HSE-SAF-STD-00-0055

SAFETY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 2
2. SCOPE & PURPOSE ....................................................................................................... 2
3. DEFINITIONS................................................................................................................... 2
4. REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................ 3
5. RESPONSBILITIES ......................................................................................................... 7
6. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 8
7. ATTACHMENTS .............................................................................................................. 8
8. APPENDICES .................................................................................................................. 8
9. REVISION HISTORY ....................................................................................................... 8

Rev. Issue Date Amendment Description Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By

Muhammad F
0 23-Jul-14 First Release Refer Sec.9 Refer Sec.9
Khan
Next Scheduled Periodic Review: July/2017

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1. INTRODUCTION

This standard addresses safety requirements that are necessary for the practical safeguarding of
employees and contractors in the workplace who use portable electrical equipment and tools. This
standard applies to all portable electrical equipment and tool related activities conducted in all Q-
Chem operating locations.

2. SCOPE & PURPOSE

The purpose of this standard is to ensure maximum safety to all Q-Chem employees and
contractors, who may be working with, around, or on Portable electrical equipment in the course
of their duties. This Portable Electrical Equipment Standard is in correlation with the general
applicable safety requirements of Q-Chem.

This standard applies to all personnel at the facility who use Portable Electrical Equipment or
tools.

3. DEFINITIONS

 Damp Location - Location subject to moderate degrees of moisture.

 Equipment Grounding Conductor - Conductor used to connect the non-current carrying
metal parts of equipment and other enclosures to the overall plant grounding system.
 Extension Cords – a cord typically used to remotely bring electrical power from the
receptacle to the electrical equipment. It is also known as “cord sets”.
 Flexible Cords – the factory pre-wired cord between the electrical equipment and the cord
plug.
 Ground-fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) - A GFCI is designed to protect a person from
electrocution when contact between a live part of the protected circuit and ground causes
current to flow through a person’s body. A GFCI will disconnect the circuit when a current
equal to or higher than the calibration point [4 mA to 6 mA] flows through the protected circuit
to ground. It will not eliminate the shock sensation, since normal perception level is
approximately 0.5 mA. It will not protect from electrocution on line-to-line contact, since the
nature of line-to-line loads cannot be distinguished.
 Hard or Extra-hard service – refers to the cable rating and material of construction of cable.
 Low-voltage Lighting - Lighting operated at 12 volts or less to ground.
 mA – milliamp: 1/1000 of an Ampere. Ampere is basic unit of electrical current.
 Plug-Connected Equipment – Portable electrical equipment or tools that are connected to
an electrical power source by a flexible cord and an attachment plug.
 Portable Equipment and Tools - Equipment and tools that are not stationary or anchored
down and are designed to be hand-held or easily transported. Includes, but is not limited to,
portable electrical equipment, portable tools, extension cords, portable lights, and similar
devices.

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 Wet Locations - Locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, or exposed to
weather.

4. REQUIREMENTS

4.1. General Requirements

i. The primary approach users shall employ when using portable electrical equipment is to
guard against electric shock. Prevent body contact with bare or exposed wiring on plug metal
prongs.
ii. Avoid unintentional starting. Be sure the power switch is off when connecting the portable
equipment or tool to a supply outlet. Keep hands, body, and clothing clear of blades, bits,
cutters, etc. when connecting the tool. Do not carry a connected tool with a finger on the
power switch.
iii. Disconnect electrical equipment and tools when not in use, before servicing, and when
changing accessories such as blades, bits, cutters, etc.
iv. Maintain portable electrical equipment with care. Keep tools sharp and clean for better and
safer performance. Follow manufacturer instructions for lubricating and changing
accessories. Have all worn, broken, or lost parts replaced immediately. Keep handles dry,
clean, and free from water, oils, and grease.

4.2. Portable Electrical Tools and Equipment

4.2.1. Safe Use Requirements

i. Users shall review the manufacturer’s instructions before using portable electrical tools
and equipment for the first time. Users shall become familiar with the hazards of using the
portable tools and equipment and understand the personal protective equipment needed
to safely use the tools and equipment.
ii. Users shall visually inspect all portable electrical equipment before use. Look for the
following at a minimum:
a) Damaged or broken plugs
b) Missing, corroded, or damaged plug prongs
c) Loose or defective switches
d) Missing, damaged, bypassed or non-functioning safety guards
e) Frayed, worn, burned, or missing insulation
f) Exposed conductors
g) Loose or poor connections
h) Missing or improper sized fuses
i) Damaged or cracked housings and cases
j) Burns or scorch marks

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iii. If any such defects are found, the portable tools and equipment shall be taken out of
service, affixed with a “DO NOT OPERATE OR USE” information tag and returned to the
issuing area for replacement.
iv. Each user is responsible for the safe operation and condition of the tools and equipment
being used. During use, users shall periodically inspect the condition of the tools and
equipment in use to ensure they remain safe for operation.
v. After using tools and equipment, users shall clean and return the tools and equipment to
their designated areas.
vi. Portable electrical tools and equipment shall be tested, and inspected quarterly by a
qualified/authorized electrician. Users shall ensure tools and equipment have a current
color code prior to use. Refer to Standard Maintenance Procedure MC-ELE-SMP-00-
0037.
vii. Portable electrical tools and equipment shall be connected to GFCI protection when in
use. (Ex. Circuit with GFI-equipped circuit breaker, GFCI-equipped power outlet, or
portable GFCI device). Power outlets shall be visually inspected for signs of damage or
moisture prior to connecting portable electrical tools and equipment.**

NOTE
**Certain electrical equipment such as permanent office-type [i.e.,
computers, projectors, printers, radio chargers, etc.] permanent
kitchen-type [microwaves, coffee pots/warmers, etc.], permanent
lab-type equipment; or, flexible cords such as those of pedestal
grinders, metal breaker or metal hole punch machines, drill
presses, etc. are exempted from the quarterly inspection/tagging
requirements. GFCI requirements from this section shall remain in
effect.
viii. Certain portable electrical tools and equipment used for electrical testing cannot operate
with a GFCI device. These tools and equipment shall only be used by trained personnel
who understand and know how to operate the safety devices of the equipment. In this
situation, the equipment shall be intrinsically grounded and have a three-prong, grounded
plug connector.
ix. Disconnect portable electric tools and equipment when not in use, before servicing, when
changing bits, blades, grinding disc, cutters and other accessories.
x. Electrical tools and equipment shall only be operated within their design limitations and
used only for their intended purpose.
xi. Portable electrical tools and lights that are used inside the confined space must be
connected to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Low voltage portable tools and lights
(12 volts), if used, need not be connected to GFCI.
xii. Only a qualified/authorized electrician or an authorized repair facility shall make equipment
repairs to damaged electrical tools and equipment.

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4.3. Extension Cords, Flexible Cords, and Cord Sets

4.3.1. Safe Use Requirements

i. All extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets shall have no less than three cores of
conductors with the third conductor being used for grounding purposes only; and shall be
used only in continuous lengths without splices or taps.
ii. Users shall visually inspect all extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets before use.
Look for the following at a minimum:
a) Damaged or broken plugs;
b) Missing, corroded, or damaged plug prongs;
c) Frayed, worn, burned, or missing insulation;
d) Exposed conductors;
e) Loose or poor connections;
f) Knots, splices, or tapes.
iii. If any such defects are found, the extension cord, flexible cord, or cord set shall be taken
out of service, affixed with a “DO NOT OPERATE OR USE” information tag and returned
to the issuing area for replacement.
iv. Each user is responsible for the safe operation and condition of the extension cord, flexible
cord, or cord set being used. During use, users shall periodically inspect the condition of
the extension cord, flexible cord, or cord set in use to ensure they remain safe for
operation.
v. After using extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets, users shall clean and return the
cord to their designated/respective areas or central tool crib, whichever is applicable.
vi. Portable extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets shall be inspected and tested
quarterly by a qualified/authorized electrician. Users shall ensure extension cords, flexible
cords, and cord sets have a current color code prior to use. Refer to Standard
Maintenance Procedure MC-ELE-SMP-00-0037.
vii. No extension cords, flexible cords, or cord sets shall be used in wet or damp locations
unless the cord is specifically rated for that condition of use and for the location.
viii. Extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets shall be kept away from heat, open flame,
oils and other hydrocarbons, water, sharp edges, or other objects that might damage the
cord.
ix. If extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets must be routed across walkways,
passageways, high-traffic areas, etc., protective measures shall be taken to ensure they
are guarded from damage and do not present a trip hazard (e.g., raise them above head
level to maintain walkways clear of tripping hazards or install a hard cover to protect the
cords).

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x. Extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets shall not be used to carry, raise, or lower
equipment or portable tools. Electrical tool or equipment shall not be disconnected from a
power receptacle by pulling or yanking on the extension cord, flexible cord, or cord set.
xi. Extension cords, flexible cords, and cord sets shall be connected to outlets, devices, and
fittings by using strain relief that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints,
connectors, or terminal screws.
xii. Extension cords shall not be used for permanent power installation. If power is required for
more than the short duration, permanent electrical installation should be used. (Not
applicable to office environment).

4.4. Portable Lights and Light Sets

4.4.1. Safe Use Requirements

i. All portable lighting shall be rated for the environment in which it will be used and shall be
clearly marked or labeled for its intended use.
ii. Portable lighting for use in classified hazardous areas shall meet the following minimum
specifications:
a) Be rated for Class 1, Division 1 or 2, as appropriate, for use in areas with flammable
gases and vapors;
b) Be rated for Class 2, Division 2, as appropriate, for use in areas with combustible dusts.
c) Portable electrical tools and lights that are used inside the confined space must be
connected to Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI). Low voltage portable tools and
lights (12 volts), if used, need not be connected to GFCI.
d) Shall not have loose or missing screws, gaskets, threaded connections, or other
impairments that will inhibit the integrity of the fixture.
iii. All portable lights shall be rated for industrial use and shall have no less than three
conductors with the third conductor being used for grounding purposes only.
iv. Users shall visually inspect all portable lights before use. Look for the following at a
minimum:
a) Damaged or broken plugs;
b) Missing, corroded, or damaged plug prongs;
c) Flexible cords with frayed, worn, burned, or missing insulation;
d) Flexible cords with splices or tapes;
e) Loose or defective switches;
f) Missing, damaged, bypassed or non-functioning safety guards;
g) Exposed conductors;
h) Loose or poor connections;
i) Damaged or cracked housings and cases.

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v. If any such defects are found, the portable lights shall be taken out of service, affixed with
a “DO NOT OPERATE OR USE” information tag and returned to the issuing area for
replacement.
vi. Each user is responsible for the safe operation and condition of the portable light being
used. During use, users shall periodically inspect the condition of the portable light in use
to ensure they remain safe for operation.
vii. All hand-lamps and droplights shall be equipped with a handle of molded composition or
other insulating material and shall be equipped with a substantial guard attached to the
lamp holder, handle or housing of the fixture. Metallic guards installed on portable lighting
shall be grounded by an equipment-grounding conductor run within the power cord, or
otherwise insulated from any electrical source.
viii. Portable lights shall be tested, and inspected quarterly by a qualified/authorized
electrician. Users shall ensure portable lights have a current color code prior to use. Refer
to Standard Maintenance Procedure MC-ELE-SMP-00-0037.
ix. Hand-held portable lights, except low-voltage portable lights (less than 12V), shall be
connected to a GFCI device. (Low-voltage light fixtures shall not be connected to a GFCI
since low-voltage GFCIs are not available and regular voltage GFCI protection on the
primary side does not provide the appropriate protection of the low-voltage light or lighting
fixture.)
x. Lamps or bulbs used in any portable light shall not exceed the maximum allowable
wattage as indicated on the fixture nameplate.

5. RESPONSBILITIES

5.1. Safety Section

i. Owners of the standard.

ii. Periodic revision of the standard.

5.2. Electrical Department

i. Inspect portable electric equipment quarterly.

ii. Perform the Job as per the procedure.

5.3. End Users

i. Use the portable equipment mentioned as per procedure above.

ii. Physically inspect the cord and cables before use for any damage or broken plugs.
iii. Cords ends should have adequate strain relief as part of their construction.
iv. There should no missing, corroded, or damaged plug prongs.
v. Don’t use cords having loose or poor connections.
vi. Don’t use cables having frayed, worn, burned, or missing insulation.

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vii. Ensure cable is free of knots, splices, or taped sections.

viii. After using cords, users shall clean and return the equipment to their designated areas.
ix. Cords shall be kept away from heat, open flame, oils and other hydrocarbons, water, sharp
edges, or other objects that might damage the cord.
x. If cord must be routed across walkways, passageways, high-traffic areas, etc., protective
measures shall be taken to ensure they are guarded from damage and do not present a trip
hazard.
xi. Cord shall not be used to carry, raise, or lower equipment or portable tools.
xii. Be alert for clues like burning smell, hot wires and plugs, hissing sound etc.
xiii. Don’t tamper with 3-pin plugs to make them 2-pins.
xiv. Don’t overload the socket or circuit.
xv. Check the voltage rating of appliances before plugging them into the power supply.

6. REFERENCES

6.1. Standard Maintenance Procedure: MC-ELE-SMP-00-0037

6.2. NFPA 70, National Electric Code [NEC]

6.3. NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance

6.4. NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces

6.5. 29 CFR 1926.404, Wiring Design and Protection

6.6. 29 CFR 1926.334

7. ATTACHMENTS
None

8. APPENDICES

None
9. REVISION HISTORY

Rev. Issue Date Amendment Description Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By

Mohamed A Patel, Carl Poldrack
Mostafa A Roehl Bartolome
Mohamed, Abdulla S Al-
Muhammad F Carl Benson,
0 23-Jul-14 First Release Khulaifi
Khan
Hitesh Patel Abdul Kevin C Kabell
W Sheikh, Anthony D Dugat
Mohamed A Zeid

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