ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES

Transcription

1 STAFF ELECTRIC ELECTRICAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES PURPOSE The purpose of this procedure is to protect all workers from injuries resulting from exposure to arc flash, arc blast and electrical shock and to comply with NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces 2009 Edition and Federal OSHA CFR series Subpart S-Electrical and series - Subpart K-Electrical. RESPONSIBILITIES Foremen: The foreman or designated lead person is responsible for determining the feasibility of de-energization with input from the Project Manager and Safety Director, depending upon the situation. When de-energization is not feasible, then the foreman must pre-plan the task, select the most qualified individual(s), provide the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow up to ensure the PPE is worn and the task pre-plan is executed properly. Service drivers, due to the autonomous nature of their work, have similar responsibilities as the Foreman regarding pre-planning energized work activities and wearing the appropriate PPE. Wherever Foremen are referred to throughout this policy, it also means the designated lead person. Project Managers: The Project Managers are responsible for overseeing and managing energized work activities with the owner and Foreman. Safety and Health Director: The Safety and Health Director is responsible for assisting in the task pre-planning, worker training, procurement of safety equipment and monitoring the overall effectiveness of the electrical safe work practices program. Owner (Host Employer) Responsibilities: The owner (host employer) shall inform contract employers of: 1. Known hazards related to contractors work and that might not be recognized by the contractor. 2. Information about the owner s installation that the contractor needs to make hazard assessments. The owner (host employer) shall report observed contractor violations to NFPA 70E standard to contractor s management. The owner (host employer) is responsible for justifying hot work thereby exposing a worker to energized electrical conductors and circuit parts. This justification is documented on the Energized Electrical Work Permit. 1 Revised November 2009

2 Staff Electric s Responsibilities to Owner: The foreman will pass along the hazard information provided by the owner to the employees doing the work. Staff Electric will advise the owner of: Any unique hazards presented by the work Any unanticipated hazards found during the work Corrective measures from violations identified by the owner JUSTIFICATION FOR ENERGIZED WORK Staff Electric s company policy is NO HOT WORK! Our policy is to de-energize by placing the energized electrical conductors and circuit parts into an electrically safe work condition to protect exposed employees working within the Limited Approach Boundary. Staff Electric follows the requirements of NFPA 70E and OSHA for justifying energized hot work. NFPA 70E 130.1(A) Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts to which an employee might be exposed shall be put into an electrically safe work condition before an employee works within the Limited Approach Boundary of those conductors or parts. The only exceptions are: 1. Greater Hazard: The employee can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards. 2. Infeasibility: The employee can demonstrate that the task to be performed is infeasible in a de-energized state due to the equipment design or operational limitations. 3. Less than 50 volts to ground. Examples of increased or additional hazards include, but not limited to, interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, and shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment. Examples of work that may be performed within the Limited Approach Boundary of exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts because of infeasibility due to equipment design or operational limitations include performing diagnostics and testing (e.g. start up and trouble shooting) of electric circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized and work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous process that would otherwise need to be completely shut down in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment. OSHA s position regarding hot work is: OSHA (a)(1) requires that live parts be de-energized before a potentially exposed employee works on or near them. Exception - if de-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards or if de-energizing is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. 2 Revised November 2009

3 Expectations Examples in New Construction: On new construction sites, it is possible and expected to not do hot work. Careful planning enables the majority of the work to be completed before energized. Pull and terminate the feeders and trim out the panels before they are energized. Permanent panels supplying power for permanent lights used as temporary should be trimmed before they are energized. When terminating or adding a circuit breaker, de-energize the panel and complete the task during lunch break or before/after work. Expectations Examples in Occupied Buildings: For occupied buildings, eliminating the risk of injury and the risk of disrupting equipment, processes or shutting down a floor in a hospital by scheduling a shutdown is always the best method. Educate the owners on the risks of working something energized in your attempt to convince them to de-energize. Complete the Energized Electrical Work Permit- Hot Work Pre-Plan Form and obtain the owners authorization/signature. Owners may be more agreeable to schedule a shutdown when they understand the consequences and also their liability in the event of a catastrophe and serious injury. When the owner insists on working something energized, complete the Energized Electrical Work Permit and use the owner s justification for hot work and sign off as a tool to convince them to shut it down. QUALIFICATIONS & AUTHORIZATION Qualifications: Only qualified people are permitted to work on or near energized equipment. By NFPA 70E definition, a qualified person shall: 1. Have the skills and knowledge of the construction and operation of electrical equipment or a specific work method. 2. Be trained to recognize and avoid the electrical hazards that might be present with respect to that equipment or work method. In order to be considered qualified, the person shall be trained in NFPA 70E. This training includes the following: The proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, including arc-flash, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment. The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts from other parts of electrical equipment. The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts. The approach distances and corresponding voltage to which the qualified person will be exposed. The decision making process necessary to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to perform the task safely. 3 Revised November 2009

4 Trained to select an appropriate voltage detector and demonstrate how to use a device to verify the absence of voltage, including interpreting indications provided by the device. This training shall include the limitations of the voltage detector that may be used. Trained in emergency procedures including methods of release of victims from contact with exposed energized parts and first aid and CPR. The person must be able to prove they were trained in NFPA 70E (such as a training certification card) to be considered qualified. Without the training documentation, they are prohibited from work on or near energized equipment (i.e. hot work). The Foreman is responsible for selecting the most qualified person for hot work activities based on the individuals experience, skills, and understanding of the hazards and safe work procedures. A person can be considered qualified with respect to certain equipment and methods, but still unqualified for others. Authorization: No one shall perform work on or near energized conductors unless authorized by the Foreman. When an individual has been trained (i.e. qualified), it does not necessarily mean they can automatically perform hot work activities without knowledge or input from the Foreman. The Foreman may determine that they are not the most qualified person for the job. Qualified individuals must also be authorized by the Foreman to perform hot work. A person performing hot work activities without authorization from the Foreman is circumventing the task pre-planning process. This individual is in violation of company policy and will be disciplined accordingly. The Foreman is responsible for determining the feasibility of de-energization. When deenergization is not feasible; the Foreman must preplan the task, complete the Energized Electrical Work Permit, provide PPE and develop necessary safety measures. Without the Foreman s knowledge or authorization, this process cannot be effectively implemented. Therefore, no one shall perform hot work without the authorization by their Foreman. Qualifications & Authorization for Medium Voltage Work (1 kv 35 kv): Only people designated (authorized) by project management shall work with medium voltage distribution systems. This group of designated employees will be selected based on their qualifications, work experiences, and understanding of the operation of medium voltage equipment and its electrical hazards. These designated employees shall also be qualified by being trained and proficient in medium voltage safe work practices, recognition of electrical and arc flash/blast hazards. All medium voltage work shall be performed in accordance with the Staff Electric Medium Voltage Operations Policy. 4 Revised November 2009

5 TASK PREPLANNING PROCESS Lockout/Tagout - Electrically Safe Work Condition: Apply lockout/tagout and establish an electrically safe work condition to protect employees working within the Limited Approach Boundary of energized electrical conductors unless work can be justified according to NFPA 70E (page 2). Hazard Risk Evaluation: When work can be justified properly, then complete a hazard/risk evaluation to determine if there is an acceptable level of risk while performing the task energized. Evaluate the task frequency, injury severity, and safe work practices to control the risk. When the risk is unacceptable then contact the Project Manager and Safety and Health Director immediately. When the owner or general contractor justifies hot work inappropriately by not following the criteria in NFPA 70E 130.1, contact the Project Manager and Safety and Health Director for assistance. Electrical Hazard Analysis: When energized electrical conductors or circuit parts are not placed in an electrically safe work condition, then complete an electrical hazard analysis. Shock Hazard Analysis: Determine the voltage, Limited, Restricted and Prohibited Approach Boundary requirements and PPE to protect the worker from electrical shock. Arc Flash Hazard Analysis: Determine the Arc Flash Protection Boundary and PPE to protect people working within the Arc Flash Protection Boundary. Consult the electrical equipment labeling for the results of the shock and arc flash hazard analysis. These labels may include the incident energy, PPE requirements, and approach boundaries from engineering calculations. When the equipment label indicates dangerous incident energy levels (greater than 40 cal/cm 2 ), and exceeds NFPA 70E PPE requirements, contact the Safety Director immediately for assistance. Do not even operate a switch with the equipment doors closed at these dangerous incident energy levels. The equipment may not contain the arc blast in the event of a mechanical failure. In the absence of these calculations and labels, utilize the Hazard Risk Category (HRC) Guide - NFPA 70E table 130.1(c)(9) (attached). This HRC Guide is also included within each hot work kit. This guide identifies the proper PPE, and when rubber insulating gloves and hand tools are required for a variety of work tasks. There are limitations to the Hazard Risk Category Guide. Complete an arc flash hazard analysis (engineering calculations) when your task falls outside the scope of the HRC Guide otherwise perform the work de-energized. These situations typically occur when: task is not listed in guide power system is greater than the assumed maximum short circuit current capacity longer than assumed maximum fault clearing times Pay special attention to the guide notes for these limitations. Contact the Safety and Health Director for assistance with the calculations. 5 Revised November 2009

6 LOCKOUT/TAGOUT ELECTRICALLY SAFE WORK CONDITION The steps to achieve an electrical safe work condition are: 1. Identify all energy sources. Energy sources may include, but are not limited to, electrical, batteries, capacitance, mechanical, hydraulic, air, chemical and potential stored energy (springs, gravity). Use the one-line diagram and other electrical drawings to identify possible back feed sources; generators, transfer switches, tie switches, UPS batteries, transformers, etc. 2. After properly interrupting the load current, use the left hand rule to open the disconnect device. 3. Visually verify that all blades of the disconnecting device are fully open, whenever possible. Visually verify that drawout-type circuit breakers are fully withdrawn. 4. Apply lockout / tagout device. 5. Test before touch! For 1000 volts and below, use a Category III or IV rated voltage detector to test each phase conductor or circuit part to verify they are de-energized. Test each phase conductor both phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground. Before and after each test, determine that the voltage detector is operating properly. Proximity testers (tic-tracers) are not an acceptable means of checking voltage. 6. Where the possibility of induced voltages or stored electrical energy exists, ground the phase conductors or circuit parts before touching them. 7. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment while verifying all energy sources are de-energized with a voltage detector and applying grounds. Consult the equipment label or this policy for PPE requirements, depending on the task. Equipment shall not be considered de-energized (in an electrically safe work condition) until it is locked and tagged out, tested and grounded (where appropriate)! ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT Pre-plan the task using the Energized Electrical Work Permit Hot Work Pre-Plan Form (attachment) for all hot work tasks (equipment not placed in an electrically safe work condition). Describe the task and the specific reason the equipment cannot be de-energized or the work deferred until the next scheduled outage. Identify the electricians assigned the task, the potential hazards, safe work procedures, PPE and tools needed. Review the completed hot work pre-plan form with all workers assisting in the operation and obtain their signatures (i.e. job debriefing). The Project Manager and Safety Director must sign the form for all tasks involving more than 800 amps. Turn in completed forms to the Safety Director. When the owner, customer representative or GC can justify hot work according to NFPA 70E 130.1, then they shall also sign the permit to authorize the hot work. Use this sign off as a tool to convince the owner not to do hot work. Exceptions: The permit does not have to be completed for testing, troubleshooting and voltage measuring tasks. However, PPE and the appropriate electrical safe work practices must still be followed. The permit also does not have to be completed when the Limited Approach Boundary is crossed for visual inspection only and the Restricted Approach Boundary is not crossed. 6 Revised November 2009

7 APPOROACH BOUNDARIES Limited Approach Boundary: An electrical shock boundary whereby only qualified people can enter because they have the skills and knowledge to recognize and avoid electrical hazards. Unqualified people must stay outside the Limited Approach Boundary so they cannot contact energized parts. Restricted Approach Boundary: The distance from exposed energized parts where there is an increased risk of electrical shock due to electric arc-over combined with inadvertent movement. A qualified person must wear PPE for protection (typically rubber insulating gloves and use insulated tools) from the electrical shock hazard when working within the Restricted Approach Boundary. Prohibited Approach Boundary: The distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which work is considered the same as making contact with the electrical conductor or circuit part. A qualified person must avoid performing work within the Prohibited Approach Boundary. Arc Flash Protection Boundary: The distance from an arc source at which a person could receive a second-degree burn if an electrical arc flash would occur. All people must wear appropriate PPE while working/standing within this approach boundary. Refer to the table below for minimum approach distances. Limited Approach Boundary Restricted Approach Boundary Includes Arc Flash Protection Nominal System Voltage Exposed Movable Exposed Fixed Circuit Inadvertent Movement Prohibited Approach Boundary Range, Phase to Phase 2 Conductor 3 Part Boundary (Panelboards Only) Less than 50 Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified Not specified 50 to ft. 0 in. 3 ft. 6 in. Avoid contact Avoid contact 4 ft. 0 in to ft. 0 in. 3 ft. 6 in. 1 ft. 0 in. 0 ft. 1 in. 4 ft. 0 in to 15 kv 10 ft. 0 in. 5 ft. 0 in. 2 ft. 2 in. 2 0 ft. 7 in. 40 ft. 0 in kv to 36 kv 10 ft. 0 in. 6 ft. 0 in. 2 ft. 7 in. 2 0 ft. 10 in. 40 ft. 0 in. 4 7 Revised November 2009

8 In the absence of a engineering calculation, use 4 feet (for panelboards only) when the product of clearing time of 2 cycles (.033 sec) and the available bolted fault current of 50 ka or any combination not exceeding 100 ka cycles. When the product of clearing times and bolted fault current exceeds 100 ka cycles, then do the calculation. This 4 feet rule applies only to panelboards, not MCC s and switchgear. An arc flash protection boundary calculation should be done for MCC s and switchgear operations. For single-phase systems, select the range that is equal to the system s maximum phase-to-ground voltage multiplied by A condition in which the distance between the conductor and a person is not under the control of the person. The term is normally applied to overhead line conductors supported by poles. In the absence of arc flash boundary calculations on equipment labeling, default to 40 feet. UNQUALIFIED PEOPLE ACCESS TO WORKING SPACE All unqualified people must stay outside the Limited Approach Boundary and the Arc Flash Protection Boundary, which ever distance is greater. They must remain outside these approach boundaries until the electrical hazard is eliminated / controlled. Develop a plan for keeping unqualified people and qualified people not wearing PPE, outside the approach boundary. For large electrical rooms, cordon off the work area with barricades and signs. Small electrical rooms can be controlled by keeping everyone outside the electrical room with a closed door and a spotter. When working in a panel in a hallway of an occupied building, set up a barricade system to keep unqualified people out. 8 Revised November 2009

9 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) Complete an electrical shock and arc flash hazard analysis to determine the appropriate PPE for the hazard. It is always best to complete the engineering calculations as part of this analysis. Only when the data is not readily available to complete the calculations, then use the Hazard Risk Category Guide (attached) to determine the appropriate level of PPE. Refer to the guide notes to be certain that the guide applies for your situation. When your situation is outside the scope of the guide, then engineering calculations must be completed or de-energize. HRC Protective Clothing Minimum cal/cm 2 ATPV Hard Hat, Safety Glasses or Goggles, Hearing Protection, Leather Work Shoes and Leather Gloves Apply to All 0 Natural fiber long-sleeve shirt & pants N/A Rubber insulating gloves (AN) 1 FR long sleeve shirt & pants or FR coveralls 4 Arc rated face shield Rubber insulating gloves (AN) 2 FR long sleeve shirt & pants or FR coveralls 8 Arc rated face shield, with balaclava or arc flash hood, 2* FR long sleeve shirt & pants or FR coveralls 8 Arc rated flash suit over FR coveralls 3 or FR long sleeve shirt & pants 25 Arc rated flash suit over FR coveralls 4 or FR long sleeve shirt & pants 40 HRC = Hazard Risk Category FR = Flame Resistant AN = As Needed Rubber insulating gloves (AN) Arc rated face shield with balaclava or Arc flash suit hood, Rubber insulating gloves (AN) Arc rated switching hood, Rubber insulating gloves (AN) Arc rated switching hood. Rubber insulating gloves (AN) When the hazard is greater than 40 cal/cm 2, then de-energize because of the high arc blast hazards. Contact the Safety and Health Director for assistance. ATPV - Arc Thermal Performance Value: It is defined in ASTM S58 standard arc test method for flame resistant fabrics as the incident energy that would just cause the onset of a seconddegree burn (1.2 cal/cm 2 ). Consensus standards define an injury when the energy reaches the skin to begin a second-degree burn or curable burn. 9 Revised November 2009

10 Face Protection For HRC 1, wear a arc-rated face shield with chin guard, suitable for the arc flash exposure. For HRC 2 and 2*, wear a balaclava in addition to the face shield. Never wear a clear face shield instead of an arc-rated face shield. For HRC 3 and 4, wear an arc-rated hood suitable for the exposure. Some hoods are provided with fans for ventilation to keep the window from fogging up and keep the worker cool. Always wear your safety glasses or goggles underneath the face shield or hood. FR Clothing For HRC 1 and 2, wear FR coveralls or FR long sleeve shirt and pants that are rated for the hazard. For HRC 3 and 4, wear the appropriate level arc flash suit. Layering Layering non-melting, non-flammable garments and FR garments is permitted as long as the total clothing systems meets the minimum arc rating hazard (cal/cm 2 ). Outer Layers Garments worn as outer layers over FR clothing, such as jackets or rainwear, shall also be made from FR material. Under Layers Always wear natural fiber clothing under your FR clothing. The under layers not only include your shirt and pants but also underwear. An arc flash can create enough heat to melt clothing underneath your flame resistant clothing. The heat will pass through the flame resistant clothing even though it will not catch on fire or break open. Absolutely no synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, and synthetic-blends can be worn during hot work. Coverage Clothing shall cover potentially exposed areas as completely as possible. Shirt sleeves shall be fastened at the wrists, and shirts and jackets shall be closed at the neck. Fit Avoid tight-fitting clothing, Loose clothing provides additional thermal insulation because of air spaces. FR apparel shall fit properly so that it does not interfere with the work task. Care and Maintenance of Arc-Rated Clothing Inspection: Complete a visual inspection before each use. Damaged or contaminated arcrated clothing (torn fabric, ripped stitching) shall not be used and shall be reported to the Safety & Health Director. Storage: Store arc-rated clothing in a manner that prevents physical damage, damage from moisture, dust or contamination from flammable or combustible materials. Typically, this clothing is stored in plastic containers or duffle bags. Washing: Clean arc-rated clothing according to manufacturer s instructions. Machine wash FR clothing separately using a detergent. Do not use chlorine bleach. Do not line dry in sunlight. 10 Revised November 2009

11 Head Protection A hard hat is required for all hot work tasks. When hairnets or beard nets are required, they also must be non-melting and flame resistant. Foot Protection Wear leather work shoes for all hot work tasks. Wear dielectric over shoes when there is an exposure against step and touch potential. Hearing Protection Wear hearing protection for all hot work tasks. Rubber Insulating Gloves with Leather Protectors Wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors when exposed to electric shock hazards. Refer to the HRC Guide for hot work tasks requiring rubber insulating gloves. Where rubber insulating gloves are not required, a leather glove is still needed. Verify that rubber insulating gloves have passed a voltage test within the past 6 months. Staff Electric provides Class 00 (500V) gloves for 480 volt exposures and below and 36 kv rated gloves for medium voltage tasks. Before each use, visually inspect your gloves and complete an air test. Inspect rubber gloves for holes, rips or tears, ozone cutting, UV checking and signs of chemical deterioration. Complete an air test to make it easier to detect damage. Roll the cuff of the glove tight to trap air inside then apply pressure to areas of the glove to inspect and listen for escaping air. Then repeat the procedure with the glove turned inside out. If there are any defects or irregularities in the rubber gloves, remove them from service and contact the Safety Director immediately. Damage would include physical damage (punctures, cuts, abrasions), chemical deterioration (swelling, softness, hardening, stickiness) ozone deterioration and other irregularities. Rubber insulating gloves can be damaged by many chemicals, especially petroleum based products (oil, gasoline, hydraulic fluid), solvents, hand creams, pastes and salves. If contact is made with these or other chemical products, the contaminant should be wiped off immediately. Gloves should be cleaned using a mild soap and rinsed with clear water. The gloves can then air dry. Refer to the attachment Inspecting Insulating Gloves With Protectors for details. Leather protectors must also be inspected. Metal particles, embedded wire, and abrasive materials that could physically damage the rubber glove must be removed before using the protector. Properly store rubber gloves in canvas bags to protect them from damage and extend service life. Place the gloves flat in the canvas bag with the glove opening towards the bottom. Never force more than one pair into a bag. Folds and creases strain rubber and cause it to crack from ozone prematurely. Gloves should be retested after all hot work incidents. 11 Revised November 2009

12 INSULATING MATERIALS AND TOOLS Rubber Blankets & Clear PVC Insulating Sheeting: Use rubber blankets and clear PVC insulated sheeting (rated 7.5kV) to protect live parts. Wear appropriate PPE while placing/removing insulating materials and while voltage testing. Rubber blankets (orange- 3 x 3 ) rated 36 kv are available from the shop for protecting live parts. Verify that the rubber blankets have passed a voltage test and inspection within the past 12 months. The last testing date will be stamped on the blanket. Inspect the rubber blankets prior to use for damage, cuts, holes, abrasions, etc. Remove damaged rubber blankets from service and notify the Safety Director. The clear insulating sheeting is rated for use at 7.5 kv. The sheeting comes in a roll 3 feet wide and 30 feet long. The material can be cut to any size and shape to protect live parts. Inspect the sheeting prior to use for damage, cuts, holes, and abrasions. Dispose of damaged sheeting in the trash. Provide floor matting (insulated) where deemed necessary by the pre-plan. Voltage Rated Tools: Use Voltage rated tools when there is the potential for the tool to come in contact with energized parts. Refer to the Hazard Risk Category Guide (attached) for details on which tasks require voltage rated tools. Voltage rated tools are rated for 1000 volts and labeled with the symbol. Inspect the condition of the tools prior to use. Remove damaged tools from service and contact the Safety Director. GENERAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES: Determine the number of electricians required to complete the task. Is a standby person needed? Emergency communication needed? An apprentice may never work unsupervised (alone). A journeyman must always be on the premises. Remain alert while working within the Limited Approach Boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Employees are not permitted to work within the Limited Approach Boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts while their alertness is impaired due to illness, fatigue or other reasons. Do not reach blindly into areas that might contain exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts where an electrical hazard exists. Do not enter spaces containing electrical hazards without adequate illumination. 12 Revised November 2009

13 GENERAL SAFE WORK PRACTICES- CONTINUED: Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such as watchbands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces, metal headgear, and metal frame glasses) and tools including metal flashlights shall not be worn where they may present an electrical contact hazard with exposed electrical conductors or circuit parts. Pre-plan your body positioning to minimize contact with energized parts. Use two (2) electricians for handling large panel covers and dead fronts with dimensions of 20W x60h and larger. Test for phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground potential before installing any circuit breaker bus switch, MCC bucket, etc. into an energized or de-energized piece of equipment. Verify component voltage rating is compatible for use. Use non-conductive fish tape or pulling line any time conductors are pulled into energized equipment. Whenever raceways are added to energized equipment, all exposed bus and energized components shall be covered with an approved insulating material (such as voltage rated blanket), and be physically protected from shavings or dropped materials. Grounding After Testing: Where the possibility of induced voltages or stored electrical energy exists, ground the phase conductors or circuit parts before touching them. 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. Are there any possible back-feeds of the circuits? Provide adequate lighting to perform task. Clean up work area to eliminate all tripping hazards. Cordon off approach boundary. Are any unqualified people in the area? Notify affected people of the work to be performed. Treat neutrals and grounds with the same care as hot phase conductors. All hot work incidents must be reported to the Safety Director to investigate possible causes and corrective action. 13 Revised November 2009

14 Maintenance Related Tasks HRC 0: Maintenance related tasks such as changing ballasts, replacing switches and receptacles, are typically routine and repetitive. The justification process for energized work shall also be completed for these low risk tasks. Consequently, the vast majority of these tasks shall be completed while de-energized in an electrically safe work condition. Complete an arc flash hazard assessment for testing and troubleshooting activities. For example, removing a junction box cover for a branch circuit while troubleshooting, the worker must determine the appropriate hazard risk category - typically 0. The appropriate PPE for hazard class 0 is hard hat, safety glasses, long sleeve cotton shirt, rubber gloves with leather protectors and voltage rated tools. The worker must wear the appropriate PPE including the rubber gloves when doing these tasks. Wire nuts will be installed on all fixture whips at the time of installation. Wire nuts will be needed later anyway when the fixture is installed, therefore it is an efficient use of time to install them right away. The wire nuts will act as a redundant safeguard in case the circuit is inadvertantly energized. In addition, the circuit will be locked and tagout out at the panel if the panel is energized and the circuit breaker is terminated. LABELING Post arc flash warning labels on new equipment installed per NEC Switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures and motor control centers shall be marked to warn qualified persons of potential electrical arc flash hazards per NEC The markings shall be located so as to be clearly visible to qualified persons before examination, adjustment, servicing or maintenance of the equipment. For panels, the markings should be placed on the outside cover where possible, because they need to be visible before examination. On unit substations or large switchboards, place the markings on each compartment or section so they are clearly visible from the direction one approaches the equipment. A marking/label is not required for individual switches but rather each access compartment. Larger labels may be appropriate on larger equipment such as substations to make them clearly visible. In addition, contact the Staff Electric office regarding equipment labels containing the available incident energy or required level of PPE per NFPA 70E (c). Do not attempt to perform calculations in the field to satisfy this requirement. Determination of this information is an engineering or office function. 14 Revised November 2009

15 TRAINING Electricians receive education on electrical safe work practices through several methods: NFPA 70E Training: All electricians must be trained in NFPA 70E as part of the requirements to be considered qualified to perform hot work. This training shall include the following: The proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, including arc flash insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment. The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts from other parts of electrical equipment. The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts. The approach distances and corresponding voltage to which the qualified person will be exposed. The decision making process necessary to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to perform the task safely. Trained to select an appropriate voltage detector and demonstrate how to use a device to verify the absence of voltage, including interpreting indications provided by the device. This training shall include the limitations of the voltage detector that may be used. Trained in emergency procedures including methods of release of victims from contact with exposed energized parts and first aid and CPR. Tasks performed less than once per year shall require retraining before the performance of the work practices involved. Tool Box Safety Talks: Several safety talks on arc flash hazards, electrical safe work practices and NFPA 70E are available to the Foremen for their weekly meetings. The Foremen should repeat these talks when hot work activities are performed on the job. Job Site Specific Training: Additional on site training is provided by the Safety Director. Electrical safe work practices specific to the facility are discussed with the crew. AUDIT OF ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAM The electrical safety program shall be audited to help ensure it is being followed properly. The Foreman and Safety Director are responsible for auditing the program by inspecting hot work operations in the field. Deficiencies will be corrected immediately and retraining implemented as appropriate. The inspection results will be documented on the Staff Electric Safety Survey Form. 15 Revised November 2009

16 Attachments Hazard Risk Category Guide from NFPA 70E Table 130.7(c)(9). Energized Electrical Work Permit Hot Work Pre-Plan Form Inspecting Insulating Gloves with Protectors Accident Victim Checklist 16 Revised November 2009