Electrical Safe Work Practices

July 15, 2005

Important

NOTE: Working hot is a last alternative

All activities on or near electrically energized systems having live parts shall be conducted in accordance with the limitations and procedures specified in the latest version of NFPA 70E and with the safe work practices and conditions that follow.

Only qualified personnel {as defined in NFPA 70E Article 110.6(D)} as authorized by supervisor can perform such work.

Safe Work Practices
  • Know the equipment and potential hazards - Define the scope of work.
  • Submit the scope of work to your supervisor for approval.
  • Analyze the hazards use engineered methods to mitigate hazards.
  • Establish procedures as necessary.
  • Use barricades or other means to prevent unqualified persons crossing approach boundaries.
  • Personnel shall employ insulating barriers to prevent themselves and others from leaning into or falling into live parts and to prevent live parts that might become loose from contacting personnel.
  • Personnel shall wear safety glasses.
  • Personnel shall not wear metallic personal items (e.g., jewelry, glasses, watches) while working on or near live parts.
  • Personnel shall use non-conducting ladders when needed.
  • Always assume a conductor is energized until proven otherwise.
  • Personnel shall wear voltage rated gloves when using tools on or near live parts.
  • Personnel shall use only personal protective equipment that is designed [approved. certified] for the hazard.
  • Personnel shall use only insulated tools when working on or near live parts.
  • Personnel shall use only tools and instruments that are designed for the system voltage.
  • Personnel shall not bypass interlocks or safety devices that protect persons against electrical shockexcept when absolutely necessary and then only with written approval from your supervisor
  • Whenever possible, do not work alone.
  • Safety Watch is required when deemed so by your supervisor. This person shall be CPR trained and be familiar with removing all sources of power to the devise being worked upon and have ready access to a phone in order to call 911 in case of emergency.
  • When operating circuit breakers or fused switches. ALWAYS stand to the side NEVER directly in front of the device being operated.
Work Conditions
  • Personnel should inspect electrical equipment for defective parts, faulty insulation, improper grounding, loose connections, ground faults, and unguarded live parts and should take appropriate remedial action before working on or near live parts.
  • Personnel should work only where there is adequate clearance.
  • Personnel should not work on or near live parts that are in a hazardous location (e.g., in wet or damp areas, where there are corrosive or flammable atmospheres).
  • Restrict non-participants from the work area.