10/21/2012
ABOUT THIS COURSE
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
COURSE OBJECTIVES

Accident Prevention.

Introduce Electrical Safety and Establish Its Role
in Today’s Industry.

Introduce Basic Concepts and Techniques of
Electrical Safety Related Work Practices.

Provide Electrical Safety Skills for Personnel Who
May Come Into Contact With Electrical Hazards.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
ALL EMPLOYERS MUST:
ELECTRICAL

Safeguard Electrical Sources. SAFETY
PROGRAM

Review Job Specific Hazards.

Implement Corrective Actions.

Conduct Hazard Assessments.

Conduct Accident Investigations.

Provide Training to All Required Employees.

Control Workplace Hazards Using PPE As a Last Resort.
This course is intended to provide training in the basic
concepts and techniques of electrical safety. It offers an
overview of the safety related work practices for
employees who face a risk of electric shock that is not
reduced to a safe level by the electrical installation.
Where you are unsure of a particular course of action,
you should safely secure your work area and report the
problem to your supervisor. Never attempt to second
guess electrical hazards.
BASIS FOR THIS COURSE

Electrical Safety Results in Accident Reduction

Elimination of Workplace Injuries & Illnesses Where Possible

Reduction of Workplace Injuries & Illnesses Where Possible

Development of Efficient Electrical Safety Techniques

Safety Standards Require:
 Workers Be Properly Protected Against Injury
 Training Be Conducted
 Electrical Hazards and Precautions Be Explained
 An “Electrical Safety” Program Be Established
 Job Electrical Hazards Be Assessed and Controlled
 Personal Protective Equipment Be Provided
TRAINING FOR UNQUALIFIED PERSONS
THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE TRAINING:

Train in Safety Related Work Practices.

Conduct Training Prior to Job Assignment.

Explain The Specific Regulations That Apply.

Explain The Hazards Associated with Electricity.
LESSON PLAN
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TRAINING FOR QUALIFIED PERSONS RETRAINING REQUIREMENTS

THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE TRAINING: REQUIRED WHEN THERE IS A:

Train in Safety Related Work Practices.

New Electrical Hazard.

Conduct Training Prior to Job Assignment.

Program Related Injury.

Explain The Specific Regulations That Apply.

Explain The Hazards Associated with Electricity.
Change in Job Assignment.

Teach Them to Determine The Nominal Voltage of Live Parts.
New Equipment Introduced.

Teach Them Determine The Clearance Distances of Live Parts.
New Hazard Control Methods.

Teach Them to Distinguish Between Live Parts and Other Parts.
Failure in the Safety Work Practices.

Reason to Doubt Employee Proficiency.
LESSON PLAN
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ELECTRICAL SAFETY IS IMPORTANT PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

A GOOD PROGRAM WILL HELP: IMPLEMENTATION OF A ELECTRICAL SAFETY

PROGRAM REQUIRES:

Improve Quality.
SAFETY

Improve Absenteeism. STATISTICS
DEDICATION

Maintain a Healthier Work Force.
PERSONAL INTEREST

Reduce Injury and Illness Rates.
MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

Acceptance of High-Turnover Jobs.

Workers Feel Good About Their Work. NOTE:

Reduce Workers’ Compensation Costs. UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT FROM THE WORK FORCE

Elevate SAFETY to a Higher Level of Awareness. IS ESSENTIAL, WITHOUT IT THE PROGRAM WILL FAIL!

MANAGEMENT’S ROLE THE SUPERVISOR’S ROLE

Considerations:
Considerations:

1. Get Involved. 1. Get Involved.

2. Ensure Your Support Is Visible. 2. Get Your Workers Involved.
3. Support the Electrical Safety Effort. 3. Never Ridicule Any Injury or Near Miss.
4. Implement Ways to Measure Effectiveness. 4. Treat All “Near-Misses” As an Accident.
5. Attend the Same Training As Your Workers. 5. Complete the Paperwork for Improvements.
6. Insist on Periodic Follow-up & Program Review. 6. Attend the Same Training As Your Workers.
7. Follow-up on the Actions You Took. 7. Be Professional - You Could Save a Life Today.
8. Get Involved in the Safeguarding of Electrical Sources.
9. Follow-up on the Actions You Took.

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THE EMPLOYEE’S ROLE SAFETY COMMITTEE

Safety Committees Should:

Considerations:
 Document Meetings.
SAFETY

1. Get Involved.
2. Contribute to Make Corrective Actions.
3. Know the Hazards Associated with Your Job.
4. Report All Accidents and Near-Misses Immediately.
5. Always Provide Complete and Accurate Information.
6. Report All Electrical Safety Problems or Deficiencies.
7. Follow-up With Any Additional Information.
 Encourage Employee Involvement.
 Provide Feedback Without Fear of Reprisal.
 Make Recommendations for Corrective Action.
 Analyze Statistical Data Concerning Accidents.
 Hold Regular Electrical Safety Review Meetings.
 Bring Employee Concerns to Management's Attention.
 Follow-up Is Critical.

WORK COVER EXCLUDED WORK

Cover electrical safety work practices for The provisions do not apply to electrical
both qualified and unqualified persons safety work practices for both qualified and
working on, near, or with: unqualified persons working on, or directly
1. PREMISES WIRING
with:
2. WIRING FOR CONNECTIONS TO SUPPLY 1. POWER GENERATION*
3. OUTSIDE CONDUCTORS ON THE PREMISES 2. POWER TRANSMISSION*
3. POWER DISTRIBUTION*
* Covered under other regulations

DEFINITIONS DEFINITIONS
(Continued)

Qualified Person: ISN’T Unqualified Person: CALL

A person who has the training
in avoiding the electrical
hazards of working on or near
exposed energized parts. And
who is familiar with the
construction and operation of
the equipment and hazards
involved with the job
LIFE 8999
GREAT
A person who has little or no NOW!!
training with respect to
avoiding the electrical
hazards of working on or near
exposed energized parts. And
who is not familiar with the
construction and operation of
the equipment and hazards
involved with the job.

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APPROACH DISTANCES APPROACH DISTANCES

(Continued)

Approach Distances - Qualified Person: Approach Distances - Unqualified Person:

Note: This table applies to overhead lines but Note: This table applies to overhead lines but
may be used to develop local guidelines may be used to develop local guidelines
Voltage Range (Phase-to-Phase) Minimum Approach Distance
Voltage Range (Phase-to-Phase) Minimum Approach Distance
300 V and less Avoid Contact
Over 300 V, not over 750 V 1 ft 0 in (30.5 cm) 50,000 V and less 10 ft
Over 750 V, not over 2 kV 1 ft 6 in (46.0 cm) 50,001 to 150,000 V 15 ft
Over 2 kV, not over 15 kV 2 ft 0 in (61.0 cm)
Over 15 kV, not over 37 kV 3 ft 0 in (91.0 cm)
Over 37 kV, not over 87.5 kV 3 ft 6 in (107.0 cm)
Over 87.5 kV, not over 121 kV 4 ft 0 in (122.0 cm)
Over 121 kV, not over 140 kV 4 ft 6 in (137.0 cm)

APPROACH DISTANCES APPROACH DISTANCES

(Continued) (Continued)

Approach Distances - Unqualified Person: Approach Distances - Unqualified Person:

ALTERNATIVE METHODS ALTERNATIVE METHODS

1. The energized parts must be insulated using blankets, line

Where it is not feasible to comply with
established approached distances alternative
methods may be used as long as the
operation is supervised by an authorized
employee:
hose, or other such insulating materials and or;
2. Insulating barricades must be to physically prevent the
worker from contacting the energized conductors and or;
3. The workers must be protected using rubber gloves,
sleeves, flash suits, or other protective equipment.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued)

Knockouts and Panel Fillers:
Illumination:

SOME TIPS TO CONSIDER

Employees may not enter spaces

Ensure knockouts and panel fillers
are in place to prevent accidental
contact by unqualified personnel.
containing exposed energized
parts unless illumination is provided that enables he or
she to perform the work safely.
Employees may not reach blindly into areas which may
contain energized parts.

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SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

General:
De-Energized Parts

Safety-related work practices must be employed to
prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting
from either direct or indirect electrical contacts,
when work is performed near or on equipment or
circuits which are or may be energized.
The specific safety-related work practices must be
consistent with the nature and extent of the
associated electrical hazards.
 Live parts must be de-energized before work is permitted
on or near them, unless it can be demonstrated that de-
energizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is
infeasible due to equipment design or operational
limitations.
 Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need
not be de-energized if there will be no increased exposure
to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

Energized Parts
Working On or Near Exposed Energized Parts

 If the exposed live parts are not de-energized (i.e., for
reasons of increased or additional hazards or infeasibility),
other safety-related work practices must be used to protect
employees who may be exposed to the electrical hazards
involved.
 Such work practices must protect employees against
contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of
their body or indirectly through some other conductive
object.
 Only qualified persons may work on electric circuit parts or
equipment that have not been de-energized.
 Such persons must be capable of working safely on
energized circuits and must be familiar with the proper use
of special precautionary techniques, personal protective
equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and
insulated tools.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

Overhead Lines LOCKOUT TAGOUT OVERVIEW

 If work is performed near overhead lines, they must be de-
energized and grounded, or other protective measures - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
provided before work is started.
- GENERAL INDUSTRY
 If the lines are to be de-energized, arrangements must be
made with the person or organization that operates or
controls them to de-energize and ground them. - LOCKOUT TAGOUT STANDARD
 All protective measures, must prevent employees from
contacting lines directly with any body part or indirectly
through conductive materials, tools, or equipment.

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SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

LOCKOUT TAGOUT DEFINITIONS
Lockout Tag-out Operations

DANGER

Authorized Employee LOCKED
 While any employee is exposed to contact with parts of fixed
OUT electric equipment or circuits which have been de-energized,
The Person Who Locks or Tags Out Machines
DO NOT OPERATE the circuits energizing the parts must be locked out or
This Lock/Tag may

To Perform Servicing or Maintenance.

only be removed by tagged or both.
NAME: _______________
DEPT : _______________
EXPECTED COMPLETION
DATE: ________________
TIME: _________________  Fixed equipment refers to equipment fastened in place or

Affected Employee connected by permanent wiring methods.
An Employee Whose Job Requires Him or Her To Operate or Use a
Machine or Piece of Equipment On Which Servicing or Maintenance
 The employer must also maintain a written copy of the
Is Being Performed. procedures.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

Application of Locks and Tags
Application of Locks and Tags

 A lock and a tag must be placed on each disconnecting
A tag used without a lock, must be supplemented by at least
means used to de-energize circuits and equipment on
one additional safety measure that provides a level of safety
which work is to be performed. The lock must be
equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lock.
securely attached.
Examples include:
 Each tag must contain a statement prohibiting
unauthorized operation and removal of the tag.
1. Removal of an isolating circuit element
2. Blocking of a controlling switch
 If a lock cannot be applied, or if the employer can
3. Opening of an extra disconnecting device
demonstrate that tagging procedures will provide a level
of safety equivalent to that obtained by the use of a lock,
a tag may be used without a lock.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

Application of Locks and Tags
Verification of De-Energized Condition

A lock may be placed without a tag only under the following
conditions:
1. Only one circuit or piece of equipment is de-energized, and
2. The lockout period does not extend past the work shift, and
3. Exposed employees are familiar with this procedure
1. A qualified person must operate the equipment operating
controls or otherwise verify that the equipment cannot be
restarted.
2. A qualified person must use test equipment to test the
circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to
which employees will be exposed and verify that the
circuit elements and equipment parts are de-energized.

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SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

Verification of De-Energized Condition
Reenergizing Equipment

3. Tests must determine if any energized condition exists as
a result of inadvertently induced voltage or unrelated
voltage back feed even though specific parts of the circuit
have been de-energized and presumed to be safe.
Note: If the circuit to be tested is over 600 volts, nominal, the
test equipment must be checked for proper operation
immediately before and immediately after this test.
The following requirements must be met, in the order given,
before circuits or equipment are reenergized, even
temporarily.
1. A qualified person must conduct tests and visual
inspections, as necessary, to verify that all tools,
electrical jumpers, shorts, grounds, and other such
devices have been removed.
2. Exposed employees must be warned to stay clear of
circuits and equipment during re-energizing.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES

(Continued) (Continued)

Reenergizing Equipment CONFINED SPACE OVERVIEW

3. Each lock and tag must be removed by the employee who
applied it or under his or her direct supervision. If this - SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS
employee is absent, then the lock or tag may be removed by
a designated qualified person provided that: - GENERAL INDUSTRY
 The employer ensures that the employee who applied
the lock or tag is not available at the workplace, and. - CONFINED SPACES
 The employee is aware that the lock or tag has been
removed before he or she resumes work.

 A visual determination ensures all employees are clear.

SELECTION OF WORK PRACTICES VEHICULAR AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

(Continued)

Confined Spaces: Elevated Equipment:

SOME TIPS TO CONSIDER

Confined spaces must be assessed and
strict guidelines followed.
Energized parts must be protected from accidental
contact.
Doors, hinged panels and the like must be secured to
prevent them from contacting workers or live parts.
Vehicles or mechanical equipment
capable of having elevated parts near
energized overhead lines must be
operated so that a clearance of 10 ft.
(305 cm) is maintained.
If the voltage is higher than 50kV, the
clearance must be increased 4 in. (10
cm) for every 10kV over that voltage.

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VEHICULAR AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT VEHICULAR AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

(Continued) (Continued)

Elevated Equipment: Elevated Equipment:

Clearance may be reduced if: Clearance may be reduced if:

1. If the vehicle is in transit with its 2. If insulating barriers are installed to

structure lowered, the clearance may be prevent contact with the lines, and if the
reduced to 4 ft. (122 cm). If the voltage is barriers are rated for the voltage of the
higher than 50kV, the clearance must be line being guarded and are not a part of
increased 4 in. (10 cm) for every 10kV or an attachment to the vehicle or its
over that voltage. raised structure, the clearance may be
reduced to a distance within the
designed working dimensions of the
insulating barrier.

VEHICULAR AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT VEHICULAR AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT

(Continued) (Continued)

Clearance May be reduced if: Employees On The Ground:

3. The equipment is an aerial lift insulated for the voltage involved, and Employees standing on the ground may not contact the vehicle or
if the work is performed by a qualified person, the clearance (between mechanical equipment or any of its attachments, unless:
the un-insulated portion of the aerial lift and the power line) may be
reduced to the distance given in 29 CFR 1910.334 S-5 Below. 1. The employee is using protective equipment rated for the
voltage; or
Voltage Range (Phase-to-Phase) Minimum Approach Distance
300 V and less Avoid Contact 2. The equipment is located so that no un-insulated part of its
Over 300 V, not over 750 V 1 ft 0 in (30.5 cm) structure that provides a conductive path can come closer than
Over 750 V, not over 2 kV 1 ft 6 in (46.0 cm)
the approach distances outlined in to the line than permitted in
Over 2 kV, not over 15 kV 2 ft 0 in (61.0 cm)
Over 15 kV, not over 37 kV 3 ft 0 in (91.0 cm)
to the distance given in safety manual.
Over 37 kV, not over 87.5 kV 3 ft 6 in (107.0 cm)
Over 87.5 kV, not over 121 kV 4 ft 0 in (122.0 cm)
Over 121 kV, not over 140 kV 4 ft 6 in (137.0 cm)

VEHICULAR AND MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT PORTABLE LADDERS

(Continued)

Employees On The Ground: Portable Ladders:

If any vehicle or mechanical equipment capable of having parts Portable ladders must have nonconductive side
of its structure elevated near energized overhead lines is
intentionally grounded, employees working on the ground near
rails if they are used where the employee or the
the point of grounding may not stand at the grounding location ladder could contact exposed energized parts.
whenever there is a possibility of overhead line contact.

Additional precautions, such as the use of barricades or

insulation, must be taken to protect employees from
hazardous ground potentials, depending on earth resistance
and fault currents, which can develop within the first few feet
or more outward from the grounding point.

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CONDUCTIVE APPAREL
Conductive Apparel:
Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing may not
be worn if they might contact exposed energized
parts. However, such articles may be worn if they
are rendered nonconductive by covering, wrapping,
or other insulating means.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY INTERLOCKS
Interlocks:
Only a qualified person may defeat an electrical safety
interlock, and then only temporarily using established
procedures while he or she is working on the equipment.
The interlock system must be returned to its operable
condition when this work is completed.
USE OF EQUIPMENT
(Continued)
Portable Electric Equipment:
2. Visual inspection. Portable cord- and plug-connected
equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) must be
visually inspected before use on any shift for external defects
and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as pinched
or crushed outer jacket).
3. Cord- and plug-connected equipment and flexible cord sets
(extension cords) which remain connected once they are put in
place and are not exposed to damage need not be visually
inspected until they are relocated. If there is a defect or
evidence of damage they must be removed from service.
10/21/2012
HOUSEKEEPING DUTIES
Housekeeping Duties:

Where live parts present an electrical contact
hazard, employees may not perform housekeeping
duties at distances where there is a possibility of
contact.

Adequate safeguards (such as insulating
equipment or barriers) must be provided.

Electrically conductive cleaning materials may not
be used in proximity to energized parts unless
procedures are followed which prevent electrical
contact.
USE OF EQUIPMENT
Portable Electric Equipment:
1. Handling. Portable equipment must be handled in a
manner which will not cause damage. Flexible electric
cords connected to equipment may not be used for
raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords may
not be fastened with staples or otherwise hung in such
a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or
insulation.
USE OF EQUIPMENT
(Continued)
Conductive Work Locations:
Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly
conductive work locations (such as those inundated with
water or other conductive liquids), or in job locations where
employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids,
must be approved for those locations.
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USE OF EQUIPMENT USE OF EQUIPMENT

(Continued) (Continued)

Connecting Attachment Plugs: Test Instruments and Equipment:

1. Employees' hands may not be wet when plugging and
1. Use. Only qualified persons may perform testing work on
unplugging flexible cords and cord- and plug-connected
electric circuits or equipment.
equipment, if energized equipment is involved.
2. Visual inspection. Test instruments and equipment and all
2. Energized plug and receptacle connections may be handled
associated test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and
only with insulating protective equipment if the condition of
connectors must be visually inspected for external defects and
the connection could provide a conducting path to the
damage before the equipment is used. If there is a defect or
employee's hand (if, for example, a cord connector is wet from
evidence of damage they must be removed from service.
being immersed in water).

3. Locking-type connectors must be properly secured after

connection.

USE OF EQUIPMENT USE OF EQUIPMENT

(Continued) (Continued)

Test Instruments and Equipment: Flammable or Ignitable Materials:

3. Rating of equipment. Test instruments and equipment and Where flammable materials are
their accessories must be rated for the circuits and equipment
present, electric equipment capable
to which they will be connected and must be designed for the
environment in which they will be used. of igniting them must not be used,
unless measures are taken to
prevent hazardous conditions from
developing. Such materials include,
but are not limited to: flammable
gases, vapors, or liquids;
combustible dust; and ignitable
fibers or flings.

PERSONNEL PROTECTION PERSONNEL PROTECTION

(Continued)

Protective Clothing and Equipment Considerations: Barriers and Signage: DANGER DANGER DANGER

STOP HIGH
VOLTAGE
HIGH
VOLTAGE
HIGH
VOLTAGE

 Appropriate for the particular hazard(s)

 Maintained in good condition Barriers and signage should be
 Properly stored when not in use strategically placed in the work
 Kept clean, fully functional, and sanitary area to control access and ensure that only trained and
qualified personnel enter hazardous areas.

The arrangement of such equipment will vary

depending on the layout of the work area and the
specific needs of the job.

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PERSONNEL PROTECTION PERSONNEL PROTECTION

(Continued) (Continued)

Signage: DANGER DANGER DANGER

Barriers and Barrier Tape:
HIGH HIGH HIGH DANGER DANGER DANGER

VOLTAGE VOLTAGE VOLTAGE STOP HIGH

VOLTAGE
HIGH
VOLTAGE
HIGH
VOLTAGE

SOME TIPS TO CONSIDER SOME TIPS TO CONSIDER

Warning signs should be: Barriers and Barrier Tape should be:

Standardized where possible
Standardized where possible

Distinctive from other signage
Distinctive from other types of guards

Posted at the appropriate height
Placed so that energized parts are not reachable

Clearly warn personnel of the hazards
Positioned usually at least 3 feet from the hazard

Posted at all entry ways to the work area
If barriers or tape or not sufficient, post attendants

PERSONNEL PROTECTION PERSONNEL PROTECTION

(Continued) (Continued)

General Protective Equipment and Tools: General Protective Equipment and Tools:

1. When working near parts, insulated 1. Fuse handling equipment, insulated

tools or handling equipment must be for the circuit voltage, must be used to
used. remove or install fuses when the fuse
terminals are energized.
2. If the insulating capability of insulated
tools or handling equipment is subject to 2. Ropes and hand lines used near
damage, the insulating material must be exposed energized parts must be
protected. nonconductive.

PERSONNEL PROTECTION TIPS FOR USING CONTRACTORS

(Continued)

General Protective Equipment and Tools:

REMEMBER, YOU CONTROL YOUR FACILITY OR AREA!
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

REVIEW THEIR PROCEDURES WITH THEM BEFORE
1. Protective shields, barriers, or insulating materials must be STARTING THE JOB!
used to protect employees from electrical injuries while
working near exposed energized parts.

DETERMINE THEIR SAFETY PERFORMANCE RECORD!
2. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for
maintenance or repair, they must be guarded to protect
DETERMINE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THEIR PEOPLE!
unqualified persons from contact with the live parts.

DETERMINE HOW THEY WILL AFFECT YOUR EMPLOYEES!

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