary and enter the restricted space, the
qualified person must:
• Have a plan that is documented and approved by authorized management.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriate for working on exposed
live parts and rated for the voltage and energy level involved.
• Be certain that no part of the body enters the prohibited space.
• Minimize the risk due to inadvertent movement by keeping as much of the
body out of the restricted space and using only protected body parts in the
space as necessary to accomplish the work.
To cross the prohibited approach boundary and enter the prohibited space, which
is considered the same as making contact with exposed live parts, the qualified
person must:
• Have specified training to work on exposed live parts and be approved by
authorized management.
• Have a documented plan justifying the need to work that close and have it
approved by authorized management.
• Perform a risk analysis.
• Use personal protective equipment appropriate for working on exposed
live parts and rated for the voltage and energy level involved.
Page 206-B2
Appendix V – Flame-Resistant Clothing Recommendations
A. In itia te a Fla s h Ha za rd An a lys is

Do a flash hazard analysis before a person approaches any exposed electrical
conductor or circuit part that has not been placed in an electrically safe work
condition.
B. De te rm in e th e Fla s h P ro te c tio n Bo u n d a ry
The flash protection boundary is determined during the flash hazard analysis and is
used to initiate the need for PPE.
Refer to section 130 of NFPA 70E-2004 for formulas and other information needed to
establish the flash protection boundary. This section in NFPA 70E also contains
information and recommendations that address the PPE required for personnel to
cross inside the flash protection boundary.
See the following table for default distances for the flash protection boundary for
normal systems. This information is not from NFPA 70E, but usually represents a
conservative approach if information is not available. Do not use the table for high-
capacity systems (e.g., low voltage systems supplied by transformers 1500 kVA and
larger, or high-voltage systems with greater than 1000 MVA short circuit capacity).
The flash protection boundary may alternatively be calculated using information and
formulas outlined in NFPA 70E-2004. The flash protection boundary is the distance
at which the incident energy level equals 1.2 cal/cm2.
TABLE C-1 Default Distances for Flash Protection Boundary for Normal Systems
Arc Location Relative to System Voltage (volts) Flash Protection
Equipment Boundary (‘)
Arc in Air 200 to 1000 4
Arc in Enclosure 200 to 1000 10
Arc in Enclosure 1000 and above 20
C. Ca lc u la te Arc Fla s h Exp o s u re

Existing knowledge about arc flash exposure at voltage levels above 600 volts is
limited. Methods of calculating the exposure, other than the equations given in NFPA
70E-2000, exist and may be used. Commercial and shareware programs are available
for calculating these values. It is important to investigate the limitations of any
programs to be used.
Page 206-C1
Experience suggests that the calculation of arc flash exposure above 600 volts is
conservative and becomes more conservative as the voltage increases. It should be
noted that all present methods of calculating incident energy and arc flash exposure at
higher voltage levels have limitations.
Equations for calculating the incident energy produced by a three-phase arc on
systems rated 600 volts and below for an “Arc in Open Air” (Ema) and an “Arc in a
Cubic Box” (Emb - arc flashes emanating from within switchgear, motor control
centers, or other electrical equipment enclosures) may be calculated by using the
formulas derived in the IEEE paper by R.L. Doughty, T.E. Neal, and H. L. Floyd,
“Predicting Incident Energy to Better Manage the Electric Arc Hazard on 600 Volt
Power Distribution Systems,” IEEE, IAS 45th Annual PCIC Conference Sept.28-30,
1998.
NOTE: See Appendix D for Sample Calculation of Flash Protection
Boundary Dc' Arc in Open Air Ema' and Arc in Cubic Box
Emb using the Doughty, et al. equations.
D. De te rm in e P P E Re q u ire m e n ts
Flame-resistant (FR) clothing and PPE are used by the employee based upon the
incident energy exposure associated with the specific task. As an alternative, the PPE
requirements outlined in Table C-2 (extracted from NFPA 70E 130.7 (C)(9)(a)) may
be used. For additional information refer to Tables C-3 and C-4 (NFPA Tables 130.7
(C)(10) and 130.7 (C)(11)), and Table C-4 (NFPA Table H-1).
NOTE: Tables 130.7 (C)(9)(a), 130.7 (C)(10), 130.7 (C)(11), and H-1
reprinted with permission from NFPA 70E-2004, Standard for
Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces,
copyright ® 2004, National Fire Protection Association,
Quincy, MA 02269. This information is not the complete and
official position of the NFPA on the referenced subject, which
is represented only by the standard in its entirety.
Page 206-C2
TABLE C-2 Hazard Risk Category Classifications

(Extracted from NFPA 70E-2004, Table 130.7 (C)(9)(a) Hazard Risk Category
Classifications—reflects recent Tentative Interim Amendment 04-1 and company proposals)
Task (Assumes Equipment is Energized and Work is Done Hazard/Risk V-rated V-rated
Within the Flash Protection Boundary) Category Gloves Tools
Panelboards rated 240 V and below – See Notes 1, 3, and 7
Circuit breaker (CB) or fused switch operation with covers 0 N N

on
CB or fused switch operation with covers off 0 N N
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing 1 Y Y
Remove/install CBs or fused switches 1 Y Y
Removal of bolted covers (to expose bare, energized parts) 1 N N
Opening hinged covers (to expose bare, energized parts) 0 N N
Panelboards or Switchboards rated >240 V and up to 600 V (with molded case or insulated case
circuit breakers) – See Notes 1, 3, and 7
CB or fused switch operation with covers on 0 N N
CB or fused switch operation with covers off 1 N N
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing 2* Y Y
600 V Class Motor Control Centers (MCCs) – See Notes 2 (except as indicated) and 3
CB or fused switch or starter operation with enclosure doors 0 N N

closed
Reading a panel meter while operating a meter switch 0 N N
CB or fused switch or starter operation with enclosure doors 1 N N

open
Work on control circuits with energized parts 120 V or below, 0 Y Y

exposed
Work on control circuits with energized parts >120 V exposed 2* Y Y
Insertion or removal of individual starter “buckets” from MCC 4 Y N

– See Note 4
Application of safety grounds, after voltage test 2* Y N
Removal of bolted covers (to expose bare, energized parts) – 4 N N

Note 4
Page 206-C3

600 V Class Switchgear (with power circuit breakers or fused switches) – See Notes 5, 6, and 7.
CB or fused switch operation with enclosure doors closed 0 N N
CB or fused switch operation with enclosure doors open 1 N N
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing 4 Y Y
Work on control circuits with energized parts 120 V or 0 Y Y

below, exposed
Work on control circuits with energized parts >120 V 2* Y Y

exposed
Insertion or removal (racking) of CBs from cubicles, doors 4 N N

open

closed – Note 9
Application of safety grounds after voltage test 2* Y N
Other 600 V Class (277 V to 600 V, nominal) equipment, including lighting or small power
transformers – See Notes 2 except as indicated, and 3 and 7.
Removal of bolted covers (to expose bare, energized parts) 2* N N
Application of safety grounds, after voltage test 2* Y N
Insertion or removal of revenue meters (kW-hour, at primary 2* Y N

voltage and current).
Insertion or removal of plug-in devices into or from busway– Note 4 Y N

4
Cable trough or tray cover removal or installation 1 N N
Miscellaneous equipment cover removal or installation 1 N N
NEMA E2 (fused contactor) Motor Starters, 2.3 kV through 7.2 kV
Contactor operation with enclosure doors closed 0 N N
Page 206-C4
Contactor operation with enclosure doors open 2* N N
Work on energized parts, including voltage testing – Note 8 3 Y Y
Work on control circuits with energized parts 120 V or 0 Y Y

below, exposed
Work on control circuits with energized parts >120 V – Note 3 Y Y

8
Insertion or removal (racking) of starters from cubicles, 4 N N

doors open– Note 8
Insertion or removal (racking) of starters from cubicles, 4 N N

doors closed – Notes 8 and 9
Application safety grounds, after voltage test 3 Y N
Metal Clad Switchgear, 1 kV and above
CB or fused switch operation with enclosure doors closed– Note 2 N N

9
CB or fused switch operation with enclosure doors open–Note 8 4 N N
Work on energized live parts, including voltage testing 4 Y Y
Work on control circuits with energized parts 120 V or below, 2 Y Y

exposed
Work on control circuits with energized parts >120 V – Note 8 4 Y Y
Insertion or removal (racking) of CBs from cubicles, doors open 4 N N

closed – Notes 8 and 9
Application of safety grounds after voltage test 4 Y N
Opening voltage transformer or control power transformer 4 N N

compartments
Other Equipment 1 kV and above

Page 206-C5
Metal enclosed load interrupter switches, fused or unfused - - -
--Operate switch with doors closed – Note 9 2 N N
--Work on energized parts, including voltage testing – Note 4 Y Y

8
--Removal of bolted covers (to expose bare, energized 4 N N

parts)
--Opening hinged covers (to expose bare, energized parts) 3 N N
Outdoor disconnect switch operation (hookstick operated) 3 Y Y
Outdoor disconnect switch operation (gang-operated, from 2 N N

grade)
Insulated cable examination, in manhole or other confined 4 Y N

space
Insulated cable examination, in open area 2 Y N

Legend:
V-rated Gloves are gloves rated and tested for the maximum line-to-line voltage upon which work will be done.
V-rated Tools are tools rated and tested for the maximum line-to-line voltage upon which work will be done.
2* means that a double-layer switching hood and hearing protection are required for this task in addition to the other
Hazard/Risk Category 2 requirements of Table 130.7(C)(10)
Y = yes (required)
N = no (not required)
Notes:
1. Maximum of 25 kA short circuit current available, 0.03 second (two (2)-cycle) fault clearing time
2. Maximum of 65 kA short circuit current available, 0.03 second (two (2)-cycle) fault clearing time
3. For < 10 kA short circuit current available, the Hazard/Risk Category required may be reduced by one Number
4. Maximum of 42 kA short circuit current available, 0.33 second (20-cycle) fault clearing time
5. Maximum of 42 kA short circuit current available, 0.5 second (30-cycle) fault clearing time
6. For < 25 kA short circuit current available, the Hazard/Risk Category required may be reduced by one Number.
7. For systems rated 600 volts and below, the listed fault currents and upstream protective device clearing times are based
on an 18″ working distance.
8. For systems rated greater than 1kV, the Hazard/Risk Categories listed are based on a 36″ working distance.
9. If approved arc-resistant designs or remote-operating (outside the Flash Protection Boundary) techniques are applied
that permit closed-door completion of the task, the HRC is 0.
Page 206-C6
TABLE C-3 Protective Clothing and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Matrix
(Extracted from NFPA 70E-2004, Table 130.7 (C)(10))
Protective Clothing and Equipment Protective Systems for Hazard/Risk Category
-1
Hazard/Risk Category Number 0 1 2 3 4
(Note 3)
Non-melting (according to ASTM F 1506-00) or Untreated Natural Fiber
T-shirt (short-sleeved) X X X X
Shirt (long-sleeved) X
Pants (long) X X
X X X X
(Note 4) (Note 6)
FR Clothing (Note 1)
Long-sleeved Shirt X X X X
(Note 9)
Pants X X X X
(Note 4) (Note 6) (Note 9)
Coverall X
(Note 5) (Note 7) (Note 9) (Note 5)
Jacket, Parka, or Rainwear AN AN AN AN
FR Protective Equipment
Flash Suit Jacket (multi-layer) X
Flash Suit Pants (multi-layer) X
Head Protection
Hard Hat X X X X
FR Hard Hat Liner X X
Eye Protection
Safety Glasses X X X AL AL AL
Safety Goggles AL AL AL
Face and head area protection
Face protection arc-rated face shield or flash X X X
suit hood (Note 8)
Flash suit hood X X
Hearing protection (ear canal inserts) X X X
Hand Protection
Leather Gloves (Note 2) AN X X X
Foot Protection
Leather Work Shoes AN X X X
Legend AN = As Needed AL = Select one in group AR = As Required X = Minimum Required
Notes:
1. See 1. See Table 130.7(C)(11). (Arc rating for a garment is expressed in cal/cm2.)
2. If voltage-rated gloves are required, the leather protectors worn external to the rubber gloves satisfy this requirement.
3. Hazard/Risk Category Number “1” is only defined if determined by Notes 3 or 6 of Table 130.7(C)(9)(a).
4. Regular weight (minimum 12 oz./yd2 fabric weight), untreated, denim cotton blue jeans are acceptable in lieu of FR pants.
The FR pants used for Hazard/Risk Category 1 shall have a minimum arc rating of four (4.)
5. Alternate is to use FR coveralls (minimum arc rating of four (4) instead of FR shirt and FR pants.
6. If the FR pants have a minimum arc rating of 8, long pants of non-melting or untreated natural fiber are not required beneath the
FR pants.
7. Alternate is to use FR coveralls (minimum arc rating of four (4) over non-melting or untreated natural fiber pants and T-shirt.
8. A face shield with a minimum arc rating of 8, with wrap-around guarding to protect not only the face, but also the forehead, ears,
and neck (or, alternatively, a flash suit hood), are required.
9. Alternate is to use two sets of FR coveralls (the inner with a minimum arc rating of four (4) and outer coverall with a minimum arc
rating of five (5) over non-melting or untreated natural fiber clothing, instead of FR coveralls over FR shirt and FR pants over non-
melting or untreated natural fiber clothing.
Page 206-C7
TABLE C-4 Protective Clothing Characteristics

(Extracted from NFPA 70E-2004, Table 130.7 (C)(11))
Hazard Clothing Description Required Minimum

Risk (Typical number of clothing layers is given in parentheses) Arc Rating of PPE
Category 2
cal/cm
Non-melting, flammable materials (i.e., untreated cotton, wool,

0 rayon, or silk, or blends of these materials) with a fabric weight of at N/A
2
least 4.5 oz/yd .
1 FR Shirt and FR Pants or FR coverall (one [1]) 4
Cotton underwear – conventional short sleeve and brief/shorts, plus

2 8
FR shirt and FR pants (one [1] or two [2])
Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus FR coverall, or

3 25
cotton underwear plus two FR coveralls (two [2] or three [3])
Cotton underwear plus FR shirt and FR pants plus multi-layer flash

4 40
suit (three [3] or more)
Note: Arc rating is defined in Article 100 and can be either ATPV or EBT. ATPV is defined in the ASTM F 1959-99 as the incident
energy on a fabric or material that results in sufficient heat transfer through the fabric or material to cause the onset of a second
degree burn based on the Stoll curve. EBT is defined in ASTM F 1959-99 as the average of the five highest incident energy
exposure values below the Stoll curve where the specimens do not exhibit breakopen. EBT is reported when ATPV cannot be
measured due to FR fabric breakopen.
Page 206-C8
TABLE C-5 Simplified, Two-category Flame-Resistant Clothing System

(Extracted from NFPA 70E-2004, Table H-1
“The use of this table is suggested as a simplified approach to assure adequate PPE for
electrical workers within facilities with large and diverse electrical systems. The clothing
listed in Table F-1 fulfills the minimum FR clothing requirements of Tables 130.7 (C)(9)(a)
and130.7 (C)(10). The clothing systems listed in this table should be used with the other PPE
appropriate for the Hazard/Risk Category. See Table 130.7 (C)(10).”
Table H-1 Simplified, Two-Category, Flame-Resistant Clothing System
CLOTHING* APPLICABLE TASKS
Everyday Work Clothing: All Hazard/Risk Category 1 and 2 tasks listed in
Table 130.7 (C)(9)(a).
FR long-sleeve shirt (minimum arc rating of 4)
worn over an untreated cotton T-shirt with FR On systems operating at less than 1,000 volts, these
pants (minimum arc rating of eight (8) tasks include work on all equipment except:
Or  Insertion or removal of low-voltage motor
starter “buckets.”
FR coveralls (minimum Arc Thermal
Performance Value (ATPV) of four [4]) worn  Insertion or removal of power circuit breakers
over an untreated cotton T-shirt (or an with the switchgear doors open.
untreated natural fiber long-sleeve shirt) with
 Removal of bolted covers from switchgear.
untreated natural fiber pants.
On systems operating at 1,000 volts or greater,
tasks also include the operation, insertion, or
removal of switching devices with equipment
enclosure doors closed.
Electrical “Switching” Clothing: All Hazard/Risk Category 3 and 4 tasks listed in
130.7 (C)(9)(a).
Multi-layer FR flash jacket and FR bib overalls
worn over either FR coveralls (minimum arc On systems operating at 1,000 volts or greater,
rating of four [4]) or FR long-sleeve shirt and these tasks include work on exposed energized
FR pants (minimum arc rating of four (4), worn parts of all equipment.
over untreated natural fiber long-sleeve shirt
On systems of less than 1,000 volts, tasks include
and pants, worn over an untreated cotton T-
insertion or removal of low-voltage motor starter
shirt
MCC buckets, insertion or removal of power circuit
Or breakers with the switchgear enclosure doors open,
and removal of bolted covers from switchgear.
Insulated FR coveralls (with a minimum arc
rating of 25, independent of other layers) worn
over untreated natural fiber long-sleeve shirt
with untreated denim cotton blue jeans
2
(“regular weight,” minimum 12 oz./yd. fabric
weight), worn over an untreated cotton T-shirt.
* Note other PPE required for the specific tasks listed in Tables 130.7 (C)(9)(a) and130.7 (C)(10), which include arc-rated face
shields or flash suit hoods, FR hardhat liners, safety glasses or safety goggles, hard hat, hearing protection, leather gloves,
voltage-rated gloves, and voltage-rated tools.
Page 206-C9
TABLEC-6 Guideline for the use of Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) 2 and HRC 4 Personal
Protective Equipment
The following guideline can be used to determine the suitability of Hazard/Risk Category
(HRC) 2 and HRC 4 personal protective equipment on systems rated up to 15 kV, line-to-
line. See Tables C-6.1 and C-6.2 for recommended limitations of system three-phase short-
circuit currents for the listed fault-clearing times. The limitations listed below are based on
IEEE Std 1584-2002 calculation methods.
Table C-6.1 Low-Voltage Systems – Maximum Three-Phase Bolted-Fault Current Limits (in
kiloamperes), at Various System Voltages and Fault-Clearing Times of Circuit Breakers, for
the Recommended Use of Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) 2 and HRC 4 Personal Protective
Equipment in an “Arc-in-a-Box” Situation (see Notes below)
System Voltage (volts, Upstream Protection Maximum Three-Phase Maximum Three-Phase Bolted-
phase-to-phase) Fault-Clearing Time Bolted-Fault Current for Fault Current for use of HRC 4
use of HRC 2 PPE PPE
(seconds)
(8 cal/cm 2 ) (40 cal/cm2 )
Inst 38 kA 180 kA
0.10 20 kA 93 kA
690
0.20 10 kA 48 kA
0.33 NR 29 kA
0.50 NR 20 kA
Inst 48 kA 200 kA*
0.10 24 kA 122 kA
600
0.20 12 kA 60 kA
0.33 NR 36 kA
0.50 NR 24 kA
Inst 68 kA 200 kA*
0.10 32 kA 183 kA
480
0.20 15 kA 86 kA
0.33 NR 50 kA
0.50 NR 32 kA
Inst 87 kA 200 kA*
0.10 39 kA 200 kA*
400
0.20 18 kA 113 kA
0.33 NR 64 kA
0.50 NR 39 kA
208 Inst 200 kA* Not applicable
0.10 104 kA 200 kA*
Notes:
1. Three-phase “Bolted Fault” value is at the terminals of the equipment on which work is to be done.
2. “Upstream Protection Fault-Clearing Time” is normally the “short-time delay” setting on the trip unit of the low-voltage power
circuit breaker upstream of the equipment on which work is to be done.
3. For application of this table, the recommended maximum setting (pick-up) of either the instantaneous or short-delay
protection of the circuit breaker’s trip unit is 30% of the actual available three-phase bolted fault current at the specific work
location.
4. Working distance for the above arc-flash exposures is assumed to be 0.46 m (1.5').
5. Flash Protection Boundary (threshold distance for a second-degree skin burn) is 1.7 m (6') for HRC 2 and 4.9 m (16') for
HRC 4. PPE is required for all personnel working within the Flash Protection Boundary.
6. Instantaneous (Inst) protection implies the circuit breaker trip unit has no intentional time delay and the circuit breaker is
assumed to clear the fault within 0.050 sec of initiation.
7. “NR” – Not Recommended
8. (*) – maximum equipment short-circuit current rating available
9. Systems are assumed to be resistance grounded, except for 208 V (solidly grounded).
Page 206-C10
TABLE C-6.2 High-Voltage Systems – Maximum Three-Phase Bolted-Fault Current Limits

(in kiloamperes), at Various System Voltages and Fault-Clearing Times of Circuit Breakers,
for the Recommended Use of Hazard/Risk Category (HRC) 2 and HRC 4 Personal Protective
Equipment in an “Arc-in-a-Box” Situation (see Notes below)
System Voltage Upstream Maximum Three-Phase Maximum Three-

(volts, phase-to- Protection Fault- Bolted-Fault Current for Phase Bolted-Fault
phase) Clearing Time use of HRC 2 PPE Current for use of
2
(seconds) (8 cal/cm ) HRC 4 PPE
2
(40 cal/cm )
2
0.10 45 kA 63 kA* (11.4 cal/cm )
15 kV Class and
0.35 13 kA 63 kA
12 kV Class
0.70 7 kA 32 kA
1.0 5 KA 23 kA
2
0.10 50 kA 63 kA* (10 cal/cm )
2
5 kV Class 0.35 15 kA 63 kA* (35 cal/cm )
0.70 8 kA 37 kA
1.0 5 kA 26 kA
Notes:
1. (*) – maximum equipment short-circuit current rating available
2. “Upstream Protection Fault-Clearing Time” is the protective relaying operating time at 90% of the actual available three-
phase bolted fault current at the specific work location (the time for the output contact operating the trip coil of the circuit
breaker to be closed), plus the circuit breaker operating time (upstream of the equipment on which work is to be done).
3. Working distance for the above arc-flash exposures is assumed to be 0.92 m (3')
4. Systems are assumed to be resistance grounded
The cal/cm2 in parentheses in the last column are calculated at the maximum equipment short-circuit current ratings available.
Page 206-C11
Appendix W – Sample Calculation of Flash Protection

Boundary Dc, Arc in Open Air Ema, and Arc in Cubic Box
Emb
NOTE: Dc = distance in feet of person from arc source for a just
curable burn
For systems 600 volts and below, the flash protection boundary is 4.0', based on the product
of clearing times of 0.1 seconds and the available fault currents of 50 kA or any combination
not to exceed 300 kA cycles (5,000 ampere seconds).
At voltage levels above 600 volts, the flash protection boundary is the distance at which the
incident energy level equals 1.2 cal/cm2.
The flash protection boundary can alternatively be calculated as shown below.
A. Sample Calculation - Flash Protection Boundary Dc (just curable burn distance)
1. Calculation is on a 4,160-volt bus.
2. Transformer MVA (and base MVA) = 10 MVA.
3. Transformer impedance on 10 MVA base = 5.5%.
4. Circuit breaker clearing time = 6 cycles.
NOTE: Required formulas are located in NFPA 70E-2004, Annex D.6
Calculate the short-circuit current:

Isc = {[MVA Base x 106]/[1.732 x V]} x {100/%Z}
= {[10 x 106]/[1.732 x 4,160]} x {100/5.5}
= 25,000
Calculate the power in the arc:
P = 1.732 x 4,160 x 25,000 x 10-6 x .7072
P = 90 MW
Calculate the curable burn distance Dc
Dc = {2.65 x [1.732 x 4,160 x 25,000 x 10-6] x 0.1}1/2
= 6.8 or 7'
Page 206-D1
Or, calculate the curable burn distance Dc using an alternative method:

Dc = [53 x 10 x .1]1/2 = 7.28'
B. Sample Calculation - Arc in Open Air Ema
Incident Energy produced by a three-phase arc on systems rated 600 volts and below:
Calculate Maximum open arc incident energy Ema
Ema = (5271)(DA)-1.9593 (tA)[0.0016(Isc)2 - 0.0076(Isc) +0.8938] = Ema in cal/cm2
Ema = maximum open arc incident energy, cal/cm2
DA = distance from arc electrodes, inches (for distances 18″ and greater)
tA = arc duration, seconds
Isc = bolted fault short circuit current, kA (for the range of 16 to 50 kA)
For Isc = 25 kA, tA = 0.1 seconds, DA = 24″

Ema = (5271)(24)-1.9593 (0.1)[0.0016(25)2 - 0.0076(25) +0.8938] = 1.8 cal/cm2
This calculation would require a Category 0 PPE system.
For Isc = 50 kA, tA = 0.1 seconds, DA = 24″

Ema = (5271)(24)-1.9593 (0.1)[0.0016(50)2 - 0.0076(50) +0.8938] = 4.7 cal/cm2
This calculation would require a Category 2 PPE system
C1. Sample Calculation - Arc in Cubic Box Emb

Incident energy produced by a three-phase arc on systems rated 600 volts and below:
Calculate Maximum arc in cubic box incident energy Emb
Emb = (1038.7)( DB )-1.4738 (tA)[0.0093(Isc)2 - 0.3453(Isc) + 5.9675] = Emb in cal/cm2
Emb = maximum 20″ cubic box incident energy, cal/cm2
DB = distance from arc electrodes, inches (for distances 18″ and greater)
tA = arc duration, seconds
Isc = bolted fault short circuit current, kA (for the range of 16 to 50 kA)
Page 206-D2
For Isc = 25 kA, tA = 0.1 seconds, DB = 24″

Emb = (1038.7)(24)-1.4738 (0.1)[0.0093(25)2 - 0.3453(25) + 5.9675] = 3.0 cal/cm2

Emb = (1038.7)(24)-1.4738 (0.1)[0.0093(50)2 - 0.3453(50) + 5.9675] = 11.5 cal/cm2
C2. Sample Calculation - Arc in Cubic Box Emb -- 480 volt motor starter “bucket”
with upstream protection time of 0.18 second
Emb = (1038.7)( DB )-1.4738 (tA)[0.0093(Isc)2 - 0.3453(Isc) + 5.9675] = Emb in cal/cm2

Emb = (1038.7)(18)-1.4738 (0.18)[0.0093(24)2 - 0.3453(24) + 5.9675] = 8.0 cal/cm2
C3. Sample Calculation - Arc in Cubic Box Emb -- 480 volt motor starter
“bucket” with upstream protection time of 0.10 second
Emb = (1038.7)( DB)-1.4738 (tA)[0.0093(Isc)2 - 0.3453(Isc) + 5.9675] = Emb in cal/cm2
For Isc = 35 kA, tA = 0.10 seconds, DB = 18'

Emb = (1038.7)(18)-1.4738 (0.10)[0.0093(35)2 - 0.3453(35) + 5.9675] = 7.7 cal/cm2
Page 206-D3
Appendix X – Recommended Personal Protective

Equipment
Manufacturer
Item and Model No. Available Sizes Color
(Note 6)
Clothing (Note 1)
®
Men’s Coveralls WORKRITE , Short, Regular, Long Royal
®
4.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 110NMX-45 Chest sizes 34 – 56 Blue
Women’s Coveralls WORKRITE, Lengths Average, Tall Royal
4.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 1114SB Sizes 6 – 22 Blue
Insulated Coveralls WORKRITE, Short, Regular, Long Royal
6.0 oz. NOMEX IIIA over 9 oz. NOMEX 590NMX-60 Chest sizes 34 – 56 Blue,
insulation (Note 3) Navy,
Khaki
Optional Insulated Hood for above, will fit over WORKRITE, One size fits all Royal
hard hat 577NMX-60 Blue,
Navy,
Khaki
Men’s Utility Shirt WORKRITE, Sleeve lengths: Short, Light
(long sleeve), 290NMX-45 Regular, Long Blue,
4.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA Chest sizes 34 – 54 Navy,
Khaki
Women’s Utility Shirt WORKRITE, Sleeve lengths: Short, xx = SL
(long sleeve), 2914xx Regular, Long (Light
4.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA Sizes 4 – 24 Blue),
SN
(Navy),
SK
(Khaki)
Men’s Utility Shirt WORKRITE, Sleeve lengths: Short, Light
(long sleeve), 290NMX-60 Regular, Long Blue,
6.0 oz. NOMEX IIIA Chest sizes 34 – 54 Navy,
Khaki
Men’s Western-Style Shirt WORKRITE, Sleeve lengths: Short, Medium
(long sleeve), 228IND-70 Regular, Long Blue,
®
7.0 oz. INDURA Chest sizes S - XXL Navy,
Royal
Blue
Men’s Utility Shirt WORKRITE, Sleeve lengths: Short, Medium
(long sleeve), 298IND-70 Regular, Long Blue,
7.0 oz. INDURA Chest sizes S - XXL Khaki
Men’s Dress Uniform Shirt ® Regular, S – 3XL Light
BULWARK ,
(long sleeve), SCG2LD Long M – 3XL Blue
7.0 oz. INDURA Denim
Page 206-E1
Manufacturer
(Note 6)
Women’s Dress Uniform Shirt BULWARK, Regular, S – 3XL Light
(long sleeve), Twill Weave SCU3LB Blue
7.0 oz. INDURA
Women’s Western-Style Shirt WORKRITE, Sleeve lengths: Short, Navy
(long sleeve), 229IND-70 Regular, Long
7.0 oz. INDURA Chest sizes S - XXL
Men’s Industrial Pants WORKRITE, Waist 28 – 34, Royal
7.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 400NMX-75 Inseam to 34; Waist Blue,
35 – 50, Inseam to 36 Navy,
Spruce
Men’s Pleated Pants WORKRITE, Waist 28 – 34, Navy
7.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 440NMX-75 Inseam to 34; Waist
35 – 50, Inseam to 36
Men’s Jean-Cut Denim Pants WORKRITE, Waist 28 – 34, Denim
8.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 410NMX-85 Inseam to 34; Waist
35 – 50, Inseam to 36
Men’s Jean-cut Denim Pants WORKRITE, Waist 28 – 34, Denim
12.5 oz. INDURA 418IND-12 Inseam to 34; Waist
35 – 50, Inseam to 36
Men’s Jean-cut Pants WORKRITE, Waist 28 – 34, Royal
7.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 410NMX-75 Inseam to 34; Waist Blue,
35 – 50, Inseam to 36 Navy
Men’s Denim Jean BULWARK, Waist 28 – 50, Blue
Twill Weave, PCJ2DD Inseam to 37 Denim
11.5 oz. INDURA
Women’s Industrial Pants WORKRITE, Sizes 4 – 24, Inseam x=B
7.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 4317Sx to 34 (Royal
Blue),
N (Navy)
Women’s Industrial Pants WORKRITE, Sizes 4 – 24, Inseam Navy
9.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA 409IND-95 to 34
Women’s Work Pant, Twill Weave, 9 oz BULWARK, Sizes 4 – 24, Inseam Navy
INDURA PCW3NV to 34
Hard Hat Liner WORKRITE, One size fits all Black
4.5 oz. NOMEX IIIA over 7900SZ
9 oz. NOMEX insulation
Men's Cool Touch Long-Sleeve Dress Uniform BULWARK, Regular: S-3XL Xx = GB
Shirt SRU2xx (Heather
Long: M-2XL
Blue)
TN (Tan)
Women's Cool Touch Long-Sleeve Dress BULWARK, S-2XL Tan
Uniform Shirt SRU3TN
®
KEVLAR Gloves
Page 206-E2
Manufacturer
(Note 6)
®
ANSELL Cut-Resistant Gloves (Golden ANSELL Large, Medium, and N/A
Needles Line) – available through Vallen Safety Pn# 70225L, M, Small
Supply or S
Safety Labels
Danger – Arc Flash Hazard labels Safety Label (All types of labels N/A
Word Message: "Arc Flash Hazard. Follow Solutions (SLS) available, including
requirements in NFPA 70E for safe work C8002-42DHYD custom label wording)
practices and appropriate PPE. Failure to (Roll of 500) Size 2" X 4"
comply can result in death or injury."
Electrical Testers
®
1,000V – Voltage, Continuity and Current FLUKE N/A N/A
Tester T5 – 1000
High-voltage testers HD Electric MARK: to 75 kV N/A
®
Mark series
EM: to 25 kV
(phase-to-phase)
or "EM" models
(phase-to-
ground)
Rainwear
®
GORE-TEX /NOMEX Parka Jacket and Bib WORKRITE, Small – XX Large Yellow,
Overall (Note 2) 610GOR (jacket); Navy
630GOR (overall)
PVC on a 1.6 oz. NOMEX/KEVLAR Blend (Note Nasco, ArcLite Small – 5X Large Burnt
4) 1000 Series (contact Nasco for Orange
(1103JBO for sizing)
jacket, 1101TBO
for overall)
PVC on a 2.7 oz NOMEX/Kevlar Blend (Note 4) Nasco, ArcTuff Small – 5X Large Yellow,
2000 Series (contact Nasco for Fluoresc
sizing) ent
Orange
2
Flash Suit (Rated 50 cal/cm )
®
ARC50 Flash Jacket OBERON /, 501 = L (42-44), XL
Multiple layer ARC50-CT-501 (46-48), 2XL (50-52),
3XL (54-56), 4XL (58-
60),
5XL (62-64)
ARC50 Flash Bib Overalls (pants) OBERON, 501 = L (36-38), XL
Multiple Layer ARC50-PANTS- (40-42), 2XL (44-46),
501 3XL (48-50), 4XL (52-
54),
5XL (56-58)
Page 206-E3
Manufacturer
(Note 6)
Note: Flash Suits and Flash Hoods rated 15
2 2 2
cal/cm , 31 cal/cm , and 100 cal/cm , are also
available from OBERON. See the OBERON
catalog.
Face shield (for up to 8 cal/cm2 exposure --
i.e., Hazard/Risk Category 2)
Face-Fit Face shield, 8 x 14 in, Arc-X Resin OBERON, For use with integral Slight
0.080″ thick window, with anti-fog coating 21ARCAF-C+500 Hard Cap (supplied) - green tint
- Other models
available to fit user’s
specific hard hat
Flash Hood
ARC50 Multiple-Layer Flash Hood -- 7 x 13” OBERON, For use with integral
dual-layer Arc-X Resin with polycarbonate ARC50-C Hard Cap (supplied)
insert 0.080″ thick window, with anti-fog coating
2
rated 50 cal/cm
Replacement Window for Hood, with anti-fog OBERON, N/A Green
coating -- Arc-X Resin with polycarbonate ARC50AF-H tint
insert 0.080″ thick window
10 oz NOMEX IIIA with a 6 oz double-layer Nasco, ArcHood N/A Yellow,
front, ArcShield plastic chemical “alloy” Orange,
window, light greenish amber tint. Rated 45 with other
2
cal/cm colors
available
Hand Protection -
Voltage-Rated Gloves (Note 5)
®
Low-Voltage Rubber Gloves, Class 00 (500 SALISBURY , 8 – 12 Blue
VAC, 750 VDC), 11" 11-00BL
Leather Protectors for Class 00 Rubber Gloves, SALISBURY, 8 – 12 N/A
10" 110G (elastic
back) or 100S
(pull strap)
Low-Voltage Rubber Gloves, Class 0 (1000 SALISBURY, 5- 8 – 12 Yellow
VAC), 11" 11Y
10" 200S
(pull strap)
Glove Bag for Low-Voltage SALISBURY, 35- N/A N/A
11" Gloves 12
High-Voltage Rubber Gloves, Class 2 (17,000 SALISBURY, 20- 8 – 12 Black
VAC), 14" 14B
(Note 4)
Page 206-E4
Manufacturer
(Note 6)
12" 133-4
Glove Bag for High-Voltage SALISBURY, 35- N/A N/A
14" Gloves 14
Glove Liners for use with all rubber gloves SALISBURY (see One size fits all N/A
under various weather conditions (cotton, SALISBURY
fleece, wool, and thermal) catalog)
NOTES:
1. Other women’s work wear is available for maternity wear; contact WORKRITE.
2. This garment qualifies as “two (2) layers” of FR clothing. A cost-effective “Hazard/Risk Category 4” FR clothing system could
include this garment worn over 4.5 oz. NOMEX coveralls and untreated natural fiber shirt or T-shirt and untreated natural
fiber pants, worn with an appropriately rated switching hood.
3. This garment qualifies as “three (3)-layer” FR clothing. A cost-effective “Hazard/Risk Category 4” FR clothing system could
include this garment worn over an untreated natural fiber shirt, T-shirt, and denim blue jeans, worn with an appropriately
rated switching hood.
4. A cost-effective “Hazard/Risk Category 4” FR clothing system could include this garment worn over 4.5 oz. NOMEX fabric,
worn with an appropriately rated switching hood. The burnt-orange ArcLite/NOMEX layered system has been tested and
met an ATPV of 40.
5. Where more than one “high-voltage” level exists at a facility (e.g., 4.16 kV and 13.8 kV), recommend keeping only the
highest “Class” of high voltage glove available for use.
6. Personal protective equipment is evolving. Contact the following companies to obtain current information. Company
addresses, phone numbers, and website links:
BULWARK® Fluke Corporation HD Electric Company
545 Marriott Drive P.O. Box 9090 1475 Lakeside Drive
Nashville, TN 37214 6920 Seaway Blvd. Waukegan, IL 60085 USA
(800-667-0700 --United States Everett, WA 98206-9090 (847) 473-4980
and Canada call toll free)
http://www.bulwark.com/ http://www.us.fluke.com http://www.hdelec.com
Nasco Industries, Inc Oberon Company Safety Label Solutions (SLS)

3 NE Twenty-First Street 435 Coggeshall Street (800) 226-0642
Washington, IN 47501 P.O. Box 61008 http://www.safetylabelsolutions.com
(812-254-7393, 800-767-4288 -- New Bedford, MA 02746-0008
United States and Canada call (800-322-3348 -- United States and
toll free) Canada call toll free)
http://www.oberoncompany.com/in
dex.en.html
Vallen Safety Supply W. H. Salisbury & Company WORKRITE®
(800) 482-5536 7520 North Long Avenue 500 East Third Street
http://www.vallen.com P.O. Box 1060 P.O. Box 1192
Skokie, IL 60077 (847-679-6700) Oxnard, CA 93032-1192
http://www.whsalisbury.com/ (805-483-0175, 800-521-1888 -- United States
and Canada call toll free)
http://www.workrite.com/
Page 206-E5
Appendix Y – Work Area Protection
A. In tro d u c tio n
Work area protection is the adequate safeguarding or protecting of pedestrians, motorists,
workers, and equipment by the use of adequate barriers, warning signs, lights, flags, high
visibility vests, traffic cones, high-level standards, barricade rope, or flag persons on
approaches and in the vicinity of work areas, excavations, open manholes, or parked
equipment.
Work area protection is accomplished by the use of good informative and protective devices
keeping in mind that a safe installation requires the use of these devices in relation to the
location of the employees and the equipment involved. The use of these devices must be
coupled with proper planning, design, installation, inspection, maintenance, and the use of
good common sense and will greatly minimize the possibility of accidents. It is of the utmost
importance that the work area be properly identified and that warning devices say what they
mean, to convey the message to the employees well in advance of arrival at the work area.
The employee must be warned in advance, then regulated and guided safely through or
around the work area. Proper work area protection should be planned to assure the safety and
protection of the public and the equipment.
High-visibility vests or equivalent should be worn by employees whenever working in or
around vehicular traffic areas. If work is to be done at night, wear reflectorized material.
B. De vic e s to Be Us e d
• Only those signs, standards, barricades, flags and cones that conform to federal, state
or local codes should be used.
• All state and local traffic codes should be followed when providing work area
protection.
• During night operations or in periods of reduced visibility, take special precautions.
Use adequate warning equipment, which may include flashing lights, flares or area
illumination.
• Remove warning devices and equipment as soon as the hazard is eliminated.
• Store warning devices and equipment in a proper manner when not in use or removed
from the work area.
Page 206-F1
C. Fla g p e rs o n s
Use flag persons or other appropriate traffic controls whenever there is any doubt that
effective protection can be provided by signs, signals, and barricades and where state or local
standards dictate their use.
Flag persons should follow these guidelines:
• Wear a blaze orange warning vest or other high-visibility garment. Warning garments
worn at night should be of a reflectorized material.
• Place themselves in a protected position to reduce possibility of injury from traffic.
• Assure they can fully observe the operation and guide vehicular traffic in such a
manner as to minimize the possibility of accidents or injury.
• Face traffic when giving signals.
• Give positive, direct signals that leave no doubt as to their meaning.
When flag persons are used at both ends of a job site, use reliable communications or
prearranged signals to insure proper traffic flow.
Flag persons using hand-signaling equipment should insure that signals provide sufficient
warning to protect themselves and the work site.
Use signal flags only in an emergency. The flags should be red and at least 24″ square.
Sign paddles (stop and slow) should be on a six-foot (6') staff.
In periods of darkness or reduced visibility red lights should be used. Flashlights may be used
in emergencies.
Page 206-F2
Appendix Z – Job Briefing and Planning Checklist

Planning Checklist
Identify
What are the hazards? Potential for arc flash
What voltage levels are involved? Unusual work conditions
What skills are required? Is this a multiple-person job?
“Foreign” voltage source present? What are the shock protection boundaries?
What is the flash protection boundary? What is the available incident energy?
Ask
Can the equipment be de-energized? Is a “standby person” required?
Are there possible backfeeds of the circuits to be worked on?
Check
Job plans Safety procedures
One lines and vendor prints Vendor information
Status board For up-to-date information on plant and
vendor resources
Individuals familiar with facility? Safety Evacuation Plan?
Know
What is the job? Who else needs to know? … Communicate!
Who is in charge?
Think
About the extra event … What if? Use the right tools, equipment, and PPE
Lock - Tag – Test – Try Install barriers and barricades
Test for voltage – FIRST What else …?
Install and remove grounds
Prepare for an emergency
Standby person CPR trained? What is the exact work location?
Telephone location? How is equipment shut off in an emergency?
Fire alarm locations? Where is the emergency equipment?
Confined space rescue available if required? Is required emergency equipment available?
Emergency phone numbers? Radio communications available?
Extinguisher?
Page 206-G1
Appendix AA – Energized Electrical Work Permit

Based on NFPA 70E – 2004. Used by permission
ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT
PART I: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE REQUESTER Job/Work Order Number
1) Description of circuit/equipment/job location
2) Description of work to be done
3) Justification of why the circuit/equipment cannot be de-

energized or the work deferred until the next scheduled outage
Requestor/Title Date
PART II: TO BE COMPLETED BY THE ELECTRICALLY QUALIFIED PERSON DOING THE WORK Check when
complete
1) Detailed job description procedure to be used in
performing the above described work 
2) Description of the Safe Work Practices to be employed

3) Results of the Shock Hazard Analysis

4) Determination of Shock Protection Boundaries

5) Results of the Flash Hazard Analysis

6) Determination of the Flash Protection Boundary

Necessary personal protective equipment to safely
7)
perform the assigned task 
8) Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified
persons from the work area 
Evidence of completion of a Job Briefing including
9)
discussion of any job-specific hazards 
10) Do you agree the above described work can be done safely?  Yes  No
Electrically Qualified Person(s) Date Electrically Qualified Person(s) Date

PART III: APPROVAL(S) TO PERFORM THE WORK WHILE ELECTRICALLY ENERGIZED
Manufacturing Manager Maintenance/Engineering Manager
Safety Manager Electrically Knowledgeable Person
General Manager Date

Note: Once the work is complete, forward this form to the site Safety Department for review and retention.
Page 206-H1
Appendix BB – Substation Project Installation Safety

Assessment Checklist
Project Title: _____________________________________ Date: __________________
Auditor: _________________________________________ Time: __________________
Contractor: _______________________________________ Supervisor: ________________
Project Progression: _____________________________________
Item Yes No N/A Comments
1. Employees wearing proper PPE as required for job   

being performed (eye protection, hard hat, boots,
etc)?
2. All wearing protective clothing where necessary?   

3. All completed electrical safe work practices safety   
orientation?
4. All Hot Work/Confined space Entry/Digging permits   

posted and conditions followed
5. Aerial device/crane communication procedures   

followed, operators/crew trained?
6. Electrical equipment in good repair, grounded,   

utilizing ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)?
7. Lockout & tagout, procedures followed, training   

completed?
8. Excavations/Trenches shored, sloped, setup properly   

(OSHA 1926.650-652)?
9. Training of electrical safe work practices is provided.   

10. Are safe work practice rules readily available to all?   
11. Enforcement of electrical safe work practices is   
consistent.
12. All qualified and authorized personnel understand   

that “Electrical equipment and lines are considered
energized until put in an electrically safe work
condition, i.e., tested or otherwise determined to be
de-energized, and grounded.” as stated in electrical
safety practice.
13. All steps outlined in electrical safety practice to   

establish a zero-potential work area are followed.
Page 206-I1
14. Grounds are installed as per electrical safety practice   

and applied in the proper manner.
15. Documented plans exist for all repetitive high-voltage   

work and all switching is done from written switching
orders. Clearance and/or lockout/tagout procedures
are adequate.
16. Pre-work briefings are held to discuss Job Plans   

(switching orders, clearance procedures, lock/tag
requirements, PPE requirements, job hazards).
17. Documentation shows that equipment, live line tools,   

and gloves are tested with appropriate frequency,
maintained, and stored correctly.
18. Live-line tools are used for all high-voltage work.   

19. Safety awareness/behavior meets expectations?   
20. Safe approach distances are understood and   
adhered
21. All mobile equipment operators understand Ten (10)-   

Foot Rule.
22. Critical safety components of mechanical elevation   

and rotating equipment are inspected before use on
each shift using the manufacturers recommended
checklist.
23. Electrical hazards are taken into consideration when   

mobile equipment is in transit. Escorts are used when
required.
24. Work zones are established.   

25. Mobile equipment that could potentially enter the 10'   
restricted zone is properly grounded and or
barricaded.
26. Materials, equipment, and temporary structures are   

not stored on right-of-ways under non-insulated high
voltage lines closer than 10' horizontal.
27. Unnecessary materials and equipment are not stored   

in substation yard.
28. Guards are provided around exposed live parts   

where electrical safety hazards may exist.
29. A fall prevention survey specific to high-voltage   

electrical has been completed.
Page 206-I2
30. Fall arrest equipment is used when appropriate and   

inspected before each use.
31. Cranes/heavy equipment/vehicles inspected, safe,   

set-up properly?
32. Rigging correct, and in good condition?   

33. Roads, walkways properly blocked and flagged where   
necessary? Fire accesses clear?
34. Scaffolding properly installed/inspected/tagged?   

35. Ladders used properly?   
36. Tools used properly? In good condition?   
37. Proper lifting methods/material handling?   
38. Retaining pins on air hose/tool connections?   
39. Welding/cutting equipment used properly and in good   
repair?
40. Compressed gas cylinder secured upright and in   

proper location?
41. Good housekeeping, environmental conditions safe?   

42. Hazardous corners, protrusions, pinch points   
guarded?
43. Special warning signage posted as necessary?   
Page 206-I3
Appendix CC – Substation Inspection Checklist

Plant: _________________Substation: _________________ Inspection Date: _________
Inspector:
1. Signage – Substation identification, entry   

requirements, electrical hazard warning
2. Gates locked   
3. Fence secure   
4. Debris or unauthorized material in substation lot   
5. Vegetation in substation lot   
6. Fence, gate, other metal surfaces bonded and   
grounded
7. Guarding and hazard warning – low profile   

equipment, dimensional clearances, potential safety
items
8. Equipment identification/labels – switches,   

transformers, breakers
9. Operation locks on switches to prevent unintentional   

operation
10. Bushings and insulators in good condition   

11. Indications of burning, arcing or heat buildup in   
electrical joints
12. Evidence of oil leaks   

13. Substation lighting, emergency lighting   
Page 206-J1
NAME OF EQUIPMENT
TRANSFORMER
Name on transformer
Top oil temperature
Oil level
Tank pressure, psi
Fan operation
Pump operation
Oil leaks?
Abnormal noises?
Condition of :
 Paint
 Bushings
 Terminals, bushing studs, other electrical
connections – evidence of corrosion or
heating?
 Radiators
CIRCUIT BREAKER
Name on circuit breaker
Oil leaks?
Condition of :
 Paint
 Bushings
 Terminals, bushing studs, other electrical
connections – evidence of corrosion or
heating?
SWITCHES
Name on switch
Switch operating handle and operating pipe
bonded to ground?
Switching ground mat available and bonded to
ground?
Switch fully closed or open?
Evidence of corrosion or heating?
STATION BATTERIES
Condition of batteries and terminals
Volts
Battery station ventilation
BATTERY CHARGER
Volts
Condition of eyewash station
Page 206-J2
ENCLOSED SWITCHGEAR
Names on switches
“Feed to”, Fed From” information on switch
Condition of cabinet:
 Paint
 Doors closed
 Sign of corrosion or heating?
 Cabinet grounded
SPARE CIRCUIT BREAKERS, GROUNDING AND
TEST DEVICES
Clean and ready for use?
Identification of voltage, ampere, and breaker
rating
OTHER EQUIPMENT
SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM OF POWER SYSTEM

Posted in area?
Drawing up to date?
Page 206-J3
General Comments:
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Page 206-J4
Appendix DD – Electrical Control Room Inspection

Checklist
Plant: ______________ Electrical Control Room: __________ Inspection Date : _________
Inspector:
1. Signage – Identification of control room or area entry   

requirements, electrical hazard warning
2. Entry doors locked, control of unauthorized personnel   

3. Storage of material in electrical control room   
4. Items stored in front of switchgear or MCCs   
5. Debris in electrical control room (housekeeping   
items)
6. Single line diagram of power system, switchgear, and   

MCCs posted in area, drawing up to date
7. Equipment identification (labels) – switchgear,   

transformers, switches, breakers
8. Metal surfaces of transformers, switchgear, or MCCs   

bonded and grounded
9. Switchgear or MCC doors open, covers missing on   

electrical equipment enclosures
10. Guarding and hazard warning – exposed live parts,   

low profile equipment, dimensional clearances,
potential safety items
11. Evidence of abnormalities in electrical equipment,   

indications of burning arcing or heat buildup, physical
damage, abnormal noises
12. STATION BATTERIES – Condition of batteries and   

terminals, volts, battery station ventilation
13. BATTERY CHARGER – Volts, condition of eyewash   

station
14. Electrical control room lighting, emergency lighting   

General Comments:
Page 206-K1
Appendix EE – Test Procedure for Daily Inspection of

Rubber Gloves
Inspect insulating rubber gloves and air test the gloves daily, before use, and any other time
when it could be reasonably suspected that damage has occurred.
The following procedure outlines the air test:
1. Hold each glove with the thumb and
forefingers as illustrated.
2. Twirl the glove around quickly to fill with

air.
3. Trap the air by squeezing the gauntlet

with one hand. Use the other hand to
squeeze the palm, fingers and thumb
while looking for weaknesses or
defects.
4. Hold the glove to the face to detect air

leakage or hold it to the ear and listen
for escaping air.
5. Remove insulating gloves suspected of

being defective from service
immediately and return the gloves for
testing.
Page 206-L1
Appendix FF – Safety Tags
Page 206-M1
Appendix GG – Grounding Cable and Jumper Ratings

1
Calculated Short Circuit Properties
Withstand Rating
Symmetrical kA rms 2
Copper Ultimate Capacity Symmetrical kA rms Continuous
Grounding 60 Hz Current
Cable Size, 60 Hz Rating,
AWG A rms
15 cycles 30 cycles 6 cycles 15 cycles 30 cycles 60 cycles
60 Hz
(250 ms) (500 ms) (100 ms) (250 ms) (500 ms) (1 s)
#2 14.5 10 29 18 13 9 200
1/0 21 15 47 30 21 14 250
2/0 27 20 59 37 26 18 300
3/0 36 25 74 47 33 23 350
4/0 43 30 94 60 42 29 400
250 MCM 54 39 120 70 49 35 450
350 MCM 74 54 150 98 69 49 550

1. Withstand and ultimate short circuit properties are based on performance with surges not exceeding 20% asymmetry factor.
2. Ultimate capacity represents a calculated symmetrical current which the cable or jumper is capable of conducting for the
specified time. These currents are based upon the fusing (melting) current-time values for copper, derived from I. M.
Onderdonk’s equation with an ambient temperature of 40oC.
Page 206-N1
Appendix HH – Equipotential Grounding Techniques
Single-Point Grounding Double-Point Grounding
Remote Grounding
Personal Grounding
Page 206-O1
Appendix II – Principles of Electrical Safety

Understand, accept, and practice all of the following safety principles:
Maintain Distance An effective way to maintain safety is to keep a safe distance from
exposed live parts.
Test Before Touch Consider every electrical conductor or circuit part energized until
proven otherwise.
De-energize if Possible De-energize all equipment before you work “on” or “near” exposed
electrical conductors or circuit parts.
Recognize Potential Installing barriers, barricades, and de-energizing (switching) are
Hazard potentially hazardous tasks.
Plan Every Job Plan every job carefully, regardless of size.
Anticipate Unexpected Before beginning work, ask “What if..?” and decide what you will do if
Events something goes wrong.
Use the Right Tool for Identify the tools required and do not perform the task until you have
the Job the correct tool.
Use Procedures as Tools Establish and adhere to procedures to accomplish a job safely.
Isolate the Equipment Lock, Tag, Try, and Test.
(put in an Electrically
Safe Work Condition)
Identify the Hazard Identify and address each hazard.
Minimize the Hazard Use insulating barriers, safety grounds, and safe work practices.
Protect the Person Avoid exposure to electrical hazards wherever possible. Use
appropriate PPE for each potential hazard.
Assess People’s Abilities Evaluate each person’s qualifications, capabilities, and physical and
mental state at the time a potentially hazardous task is to be done.
Audit These Principles Audit the principles frequently to verify that they reflect current
practices.
Page 206-P1
Appendix JJ – OSHA Regulations (Standards – 29 CFR)

This practice references the following OSHA regulations:
1910.137 Electrical protective devices
1910.146 Permit-required confined spaces
1910.147 The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout)

1910.147 App A Typical minimal lockout procedures
1910.269 Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution
1910.269 App A Flow CHARTS
1910.269 App B Working on exposed energized parts
1910.269 App C Protection from step and touch potentials
1910.269 App D Methods of inspecting and testing wood poles
1910.301 Introduction
1910.302 Electric utilization systems
1910.303 General requirements
1910.304 Wiring design and protection
1910.305 Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use
1910.306 Specific purpose equipment and installations
1910.307 Hazardous (classified) locations
1910.308 Special systems
1910.331 Scope
1910.332 Training
1910.333 Selection and use of work practices
1910.334 Use of equipment
1910.335 Safeguards for personnel protection
1910.399 Definitions applicable to this subpart
1910 Subpart S Authority for 1910 Subpart S
1910 Subpart S App A Reference documents
1910 Subpart S App B Explanatory data
1910 Subpart S App C Tables, notes, and charts
Page 206-Q1
Appendix KK – Sample Procedures for Overhead Electrical

Lines and Equipment
In tro d u c tio n
This section contains policy and procedures for working near overhead electrical systems
based on OSHA Standards and the Overhead Power-line Policy (OPP). It applies to all
company operations, and to all business partners working for in company field locations.
Areas covered include well work, earthwork, excavation, subsurface exploration, aerial lift
and crane work, survey, and other operations that could expose employees or equipment to
potential contact with overhead electrical systems.
When working near electrical lines or equipment, avoid direct or indirect contact. Direct
contact is contact with any part of the body. Indirect contact is when part of the body touches
or is in dangerous proximity to any object in contact with energized electrical equipment.
Two assumptions should always be made: 1) Lines are 'live' (energized) and 2) lines carry
high voltage. Electrical lines can only be considered 'dead' when verified by the local area
electric department or utility.
When there is any question about voltage and safe distance, the work must be shutdown and
the local area electrical foreman/head electrician or designated company representative
contacted and all concerns adequately addressed before activities can resume. As voltages
increase, minimum clearances increase. Through arcing, injuries or fatalities may occur even
if actual contact with high-voltage lines or equipment is not made. Potential for arcing
increases as voltage increases. Weather and contact with conductors such as tools can
increase the possibility of becoming energized without contact.
Overhead Power line Policy (OPP)
The company Overhead Power line Policy applies to all overhead conductors, regardless of
voltage, and requires areas to:
a) Assure employees are not placed in proximity to overhead power lines. Proximity is
defined as within 10' up to 50 kilovolts, and four inches (4″) for every 10,000 volts
above 50 kilovolts.
b) Inform employees of the hazards and precautions when working near overhead lines.
c) Post warning decals on cranes and similar equipment regarding 10' minimum
clearance.
Page 206-R1
d) Assure that when equipment is working near the proximity of overhead lines a
“spotter” is designated and observes for safe working clearances around all overhead
lines and directs the operator accordingly.
e) Use warning cones as visible indicators of the 10' safety zone when working near the
proximity of overhead power lines.
NOTE: Working near the proximity is defined as working within a

distance from any OPL which is less than combined length of
the lifting device, the associated load length, and the required
minimum distance (as defined in Item #1, above).
Required Clearance = Lift Equipment Height + Land Length + At Least 10'

f) Notify the local area electrical shop at least 24 hours before any work begins which
requires the local area electrical shop to identify voltages and clearances, or de-
energize, apply safety grounds, or relocate lines.
P o lic y
All company employees and business partners shall conform to the Overhead Powerline
Proximity Policy. The first line of defense in preventing electrical contact accidents is to
remain outside the minimum safe distance clearances. Because most company and business
partner employees are not qualified to determine voltage, the local area electric shop shall be
called to establish voltages and minimum clearances, and take appropriate action to render
the work safe. Where notification cannot be made one (1) day prior to beginning work,
efforts shall be made to request the local area electric shop to respond immediately.
All company employees and business partners who work near the proximity of overhead lines
shall receive specialized electrical safety training because of their frequent work near
overhead electrical systems. The company Health, Environment & Safety department in
conjunction with the Electrical Safety Inspection and Compliance (ESI&C) team shall
determine training content, duration, and frequency. Training shall be held in conjunction
with local area training, and shall include characteristics, hazards, and precautions for the
prevention of an overhead power line contact.
P ro c e d u re s
A. General
Before starting all operations where potential contact with overhead electrical systems
is possible, the supervisor, head operator, tool pusher, or person lading the work shall
identify overhead lines and equipment and reference their location to prominent
physical features or physically mark the area directly in front of the overhead lines
with safety cones, survey tape, or other means. Electrical line location shall be
Page 206-R2
discussed at a pre-work safety meeting of all employees on the job. All company
personnel and business partners shall attend this meeting and require their employees
to conform to OPP electrical safety standards. New/transferred employees will be
informed of electrical hazards and proper procedures during orientations.
On construction projects, the business partner shall identify and reinforce all potential
electrical hazards and document such actions to the company construction/workover
representative. Overhead electrical lines or equipment will be conspicuously marked
and workers will be reminded of their location by the project supervisor. New
employees shall be informed of electrical hazards and proper precautions and
procedures. These procedures shall be adhered to by business partners subject to the
compliance procedures of the contract, including work stoppage in extreme cases.
While there is potential for proximity or contact with overhead electrical systems, the
local area electrical shop shall be called to decide the need to de-energize, safety
ground, remove, or otherwise protect against accidental contact. Where there is a
suspicion of low wires (under 20'), the local area electrical shop shall be notified to
verify and take appropriate action.
All electrical contact incidents, including near-misses, shall be reported to the local
area health, environment and safety specialist.
B. Look Up and Live Flags
To prevent accidental contacts of overhead lines, all aerial lifts, cranes, boom trucks,
service rigs, and similar equipment shall use "LOOK UP AND LIVE" flags. The flags
are visual indicators that the equipment they are working with is being currently used
or has been returned to its "stowed or cradled" position. The flags shall be yellow with
black lettering and shall state in bold lettering LOOK UP AND LIVE.
The procedure for the use of the flag shall be:
• When the boom or lift is in its stowed or cradled position the flag shall be
located on the load hook.
• Before operating the boom or lift, the operator of the equipment shall access
the work area to determine the location of all overhead lines and communicate
the same to all crews on site. After this is completed, the operator shall
remove the flag from the load hook and transfer the flag to the steering wheel
of the vehicle. After the flag is placed on the steering wheel, the operator may
begin to operate the equipment.
• After successfully completing the work activity and returning the equipment to
its stowed or cradled position, the operator shall return the flag to the load
hook.
Page 206-R3
• The operator of the equipment is responsible for the placement of the LOOK
UP AND LIVE flag.
C. High-Risk Tanks
1. Heavy Equipment or Similar Equipment

Before the start of each workday and where practical, a high visibility
marker, (orange safety cones or other devices) shall be temporarily
installed to mark overhead wires. Supervisors will discuss electrical safety
with appropriate crew members at onsite tailgate safety talks. When
working in proximity to overhead lines, a spotter shall be positioned in a
conspicuous location to direct movement and observe for contact with the
overhead wires. The spotter, equipment operator, and all other employees
working on the job location shall be alert for overhead wires.
2. Aerial Lifts, Cranes, Boom Devices
Where there is potential for proximity or contact with overhead lines or
equipment, work shall not begin until a safety meeting is conducted and
appropriate steps taken to identify, mark, and warn against accidental
contact. The supervisor will review operations daily to assure compliance.
Where the operator's visibility is impaired, a spotter shall guide the
operator. Hand signals shall be used and clearly understood between
operator and spotter. When visual contact is impaired, the spotter and
operator shall be in radio contact. Aerial lifts, cranes, and boom devices
shall have appropriate warning decals, and shall use warning cones or
similar devices to indicate the location of overhead lines and identify the
10' minimum safe working boundary.
3. Tree Work
Wires shall be treated as live and high voltage until verified by the local
area electrical shop. The local area electrical shop or an approved electrical
contractor shall remove branches touching wires before work begins.
Limbs and branches shall not be dropped onto overhead wires. If limbs or
branches fall across electrical wires, all work shall stop immediately and
the local area electrical shop must be called.
When climbing or working in trees, pruners shall try to position
themselves so that the trunk or limbs are between their body and electrical
wires. If possible, pruners shall not work with their back toward electrical
wires. A bucket trunk is the preferential method of pruning when climbing
poses a greater electrical contact threat. Personal protective gear shall have
appropriate di-electric characteristics needed for working near electricity.
Page 206-R4
D. Underground Electrical Lines and Equipment
Before installation, excavation, or subsurface exploration starts and where there exists
reasonable possibility of contacting any electrical or utility lines or equipment, the
local area electrical shop or USA Dig organization where appropriate, shall be called
and a request made for identifying/marking their location(s).
When USA DIG is called, telephone operators will need:
a) Minimum of two working days notice prior to work beginning, the name of
county, city, name and the number of street or highway marker nearest
intersection at the work site.
b) Type of work.
c) Date and time work is to begin.
d) Caller’s name and the contractor/department name and address.
e) Telephone number for contact.
f) Special instructions.
Utilities that do not belong to USA DIG must be contacted separately. USA DIG may
not have a complete list of utility owners. Utilities discovered shall be marked before
work begins. Supervisors shall periodically refer their location to all workers,
including new employees, subject to exposure.
NOTE: Additional information on excavation requirements when

working on company fee and lease properties can be found in
section 6-E, Excavation and Trenching Procedures, of the San
Joaquin Valley Business Unit Safety Manual.
E. Vehicles with Loads in Excess of 14 Feet
The OPP requires that all vehicles with loads in excess of 14' use specific procedures
to maintain safe working clearances when in transit below overhead lines. Loads less
than 14' are safe to move on company roads, unless lower clearances are posted.
The specific procedures for moving loads in excess of 14'or via pathways with lower
clearance heights are as listed below:
a) Before moving any load in excess of 14', the local Health, Environment &
Safety department along with the local electrical foreman/head electrician
must be notified of the equipment move.
Page 206-R5
b) A company electrician, electrical construction representative or a qualified

electrical contractor should check the intended route to the next location
before relocation.
c) Check the new site for overhead lines and clearances.
d) Power lines and communication lines shall be noted and extreme care used
when traveling beneath these lines.
e) The company moving the load or equipment will prove a driver responsible
for measuring each load and ensuring each load is secured and transported in a
safe manner.
f) A company electrician, electrical construction representative, or a qualified
electrical contractor shall escort the first load to the new location ensuring safe
clearances. A service company representative will be responsible for
subsequent loads to follow the same safe route.
If proper working clearances cannot be maintained, the job will be shutdown until a
safe route can be established or the necessary repairs have be completed to assure that
a safe working clearance has been achieved.
All work requiring movement of loads in excess of 14' are required to begin only
after a General Work Permit has been completed detailing all pertinent
information about the move.
The preferred vertical clearance for overhead lines, 480 volts and below including
communication lines on properties is 21' with an acceptable height of 20' (480 volt)
and 25' for 12,000-volt lines. All new overhead lines are 480 volts or less, including
communication lines that will be constructed in such a manner as to maintain a
minimum of 21' at all points along the line. However, older properties and newly
acquired properties may have lines that are lower than the standard and will over time
be replaced. The minimum acceptable vertical clearance for public roadways with
vehicular traffic per California General Order – 95 is 19'. In either case, the maximum
load allowed to be transported un-escorted remains at <14'.
F. Drilling, Workover, and Pulling Rig to OPL Clearances
Company Electrical Safety Order NA-247-1 details the information specifically

relating to electrical overhead line clearances for workover rigs on producing and
steam injection wells. The minimum clearances for insulated low-voltage wire
systems (quad, 600 volts or less) are 25' to the rear and non-rig-tilt sides of the
location and 100' in the rig tilt direction of the location. For wells in proximity to non-
insulated high-voltage or low-voltage wire systems, the minimum clearance is
increased to 50' on the rear and non-rig-tilt sides of the location and 100' in the rig tilt
direction of the location. (Figure R-1 and Table R-1).
Page 206-R6
Always maintain 10' minimum clearance from ALL overhead lines.
Closest Allowable
OPL Location Radius to
Rig Tilt Direction Well Ø
Closest Allowable
Well OPL Location
FIGURE R-1: Minimum OPL Clearances, Wells near Non-Insulated High- Voltage or
Low-Voltage Systems
Table R-1: Standard Rig-OPL Clearances

Insulated Low-Voltage Un-insulated High-Voltage
<600 volts, Quad or Service Drop All bare wire & >600 volts
Rig Type
Radius to Well Φ Rig Tilt Radius to Well Φ Rig Tilt
Direction Direction
Single Section Rigs 25 '100 '50 '100

Production &
Workover
Double Section Rigs 50

Drilling & Workover
'100 '50 '100
Triple Section Rigs 50

Drilling
'160 '50 '160
Specific procedures are required if the minimum distances cannot be maintained. In

all instances, every attempt should be made to first try to relocate these lines to
maintain the proper safe working distance from the location.
If unable to engineer the hazard out, it may become necessary to remove the lines in
question from the power source and install an approved set of grounds to all un-
grounded conductors and to an effect grounding electrode. These grounds are only to
be installed by a competent electrician and only after it has been properly determined
that the lines to which the grounds are to be installed have been de-energized and
Page 206-R7
tested to be dead. At no time shall the set of grounds be removed until operations or
activities cease and the equipment has been safely removed.
G. Exception for Existing Legacy Facilities
Exceptions for existing, legacy facilities which cannot reasonably be modified.

The rig-to-OPL clearances prescribed above incorporate safety factors plus an
additional buffer distance as a safety precaution. All reasonable efforts should be
made to conform to these standard clearance distances. However, there may be
instances where the potential incremental safety benefit is outweighed by excessive
conversion cost and effort. In such cases, the alternative is to apply legacy clearance
requirements. In such cases, the following conditions must be met:
• Facilities must have existed prior to May 1, 2002.
• A reasonable effort should be made to conform to the standard clearance
requirements.
• Major modification to an existing electrical facility subject to this exception
require an upgrade of all immediately associated facilities to meet standard
clearance requirements.
When the above conditions apply, those clearances described below in Table R-2 can
be used.
Table R-2: Exceptions to Standard Rig-OPL Clearances

Insulated Low-Voltage Un-insulated High-Voltage
<600 volts, Quad or Service Drop All bare wire & >600 volts
Rig Type
Radius to Well Φ Rig Tilt Radius to Well Φ Rig Tilt
Direction Direction
Single-Section Rigs 25 '100 '50 '100
Production & Workover
Double-Section Rigs 50 '100 '50 '100
Drilling & Workover
NOTE: All other exceptions to the standard clearance requirements

must be approved via the required variance procedure.
H. Variances
Refer to HES-104 Management of Change and follow instructions for the Variance
Proposal change category.
Page 206-R8
If a variance is granted for permanent pieces of equipment, a permanent weather-

proof sign, at least 18″ by 18″, must be posted in a conspicuous location on the
equipment and at the entrance and exit of the location of the equipment. The sign
must detail the hazard(s) present and the appropriate steps required to complete the
work activity.
Em e rg e n c y Re s p o n s e
If an overhead line falls or is contacted:
a) Keep everyone at least 10'away.
b) Use flagging to protect motorists, spectators, and other individuals from fallen or low
wires.
c) Call the local area electrical department or utility immediately.
d) Place guards around the area
e) Do not attempt to move the wire(s).
f) Do not touch anything that is touching the wire(s).
g) Be alert to water or other conductors present.
Crews shall have emergency numbers readily available. These numbers shall include local
area electrical department, utility, police/fire and medical assistance.
If an individual becomes energized, DO NOT TOUCH the individual or anything in contact
with the person. Call for emergency medical assistance and the local area electrical
department or utility immediately. If the individual is no longer in contact with the energized
conductors, CPR, rescue breathing, or first aid should be administered immediately, but only
by a trained person. It is safe to touch the victim once contact is broken or the source de-
energized.
Wires that contact vehicles or equipment will cause arcing, smoke, and possibly fire.
Occupants should remain in the cab and wait for the local area electrical department or utility.
If it becomes necessary to exit the vehicle, leap with both feet as far away from the vehicle as
possible, without touching the equipment. Jumping free of the vehicle is the last resort.
If operating the equipment and an overhead wire is contacted, stop the equipment
immediately and, if safe to do so, jump free and clear of the equipment. Maintain your
balance, keep your feet together, and either shuffle or bunny hop away from the vehicle
another 10' or more. Do not return to the vehicle or allow anyone else for any reason to return
to the vehicle until the local area emergency department or utility has removed the powerline
from the vehicle and has confirmed that the vehicle is no longer in contact with the overhead
lines.
Page 206-R9
Appendix LL – Example of Flash Protection Labels for

Electrical Equipment
Hazard Risk Category 2 Hazard Risk Category 4
WARNING WARNING
! !
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Appropriate PPE Required Appropriate PPE Required
DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE DANGER HIGH VOLTAGE

PPE Required Below 1000 Volts PPE Required 1000 Volts and Above
(And for Designated Tasks Below 1000 Volts)
Minimum Arc Rating of PPE = 8 cal/cm2 Minimum Arc Rating of PPE = 40 cal/cm2
Untreated Natural Fiber (cotton) Underwear, T-Shirt, Flame-Resistant Untreated Natural Fiber (cotton) Underwear, T-Shirt, Flame-Resistant
(FR) Long-sleeve Shirt, FR Pants or FR Coverall (FR) Long-sleeve Shirt, FR Pants or FR Coverall
Safety Glasses, Hard Hat, Leather Shoes, Hearing Protection Safety Glasses, Hard Hat, Leather Shoes, Hearing Protection
Circuit Breaker or Fused Switch Operation with covers on and all bolts Double Layer Switching Hood, Voltage Rated Gloves and Tools,
intact for any voltage Flash Suit Pants and Jacket
Proper voltage rated equipment required when working on exposed live

An 8 cal/cm2 rated Face Shield, Voltage Rated Gloves and Voltage parts, including voltage testing
Rated Tools are required when working on exposed live parts 50 volts
and above and not greater than 1000 volts, including voltage testing Insertion or removal or motor starter “buckets”
An 8 cal/cm2rated Face Shield is required for Circuit Breaker or Fused Insertion or removal or power circuit breakers
Switch Operation with covers off < 600 volts
Circuit breaker or fused switch operation with doors open
**All bus work shall be worked on de-energized**
Removal of bolted covers from switchgear (exposing live parts)
working Distance = not less than 18"
Voltage is not greater than 1000 Volts Installation of grounds
Incident energy not greater than 8 cal/cm2
**All bus work shall be worked on de-energized**
* For additional information refer to Tables C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 or the
ChevronTexaco ESWP, and NFPA 70E-2004 PPE Requirements Working Distance = not less than 18" (below 1000 Volts)
Working Distance = not less than 36" (1000 Volts and above)
Incident energy not greater than 20 cal/cm2
* For additional information refer to Tables C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 of
the ChevronTexaco ESWP, and NFPA 70E-2004 PPE Requirements
Note: Smaller labels, for application to individual equipment doors, can use the above format, but cut off after the "Minimum Arc Rating of PPE =
…" statement.
Page 206-S1
Appendix MM – Glossary
Affected Employee (or Affected Person)
An affected employee is anyone whose job requires him or her to operate a machine or use
equipment that is being serviced or maintained while under lockout or tagout, or whose job
requires him or her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being
performed.
Additionally, an affected employee is one whose job includes erecting, installing,
constructing, repairing, adjusting, inspecting, operating, or maintaining the equipment or
manufacturing process from a non-electrical perspective.
Examples of affected persons would be employees, contractors, and visitors (facility
inspector; pipeliner; pipeline trainee). (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x), OSHA regulation
1910.147(b) (modified))
ANSI
American National Standards Institute
Approved
Methods, devices, tools, equipment or practices acceptable to the company and/or regulatory
body having jurisdiction.
Arc Flash Protective Equipment
Equipment used to safeguard personnel from momentary electrical arcs. This may include
flame-resistant clothing, flash suits, face protection, hand protection, and/or foot protection.
Arc Rating
The maximum incident energy resistance demonstrated by a material (or a layered system of
materials) prior to breakopen or at the onset of a second-degree skin burn. Arc rating is
normally expressed in cal/cm2. (NFPA 70E, 100)
NOTE: “Breakopen” is a material response evidenced by the
formation of one or more holes in the innermost layer of
flame-resistant material that would allow flame to pass
through the material.
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials
Page 206-T1
Attendant
An employee assigned to remain immediately outside the entrance to an enclosed or other
designated location to render assistance as needed to employees inside the space. (OSHA
regulation 1910.269(x))
Authorized Employee (or Authorized Person)
An employee who locks out or tags out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing
or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An “affected employee” becomes an
“authorized employee” when duties include performing service or maintenance covered
under this practice and include performing the lockout/tagout procedures.
This is also an employee who has been given, by his or her employer, the training, authority,
and responsibility to perform a specific assignment in an electrical area.
A person who can demonstrate by experience and training (as stated in section 8.0 of this
practice) the ability to recognize potentially hazardous electrical energy.
Examples include electricians, pipeline mechanics, supervisors, operators, engineers,
custodians, painters, gaugers, meter provers/meter calibrators, I&E specialists, CP specialists,
etc. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x) (modified; OSHA regulation 1910.147(b) (modified))
Automatic Circuit Recloser
A self-controlled device for interrupting and reclosing an alternating current circuit with a
predetermined sequence of opening and reclosing, followed by a resetting, hold-closed, or
lockout operation. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Barricade
A physical obstruction such as tapes, ropes, cones, or A-frame type wood or metal structures
intended to provide a warning about and limit access to a hazardous area. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Barrier
A physical obstruction intended to prevent contact with equipment or exposed live parts, or
to prevent unauthorized access to a work area. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Bond
The electrical interconnection of conductive parts designed to maintain a common electrical
potential across the connection. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Bus
A conductor or group of conductors that serves as a common connection for two or more
circuits. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Page 206-T2
Bushing
An insulating structure, including a through conductor (or providing a passageway for such a
conductor), that can be mounted on a barrier, conducting or otherwise, to insulate the
conductor from the barrier and conduct current from one side of the barrier to the other.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(x) (modified))
Cable
A conductor with insulation, or a stranded conductor with or without insulation and other
coverings (single-conductor cable), or a combination of conductors insulated from one
another (multiple-conductor cable). (NESC; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Cable Sheath
A conductive, protective covering applied to cables (may be multiple layers, one or more of
which may be conductive). (NESC; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Circuit
A conductor or system of conductors through which an electric current is intended to flow.
(NESC; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Clearance (Between Objects)
The clear distance between two objects, measured surface to surface. (NESC; OSHA
Clearance (For Work)
Authorization by the proper authority that a specified line or piece of equipment is safe to
work on or in (i.e., de-energized, drained, purged, depressurized, etc.) and that it is being
turned over to the Person-in-Charge (PIC). (NESC; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x)
(modified))
Clearance (From Hazard)
The separation distance from energized lines or equipment.
Close Proximity
An object close enough to reach, fall into, or otherwise accidentally touch.
Common Lockout System
A lockout system that permits the use of locking devices but is not unique or uniquely
controlled (see Unique Lockout System below).
Communications Lines (Lines, Communications)
Conductors and their supporting or containing structures that are used for public or private
signal or communication service, operate at potentials not exceeding 400 volts to ground or
Page 206-T3
750 volts between any two points of the circuit, and the transmitted power of which does not
exceed 150 watts.
When operated at not more than 90 V ac or 150 V dc, no limit is placed on the transmitted
power of the system. Under specified conditions, communication lines may include
communication circuits exceeding the preceding, where such circuits are also used to supply
power solely to communication equipment. (NESC)
Conductor
A material, usually in the form of a wire, cable, or busbar suitable for carrying an electric
current. (NESC)
Conductor, Bare
A conductor having no covering or electrical insulation, whatsoever. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Conductor, Covered
A conductor encased within material of composition and thickness such that it is not
recognized as electrical insulation. (NESC; NFPA 70E, 100; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Conductor, Insulated
A conductor encased within material of composition and thickness such that it is recognized
as electrical insulation. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Confined Space
A space that meets all of following criteria:
• Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform
assigned work; and
• Has limited or restricted means of entry or exit, (for example, tanks, vessels, silos,
storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of
entry); and
• Is not designated for continuous employee occupancy.
• (OSHA 1910.146(b))
CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Current-Carrying Part
A conducting part in an electric circuit intended to be connected to a source of voltage. Non-
current-carrying parts are those not intended to be so connected. (NESC; OSHA regulation
1910.269(x))
Page 206-T4
De-energized
Free from any electrical connection to a source of potential difference and from electric
charge; not having a potential different from that of the earth. (NFPA 70E, 100; OSHA
Designated Person
An employee designated by the employer to perform specific duties and who is
knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(x) (modified))
Di-electric Testing
A controlled method used to test the electrical safety integrity of personal protective and live-
line equipment.
Disconnect
A device designed to connect or disconnect machines, equipment, and/or other installations
from an electrical energy source.
Disconnecting Means
A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be
disconnected from their source of supply. (NFPA 70E, 100)
EHV (Extra High Voltages)
For the purposes of this practice, EHV is any voltage above 230 kV.
Electric Line Truck
A truck used to transport personnel, tools, and material for electric supply line work. (OSHA
Electric Utility
An organization responsible for the installation, operation, and maintenance of an electric
supply system. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Electrically Safe Work Condition
A state in which the conductor or circuit part to be worked on or near has been disconnected
from energized parts, locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested to assure
the absence of voltage, and grounded in accordance with section 4.10. (NFPA 70E, 100
(modified))
Employee
One employed by another, usually for wages or salary.
Page 206-T5
Enclosed Space
A working space, such as a manhole, vault, tunnel, or shaft that has a limited means of egress
or entry, is designed for periodic employee entry under normal conditions, and does not
contain a hazardous atmosphere. Under abnormal conditions, however, it may contain a
hazardous atmosphere. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
NOTE: Spaces that are enclosed but not designed for employee entry
under normal operating conditions are not considered
enclosed spaces for the purposes of this practice. Similarly,
spaces that are enclosed and that are expected to contain a
hazardous atmosphere are not considered to be enclosed
spaces for the purposes of this practice.
Energized
Electrically connected to or having a source of voltage. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Energy Isolating Device
A physical device that prevents the transmission or release of energy, including but not
limited to, a manually operated electric circuit breaker, a disconnect switch, a manually
operated switch, a slide gate, a slip blind, a line valve, blocks, and any similar device with a
visible indication of the position of the device.
Push buttons, selector switches, and other control-circuit-type devices are not energy isolating
devices. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x), OSHA regulation 1910.147(b))
Energy Source
Any electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, chemical, nuclear, thermal, or other energy
source that could cause injury to personnel. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x); OSHA
regulation 1910.147(b) (modified))
Equipotential Grounding (Earthing)
A grounding (earthing) scheme which places the worker in an envelope of equal potential.
When everything that the worker can touch is of the same potential, no current can flow
through the worker between two different touch points.
Equipment (Electrical)
A general term including material (fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, etc.) that is used as
part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Escort
A “Qualified Employee” (see definition below) who accompanies non-qualified employees or
visitors in the vicinity (i.e., within the limited approach boundary) of electrical equipment or
lines.
Page 206-T6
Exposed (as applied to live parts)

Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached within an unsafe distance by a person.
It is applied to parts that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Flash Hazard
A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electrical
arc. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Flash Hazard Analysis
A study investigating a worker's potential exposure to arc-flash energy, conducted for the
purpose of injury prevention and the determination of safe work practices and the appropriate
levels of PPE. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Flash Protection Boundary
An approach limit at a distance from exposed live parts within which a person could receive a
second degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Flash Suit
A complete FR clothing and equipment system that covers the entire body, except for the
hands and feet. This system includes pants, jacket, and a bee-keeper-type hood fitted with a
face shield. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Ground (Earth)
A conducting connection, whether intentional or accidental, between an electrical circuit or
equipment and the earth or to some other conducting body that serves in place of the earth.
(NFPA 70E, 100; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Grounded (Earthed)
Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. (NFPA 70E,
100; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Grounding (Earthing)
The act of providing an intentional connection to earth through a ground connection of
sufficiently low impedance and having sufficient current carrying capacity to prevent voltage
build-up that could result in undue hazard to connected equipment or to persons. (NFPA 70E,
100; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
NOTE: For non-North American installations, earthing is the
common terminology.
Guarded
Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers,
casings, barriers, rails, screens, mats, or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or
Page 206-T7
contact by persons or objects to a point of danger. (NFPA 70E, 100; OSHA regulation
1910.269(x))
Hazard Risk Analysis
The decision-making process used to determine the degree and extent of the hazard
associated with a particular task, the appropriate protective equipment needed, and the job
planning necessary to complete the task safely.
Hazardous Atmosphere (as applied to confined/enclosed spaces, 29 CFR 1910.269)
An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, injury, acute illness,
incapacitation, or render them unable to escape unaided from an enclosed space from one or
more of the following causes:
• Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit
(LFL);
• Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;
• Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;
• Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible
exposure limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental
Control, or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, or Part 1910 of
Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry, and which could
result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit; or
• Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.
(OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
High Voltage
AC voltage above 1,000 volts, phase-to-phase, or conductor-to-conductor. However, where
governmental codes stipulate voltages less than 1,000 volts phase-to-phase as high voltage,
that voltage should be used as the lower limit.
IEEE
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Insulated
Separated from other conducting surfaces by a dielectric (including air space) offering a high
resistance to the passage of current. (NESC; NFPA 70E, 100; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
NOTE: When any object is said to be insulated, it is understood to be
insulated for the conditions to which it is normally subjected.
Otherwise, it is, within the purpose of these rules, uninsulated.
Page 206-T8
Insulation (Cable)
That which is relied upon to insulate the conductor from other conductors or conducting parts
or from ground. (NESC)
ISO
International Standards Organization
Isolated
• (As applied to location) Not readily accessible to persons unless special means of
access are used.
• (As applied to working on a piece of equipment ) Removal of all energy sources.
(Def. 1 NESC; NFPA 70E, 100; OSHA regulation 1910.399(a))
Limited Approach Boundary
An approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which a shock hazard exists.
(NFPA 70E, 100)
Line Clearance Tree Trimming
The pruning, trimming, repairing, maintaining, removing, or clearing of trees or cutting of
brush within 10' (305 cm) of exposed live parts. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x) (modified);
OSHA regulation 1910.399(a) (modified))
Live-Line Tool
A wooden or fiberglass rod, handle, or pole rated for the voltage involved and used to touch,
or come in close proximity to, exposed live parts.
Live Parts
Energized conductive components (NFPA 70E, 100)
Lockout
The placement of a lockout device on an energy-isolating device in accordance with an
established procedure to assure that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being
controlled cannot be operated until the lockout device is removed. (See “Unique Lockout
System” below.) (OSHA regulation 1910.147(b))
Lockout Device
A device that uses a positive means (such as a keyed lock) to hold an energy-isolating device
in the safe position, thus preventing the energizing of a machine or equipment). (OSHA
regulation 1910.147(b) (modified))
Page 206-T9
Location Manager
General manager of the facility. An example of a location manger is a team leader.
Low Voltage
Any electrical circuit that normally operates at 1,000 volts nominal or less phase-to-phase or
conductor-to-conductor. However, where governmental codes stipulate voltages less than
1,000 volts phase-to-phase as high voltage, that voltage should be used as the upper limit.
Manhole
A subsurface enclosure, which personnel may enter for the purpose of installing, operating,
and maintaining submersible equipment or cable. (NESC; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Mobile Equipment
Mobile equipment includes, but is not limited to, cranes, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, and
similar types of equipment.
Near Proximity
A minimum clearance of 10' (305 cm) to energized lines and equipment operating at 50 kV,
or less. This distance increases 4″ (10 cm) for every 10 kV over 50 kV.
Non-hazardous Work
Work that is not considered to be prohibited, restricted, or limited work. An example is
working on control circuits below 50 V ac or dc to ground.
NOTE: Energized parts that operate at less than 50 volts are not
required to be de-energized to satisfy an “electrically safe work
condition.” However, consideration should be given to the
capacity of the source, any overcurrent protection between the
energy source and the worker, and whether the work task
related to the source operating at less than 50 volts increases
exposure to electrical burns or to explosion from an electric
arc.
Non-insulated Conductor
A conductor that has no insulating properties other than air. (See also, Conductor, Bare,
above.)
Operating System Lock
A keyed lock placed on an electrical distribution system to prevent unintentional opening of a
disconnect. Operating system locks may be unique or common-lock systems. This type of
lock is not a personal safety lock. (See Safety Lock, below.)
Page 206-T10
Person-in-Charge (PIC)
A person in charge of work or employees, regardless of his or her title. Examples include a
supervisor, foreman, lineman in charge, lead people, etc. or a qualified employee who has
been authorized and designated to be locally in charge of company work.
Examples of PICs are team leaders, project managers, project engineers, maintenance
coordinators, construction reps, job inspectors, and others designated as responsible for work
being performed.
Potentially Energized
A non-insulated conductor or device that, by nature of design or location, may be energized
by an adjacent energized conductor, switch closure, or back-feed.
Prohibited Approach Boundary
An approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which work is considered
the same as making contact with the live part. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Prohibited (Live) Work
Work that requires intentional hand, body, or tool contact with exposed conductors or circuit
parts operating at 50 V ac or dc or above (conductor-to-conductor or conductor-to-ground), or
work that requires approach of exposed, energized conductors or circuit parts to conductive
objects or unguarded body parts closer than the “prohibited approach boundary” distance
listed in Appendix A, Table A-6.
Qualified Employee (or Qualified Person)
One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical
equipment and installations and has received safety training on the hazards involved. (NFPA
70E, 100)
Examples of qualified persons include I&E specialists and CP specialists.
Restricted Approach Boundary
An approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which there is an increased
risk of shock, due to electrical arc over combined with an inadvertent movement, for
personnel working in close proximity to the live part. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Restricted (Proximity) Work
Work that requires approaching exposed, energized (50 V ac or dc or above) conductors or
circuit parts with conductive objects or unguarded body parts within the “restricted approach
boundary” distance listed in Appendix A, Table A-6.
Page 206-T11
Rights-of-Way (Power Lines)

The area under a power line within 10' (305 cm) horizontal to the nearest conductor for lines
rated 50 kV and below. This distance needs to be increased four inches (4″) (10 cm) for each
10 kV above 50 kV.
Safety Lock
A controlled keyed lock, intended for personnel protection only, which is installed at each
tagout/lockout location. Personal safety locks are used to assure the personal safety of a
person working on or near an exposed live part. This lock system is unique.
Shock Hazard
A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by contact with
or approach to exposed live parts. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Should
In this practice, means “recommended.”
Stand-by Person
One whose sole responsibility is to observe the actions of the person performing the task and
assure that he/she is aware of the associated potential hazards. The stand-by person should be
trained in recognizing and avoiding electrical hazards, emergency response techniques (such
as CPR), and methods used to free a person from energized conductors or circuit parts.
Step Potential
A ground potential gradient difference that can cause current flow from foot to foot through
the body. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Switch
A device for opening and closing or for changing the connection of a circuit. In this practice,
a switch is understood to be manually operable, unless otherwise stated. (NESC; OSHA
Switching Authority
The authority given to an employee to carry out a switching operation on the electrical
distribution system. This authority may be a crew electrician, the crew subforeman, or the
utility supervisor.
Tagout
The placement of a tagout device on an energy-isolating device in accordance with an
established procedure, to indicate that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being
controlled may not be operated until the tagout device is removed. (OSHA regulation
1910.147(b))
Page 206-T12
Tagout Device
A prominent warning device, such as a tag and a means of attachment, which can be securely
fastened to an energy-isolating device in accordance with an established procedure, to
indicate that the energy-isolating device and the equipment being controlled must not be
operated until the tagout device is removed.
“Ten-Foot” Rule
An unqualified person must maintain a minimum distance of 10' from exposed live parts.
(See “Limited Approach Boundary”, Appendix A, Table A-6.)
To prevent physical contact with energized or isolated ungrounded power lines, equipment or
machines should be operated as follows: the minimum clearance between the lines and every
part of the equipment or machine or its load should be 10' (305 cm) for lines rated 50 kV or
below; this distance is increased four inches (4″) (10 cm) for each 10 kV above 50 kV.
Touch Potential
A ground potential gradient difference that can cause current flow from hand-to-hand or
hand-to-foot through the body. (NFPA 70E, 100)
Unique Lockout System
A controlled lockout system (unique lock/one key or unique lock group/one key) requiring
special authorization for use. (See Lockout.)
Unqualified Person
A person who is not a “qualified employee.” (See Qualified Employee.) (NFPA 70E, 100)
Vault
An enclosure, above or below ground, which personnel may enter for the purpose of
installing, operating, or maintaining equipment or cable. (OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Voltage
The effective (rms) potential difference between any two conductors or between a conductor
and ground. Voltages are expressed in nominal values unless otherwise indicated. The
nominal voltage of a system or circuit is the value assigned to a system or circuit of a given
voltage class for the purpose of convenient designation. The operating voltage of the system
may vary above or below this value. (NESC; OSHA regulation 1910.269(x))
Working Near (Live Parts)
Any activity inside a “Limited Approach Boundary.” (NFPA 70E, 100)
Working On (Live Parts)
Coming in contact with live parts with the hands, feet, or other body parts, with tools, probes,
or with test equipment, regardless of the personal protective equipment a person is wearing.
Page 206-T13
There are two categories of “working on”: (Added by company)

• Diagnostic (testing) - taking readings or measurements of electrical equipment that
does not require making any physical change to the equipment.
• Repair - any physical alteration of electrical equipment such as making or tightening
connections, removing or replacing components, etc.
(NFPA 70E (supplemented))
Work Zone
The space required to safeguard personnel. An area temporarily marked off by rope, tape, or
other barricading devices into which entry is prohibited for all personnel except those
authorized by the PIC of the work zone.
Page 206-T14

Electrical Safe Work Practice

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Electrical Safe Work Practice

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ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICE

PROCEDURE NUMBER: HES-206

ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES HES-206

Section Title Page

Revised/Printed September 2010, Uncontrolled when printed

Revised/Printed September 2010, Uncontrolled when printed

2.1 Provisions and Responsibilities

2.2 Safety Considerations

2.3 Personnel Covered by This Procedure

2.4 Activities Covered by This Procedure

Revised/Printed September 2010, Uncontrolled when printed

2.6 Limitations and Expectations

3.0 Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Location Management

3.2 Task Supervisor or Person in Charge (PIC)

3.5 Contractors and Visitors

4.0 Safe Work Practices

4.1 Live Parts Work Policy

4.1.1 General Policies

The company’s general policy is that NO maintenance or construction/installation

NOTE: See Appendix H for a sample of an energized electrical work

A hazard/risk evaluation procedure should be used before work is started on or

4.1.2 Exceptions to General Policies

• Electrical servicing activities (maintenance troubleshooting and diagnostic

4.1.3 Requirements for Live Parts Work

Before starting any construction work or maintenance work, requiring activities

4.2 Working On or Near Energized Equipment

Refer to NFPA 70E-2004 section 130.3 to determine the flash protection

NOTE: See Appendix D, sample calculation of flash protection

4.2.3 Approach Distances

(NFPA 70E, 130.2; OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(2);(Table A-6); OSHA

A covered conductor is considered to have no insulating strength whatsoever and

NOTE: Refer to Appendix B – Limits of Approach.

4.2.4 Working on Live Parts

4.2.5 Insulated Armored High Voltage Cable

4.2.6 Insulated Non-Armored High Voltage Cable

EXCEPTION: Insulated armored and non-armored high-voltage cables may

Fall prevention/protection should be used anytime an employee is working six (6)’

(OSHA regulations 1910.269(g)(2) and Part 1926, subpart E)

4.2.8 Live Parts Operating at 50 Volts or More

(OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(1)(i))

(OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(1)(ii))

4.2.9 Insulating the Worker from Exposed Live Parts

Unless an approved insulating handle is used, no employees may approach or take

(NFPA 70E, 130.2(C); OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(2))

(OSHA regulation 1910.269(l)(3))

4.2.10 Working On or Near Installations Not Related to Power Generation, Transmission

(NFPA 70E, 130.7(D)(1); OSHA regulation 1910.335(a)(2))

EXCEPTION: If working on exposed live parts of circuits rated 50 through

• Fine dexterity is necessary for the task.

• Any insulated hand tools, test instruments and

Leather gloves are used if necessary for arc flash protection.

NOTE: This exception does not apply to working on 277

4.3 Equipment/Line Status

4.3.1 Basic Rule

Electrical equipment and lines should be considered energized until put in an

4.3.2 Proper Work Environment

The preferred approach is to “de-energize.”

(NFPA 70E, 120.1)

4.3.3 Testing and Verification Techniques for Isolation

The following testing and verification techniques are recommended:

CAUTION: Test for voltage both phase-to-ground and phase-to-phase.

4.4 De-energizing/Re-energizing Lines and Equipment for