Electrical safety

(1)

(2)

O

ver the last 10 ver the last 10 years, more than 46,000 workers wereyears, more than 46,000 workers were injured from on-the-job

injured from on-the-job electrical hazards. Theseelectrical hazards. These types of injuries are not isolated to

types of injuries are not isolated to any one industry or oneany one industry or one eld of work. It could

eld of work. It could happen to anyone when they leasthappen to anyone when they least expect it.

expect it. It could even happen to you. It could even happen to you. FortunatelyFortunately, you, you have a choice to protect

have a choice to protect yourself from these threats.yourself from these threats.

Your choice matters

During the work day, a worker is hurt

During the work day, a worker is hurt every 30 minutes soevery 30 minutes so severely from electricity that it requires time off the job. severely from electricity that it requires time off the job. Recovery from electrical shocks and burns is slow and Recovery from electrical shocks and burns is slow and painful.

painful. But, it could be worse. Nearly 300 workers dieBut, it could be worse. Nearly 300 workers die from on-the-job

from on-the-job electrical injuries each year. Your choiceelectrical injuries each year. Your choice affects families, friends, colleagues and

affects families, friends, colleagues and YOU.YOU.

You have a choice:

Here is how you can

choose safety every day:

Awar

Awareness of electrical hazards is critical to eness of electrical hazards is critical to avoiding avoiding and preventing accidents. Our

and preventing accidents. Our WorkWorkplace Safetyplace Safety toolkit will provide you with

toolkit will provide you with valuable informationvaluable information that will help you to

that will help you to make safe choices everyday and make safe choices everyday and tips to create a

tips to create a safer work environment. safer work environment. This tool kit This tool kit will address topics such as:

will address topics such as:

Deenergize – Deenergize – Deenergize

Power down whenever possible. Working on energized Power down whenever possible. Working on energized equipment greatly increases your risk of injury and death. equipment greatly increases your risk of injury and death.

Lock out/Tag out & Test Before You Touch

Each worksite is dynamic. Following these

Each worksite is dynamic. Following these key principleskey principles can prevent shock or worse.

can prevent shock or worse.

Arc Flash Prevention & Personal Protective

Equipment (PPE)

In the blink of an eye, an arc ash can forever change In the blink of an eye, an arc ash can forever change your life. Protect yourself by choosing the appropriate your life. Protect yourself by choosing the appropriate equipment for the job.

equipment for the job.

Job Planning & Work Permits

Assess the hazards and dene the tasks each job Assess the hazards and dene the tasks each job willwill entail.

entail. Never work energized unless it is necessNever work energized unless it is necessary.ary.

Who is ESFI?

The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is dedicated exclusively to promoting

is dedicated exclusively to promoting electrical safetyelectrical safety.. Established in 1994, ESFI

Established in 1994, ESFI proudly sponsors Nationalproudly sponsors National Electrical Safety Month each May and focuses on raising Electrical Safety Month each May and focuses on raising worker education to reduce personal injury and death worker education to reduce personal injury and death due to electrical accidents. With the support of many due to electrical accidents. With the support of many individuals, corporations, and organizations, ESFI is the individuals, corporations, and organizations, ESFI is the leading advocate of electrical safety in the workplace. leading advocate of electrical safety in the workplace.

>

<

Choose Safety. Choose Safety. Most electrically-relat

Most electrically-related fatalities and ed fatalities and injuries could injuries could easily be avoided.

easily be avoided. Responsibility for your safeResponsibility for your safety beginsty begins with you. Take steps to protect yourself everyday and with you. Take steps to protect yourself everyday and make safety an integral part of

make safety an integral part of how you do how you do business.business.

2

2 33

E

very year, workers are injured or killed by circuitsvery year, workers are injured or killed by circuits they thought were safely turned

they thought were safely turned off. Simply shuttingoff. Simply shutting off the power is not

off the power is not enough. Hazardous conditions canenough. Hazardous conditions can still exist. Make sure to always

still exist. Make sure to alwaysTEST BEFORE YOUTEST BEFORE YOU

TOUCH

TOUCH.. You may not get a second chance to learn You may not get a second chance to learn thisthis important lesson.

important lesson.

Electrical hazards on the job can be

Electrical hazards on the job can be avoided by followingavoided by following approved NFPA 70E and OHSA guidelines. Skilled approved NFPA 70E and OHSA guidelines. Skilled employees, trained in electrical safety procedures, should employees, trained in electrical safety procedures, should make sure they understand

make sure they understand and follow safety precautions.and follow safety precautions. Those not trained to recognize and

Those not trained to recognize and avoid electricalavoid electrical systems, or not under the supervision of those systems, or not under the supervision of those qualiedqualied in electrical safety procedures, should avoid

in electrical safety procedures, should avoid contact withcontact with electrical systems and equipment.

electrical systems and equipment.

Deenergize — Be Proactive About Your Safety

The number one way to

The number one way to prevent electrical injuries andprevent electrical injuries and deaths is to deenergize the equipment being worked on. deaths is to deenergize the equipment being worked on. ItIt might take a little more time and planning, but your life might take a little more time and planning, but your life and health are worth it.

and health are worth it. Be proactive about deenergizingBe proactive about deenergizing equipment and taking steps to ensure that

equipment and taking steps to ensure that it stays a safeit stays a safe work environment.

work environment.

Lockout/Tagout Helps Prevent the Unexpected

Lockout/tagout procedures safeguard workers from the Lockout/tagout procedures safeguard workers from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment. They also can prevent the release of hazardous equipment. They also can prevent the release of hazardous energy during service or

energy during service or maintenance activities.maintenance activities.

Too Many Workers Put Themselves at Risk

Each day, nearly 3 million workers

Each day, nearly 3 million workers participate inparticipate in work activities where lockout/tagout procedures could work activities where lockout/tagout procedures could protect them. Unfortunately, too many workers still put protect them. Unfortunately, too many workers still put

themselves unnecessaril

themselves unnecessarily at risk y at risk by working energized or by working energized or not following their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. not following their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. Failure to comply with OSHA’s lockout/tagout standard is Failure to comply with OSHA’s lockout/tagout standard is listed as one of the

listed as one of the top violations year after year.top violations year after year.

Lockout/Tagout Could Save Your Life

By always deenergizing and following established lockout/ By always deenergizing and following established lockout/ tagout procedures, lives are being saved. Compliance to tagout procedures, lives are being saved. Compliance to OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures prevents an estimated OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000

120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year. Workersinjuries each year. Workers injured on the job

injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy losefrom exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24

an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.workdays for recuperation.

Test Before You

Touch Every Time:

>

Steps for Achieving an

Electrically-Saf

e

Work Condition*

De

1.

1. termine termine all all possible possible sources sources of of electrical electrical supplysupply

to the equipment.

After properly interrupting the load current, open

2.

the disconnecting device(s) for each source.

If possible, visually verify that the disconnecting

3.

devices are fully open or that the

drawout-type circuit breakers are withdrawn to the fully

type circuit breakers are withdrawn to the fully

disconnected position.

Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with

4.

your company’s procedures.

Use an adequately rated voltage detector to test

5.

each phase conductor or circuit part to verify it is

deenergized. Before and after each test, make sure

that that the voltage meter is working correctly.

Where the possibility of stored energy exists,

6.

ground the phase conductors or circuit parts before

touching them.

Working with electricity requires planning and

Working with electricity requires planning and extreme care.extreme care. Whether you are on the job or

Whether you are on the job or tackling a project at home,tackling a project at home, deenergizing and practicing safe work habits can signicantly deenergizing and practicing safe work habits can signicantly reduce your risk.

reduce your risk.

1 1.. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5. 6. 6.

(3)

E

very year, workers are injured or killed by circuitsvery year, workers are injured or killed by circuits they thought were safely turned

they thought were safely turned off. Simply shuttingoff. Simply shutting off the power is not

off the power is not enough. Hazardous conditions canenough. Hazardous conditions can still exist. Make sure to always

still exist. Make sure to alwaysTEST BEFORE YOUTEST BEFORE YOU

TOUCH

TOUCH.. You may not get a second chance to learn You may not get a second chance to learn thisthis important lesson.

important lesson.

Electrical hazards on the job can be

Electrical hazards on the job can be avoided by followingavoided by following approved NFPA 70E and OHSA guidelines. Skilled approved NFPA 70E and OHSA guidelines. Skilled employees, trained in electrical safety procedures, should employees, trained in electrical safety procedures, should make sure they understand

make sure they understand and follow safety precautions.and follow safety precautions. Those not trained to recognize and

Those not trained to recognize and avoid electricalavoid electrical systems, or not under the supervision of those systems, or not under the supervision of those qualiedqualied in electrical safety procedures, should avoid

in electrical safety procedures, should avoid contact withcontact with electrical systems and equipment.

electrical systems and equipment.

Deenergize — Be Proactive About Your Safety

The number one way to

The number one way to prevent electrical injuries andprevent electrical injuries and deaths is to deenergize the equipment being worked on. deaths is to deenergize the equipment being worked on. ItIt might take a little more time and planning, but your life might take a little more time and planning, but your life and health are worth it.

and health are worth it. Be proactive about deenergizingBe proactive about deenergizing equipment and taking steps to ensure that

equipment and taking steps to ensure that it stays a safeit stays a safe work environment.

work environment.

Lockout/Tagout Helps Prevent the Unexpected

Lockout/tagout procedures safeguard workers from the Lockout/tagout procedures safeguard workers from the unexpected energization or startup of machinery and unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment. They also can prevent the release of hazardous equipment. They also can prevent the release of hazardous energy during service or

energy during service or maintenance activities.maintenance activities.

Too Many Workers Put Themselves at Risk

Each day, nearly 3 million workers

Each day, nearly 3 million workers participate inparticipate in work activities where lockout/tagout procedures could work activities where lockout/tagout procedures could protect them. Unfortunately, too many workers still put protect them. Unfortunately, too many workers still put

themselves unnecessaril

themselves unnecessarily at risk y at risk by working energized or by working energized or not following their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. not following their company’s lockout/tagout procedures. Failure to comply with OSHA’s lockout/tagout standard is Failure to comply with OSHA’s lockout/tagout standard is listed as one of the

listed as one of the top violations year after year.top violations year after year.

Lockout/Tagout Could Save Your Life

By always deenergizing and following established lockout/ By always deenergizing and following established lockout/ tagout procedures, lives are being saved. Compliance to tagout procedures, lives are being saved. Compliance to OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures prevents an estimated OSHA’s lockout/tagout procedures prevents an estimated 120 fatalities and 50,000

120 fatalities and 50,000 injuries each year. Workersinjuries each year. Workers injured on the job

injured on the job from exposure to hazardous energy losefrom exposure to hazardous energy lose an average of 24

an average of 24 workdays for recuperation.workdays for recuperation.

Test Before You

Touch Every Time:

>

Steps for Achieving an

Work Condition*

Electrically-Saf

e

De

1.

1. termine termine all all possible possible sources sources of of electrical electrical supplysupply

to the equipment.

After properly interrupting the load current, open

2.

the disconnecting device(s) for each source.

If possible, visually verify that the disconnecting

3.

devices are fully open or that the

drawout-type circuit breakers are withdrawn to the fully

type circuit breakers are withdrawn to the fully

disconnected position.

Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with

4.

your company’s procedures.

Use an adequately rated voltage detector to test

5.

each phase conductor or circuit part to verify it is

deenergized. Before and after each test, make sure

that that the voltage meter is working correctly.

Where the possibility of stored energy exists,

6.

ground the phase conductors or circuit parts before

touching them.

* For a more complete list, please see NFPA 70E ® * For a more complete list, please see NFPA 70E ®

Working with electricity requires planning and

Working with electricity requires planning and extreme care.extreme care. Whether you are on the job or

Whether you are on the job or tackling a project at home,tackling a project at home, deenergizing and practicing safe work habits can signicantly deenergizing and practicing safe work habits can signicantly reduce your risk.

reduce your risk.

1 1.. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5. 6. 6. 4 4 55

What is an Arc Flash?

A

n arc ash is the n arc ash is the sudden release of electricalsudden release of electrical energy through the air when a

energy through the air when a high–voltagehigh–voltage gap exists and there is a

gap exists and there is a breakdown betweenbreakdown between conductors.

conductors.

An arc ash gives off thermal radiation (heat) An arc ash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can cause and bright, intense light that can cause burns.burns. Tempera

Temperatures have been recorded as high tures have been recorded as high as 35,000as 35,000 ˚F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures burns ˚F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures burns the skin directly and ignites the clothing that the skin directly and ignites the clothing that youyou are wearing. High–voltage arcs can also produce are wearing. High–voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a

the air and creating a blast. This pressure burstblast. This pressure burst can hit a worker with

can hit a worker with grenade-like force and sendgrenade-like force and send

metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum electrical components shooting out at speeds up to electrical components shooting out at speeds up to 700 miles per hour, fast enough for

700 miles per hour, fast enough for the tiny shrapnelthe tiny shrapnel to penetrate your body.

to penetrate your body.

W cue  c ?

An arc ash can be

An arc ash can be spontaneous or result fromspontaneous or result from inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other causes may include a conducting object. Other causes may include dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.

corrosion.

Cii ue wic c  c ccu: Cii ue wic c  c ccu:

•

• WorkWorking on an energized circuiting on an energized circuit

>

II

n the event of a momentary electric arc, ash re, or exposure to energizedn the event of a momentary electric arc, ash re, or exposure to energized equipment, a worker can nd himself completely unprotected against equipment, a worker can nd himself completely unprotected against forces that cause severe or fatal injuries. Everyday work clothes can ignite forces that cause severe or fatal injuries. Everyday work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. Normal clothes will continue to burn until the fabric is

Normal clothes will continue to burn until the fabric is totally consumed or will continue to burn with melting totally consumed or will continue to burn with melting and dripping causing severe contact burns to the skin. and dripping causing severe contact burns to the skin. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your last line Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your last line of defense and will be the major factor in differentiating of defense and will be the major factor in differentiating

between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires

months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms, months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms, including hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, including hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, ame-resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, fall resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, fall protection equipment, etc.

protection equipment, etc.

I e  Me PPE w  yu, PPE u e:

•

• Appropriate for the Appropriate for the hazardhazard •

• Worn as Worn as the outermost layer the outermost layer •

• Worn CORRECTLWorn CORRECTLY; Y; zipped, buttzipped, butt oned, etc.oned, etc. •

• Repaired correctly and removed from servicRepaired correctly and removed from service when needede when needed

Personal Protective Equipment

is Your Last Line of Defense.

>

Workers often nd themselves in environments where they Workers often nd themselves in environments where they are exposed to unseen electrical hazards.

are exposed to unseen electrical hazards.

Arc Flash Explosions Happen Every Day.

While great advances are being made While great advances are being made to improveto improve equipment design and thereby reduce the number of arc equipment design and thereby reduce the number of arc ash incidences each year, ther

ash incidences each year, there is still much to e is still much to be done.be done. 2,000 workers are admitted to burn centers each year for 2,000 workers are admitted to burn centers each year for treatment of severe arc ash burns – that’s the equivalent of treatment of severe arc ash burns – that’s the equivalent of 5 to 10

(4)

What is an Arc Flash?

A

n arc ash is the n arc ash is the sudden release of electricalsudden release of electrical energy through the air when a

energy through the air when a high–voltagehigh–voltage gap exists and there is a

gap exists and there is a breakdown betweenbreakdown between conductors.

conductors.

An arc ash gives off thermal radiation (heat) An arc ash gives off thermal radiation (heat) and bright, intense light that can cause and bright, intense light that can cause burns.burns. Tempera

Temperatures have been recorded as high tures have been recorded as high as 35,000as 35,000 ˚F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures burns ˚F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures burns the skin directly and ignites the clothing that the skin directly and ignites the clothing that youyou are wearing. High–voltage arcs can also produce are wearing. High–voltage arcs can also produce considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating considerable pressure waves by rapidly heating the air and creating a

the air and creating a blast. This pressure burstblast. This pressure burst can hit a worker with

can hit a worker with grenade-like force and sendgrenade-like force and send

metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum metal droplets from melted copper and aluminum electrical components shooting out at speeds up to electrical components shooting out at speeds up to 700 miles per hour, fast enough for

700 miles per hour, fast enough for the tiny shrapnelthe tiny shrapnel to penetrate your body.

to penetrate your body.

W cue  c ?

An arc ash can be

An arc ash can be spontaneous or result fromspontaneous or result from inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with inadvertently bridging electrical contacts with a conducting object. Other causes may include a conducting object. Other causes may include dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or dropped tools or the buildup of conductive dust or corrosion.

corrosion.

Cii ue wic c  c ccu: Cii ue wic c  c ccu:

•

• WorkWorking on an energized circuiting on an energized circuit

>

II

n the event of a momentary electric arc, ash re, or exposure to energizedn the event of a momentary electric arc, ash re, or exposure to energized equipment, a worker can nd himself completely unprotected against equipment, a worker can nd himself completely unprotected against forces that cause severe or fatal injuries. Everyday work clothes can ignite forces that cause severe or fatal injuries. Everyday work clothes can ignite and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. and will continue to burn even after the source of ignition has been removed. Normal clothes will continue to burn until the fabric is

Normal clothes will continue to burn until the fabric is totally consumed or will continue to burn with melting totally consumed or will continue to burn with melting and dripping causing severe contact burns to the skin. and dripping causing severe contact burns to the skin. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your last line Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your last line of defense and will be the major factor in differentiating of defense and will be the major factor in differentiating

between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires between an electrical event you walk away from and one that requires

months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms, months of painful healing. PPE comes in many different forms, including hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, including hard hats, gloves, goggles, safety shoes, ame-resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, fall resistant shirts and pants, safety glasses, face shields, fall protection equipment, etc.

protection equipment, etc.

I e  Me PPE w  yu, PPE u e:

•

• Appropriate for the Appropriate for the hazardhazard •

• Worn as Worn as the outermost layer the outermost layer •

• Worn CORRECTLWorn CORRECTLY; Y; zipped, buttzipped, butt oned, etc.oned, etc. •

• Repaired correctly and removed from servicRepaired correctly and removed from service when needede when needed

Personal Protective Equipment

is Your Last Line of Defense.

>

Workers often nd themselves in environments where they Workers often nd themselves in environments where they are exposed to unseen electrical hazards.

are exposed to unseen electrical hazards.

Arc Flash Explosions Happen Every Day.

While great advances are being made While great advances are being made to improveto improve equipment design and thereby reduce the number of arc equipment design and thereby reduce the number of arc ash incidences each year, ther

ash incidences each year, there is still much to e is still much to be done.be done. 2,000 workers are admitted to burn centers each year for 2,000 workers are admitted to burn centers each year for treatment of severe arc ash burns – that’s the equivalent of treatment of severe arc ash burns – that’s the equivalent of 5 to 10

5 to 10 arc ash incidences each day.arc ash incidences each day.

6

6 77

Planning for a job

Planning for a job properly prevproperly prevents mistakes and injuries. Safety on the job ents mistakes and injuries. Safety on the job is not something that just is not something that just happens; it should be an

happens; it should be an integral part of the planning process. Job briengs are a great way integral part of the planning process. Job briengs are a great way to includeto include and encourage all crew members in the safety planning process. Job briengs can be

and encourage all crew members in the safety planning process. Job briengs can be held at the start of held at the start of work shifts, as work tasks or hazards change, and as

work shifts, as work tasks or hazards change, and as additional personnel arrive.additional personnel arrive.

Safety Does Not Just Happen:

>

A

n important part of planning for safety is usingn important part of planning for safety is using work permits. Work permits are used when live work permits. Work permits are used when live parts cannot be deenergized. Energized work should parts cannot be deenergized. Energized work should

only be performed when deenergizing creates additional only be performed when deenergizing creates additional hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Additionally, work permits are operational limitations. Additionally, work permits are not necessary when you are testing, troubleshooting, or not necessary when you are testing, troubleshooting, or voltage measuring – provided of course that you follow voltage measuring – provided of course that you follow safe work practices and use the appropriate PPE. safe work practices and use the appropriate PPE. When work must be done

When work must be done energized, work permitsenergized, work permits help everyone involved to think through help everyone involved to think through the processthe process and to make safety a priority. Work permits include and to make safety a priority. Work permits include information such as why and how the

information such as why and how the work will bework will be conducted, detailed information about the shock and conducted, detailed information about the shock and ash hazards involved, safe work practices and personal ash hazards involved, safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used, and who protective equipment (PPE) to be used, and who

authorized the energized work. authorized the energized work.

W

ork Pe

ork Permits

rmits

are Safe

are Safety Too

ty Tools:

ls:

>

5 ways an

energized electrical work

permit can help you

The permit requires that you to dene

The permit requires that you to dene your work your work

1.

tasks and assess the hazards associated with

tasks and assess the hazards associated with thethe

work involved.

It causes you to provide justication for the

2.

work to be done energized.

work to be done energized. Why aren’t Why aren’t youyou

working de-energized as required by OSHA?

After a hazard assessment, the permit a

After a hazard assessment, the permit aids inids in

3.

selecting the PPE necessary to protect you from

shock and arc ash hazards.

The permit requires that boundaries be dened

4.

to keep unqualied workers out of harm’s way

and that electrical workers be

and that electrical workers be properly qualiedproperly qualied

for the specic energized work tasks.

The most important reason for using the

5.

permit is for the approval to perform

permit is for the approval to perform the work the work

energized. Requiring a signature is a powerful

way to reinforce the primary requirement to

work denergized.

Working Energized

If it has to

If it has to be worked energized, using a work permit will be worked energized, using a work permit will help you prepare to face the work hazards ahead with help you prepare to face the work hazards ahead with aa level of professionalism, productivity, and safety. level of professionalism, productivity, and safety.

>

1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5.

Job brIEfIng and PlannIng ChECklIst: Job brIEfIng and PlannIng ChECklIst:

(5)

Planning for a job

Planning for a job properly prevproperly prevents mistakes and injuries. Safety on the job ents mistakes and injuries. Safety on the job is not something that just is not something that just happens; it should be an

happens; it should be an integral part of the planning process. Job briengs are a great way integral part of the planning process. Job briengs are a great way to includeto include and encourage all crew members in the safety planning process. Job briengs can be

and encourage all crew members in the safety planning process. Job briengs can be held at the start of held at the start of work shifts, as work tasks or hazards change, and as

work shifts, as work tasks or hazards change, and as additional personnel arrive.additional personnel arrive.

Safety Does Not Just Happen:

>

A

n important part of planning for safety is usingn important part of planning for safety is using work permits. Work permits are used when live work permits. Work permits are used when live parts cannot be deenergized. Energized work should parts cannot be deenergized. Energized work should

only be performed when deenergizing creates additional only be performed when deenergizing creates additional hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Additionally, work permits are operational limitations. Additionally, work permits are not necessary when you are testing, troubleshooting, or not necessary when you are testing, troubleshooting, or voltage measuring – provided of course that you follow voltage measuring – provided of course that you follow safe work practices and use the appropriate PPE. safe work practices and use the appropriate PPE. When work must be done

When work must be done energized, work permitsenergized, work permits help everyone involved to think through help everyone involved to think through the processthe process and to make safety a priority. Work permits include and to make safety a priority. Work permits include information such as why and how the

information such as why and how the work will bework will be conducted, detailed information about the shock and conducted, detailed information about the shock and ash hazards involved, safe work practices and personal ash hazards involved, safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used, and who protective equipment (PPE) to be used, and who

authorized the energized work. authorized the energized work.

W

ork Pe

ork Permits

rmits

are Safe

are Safety Too

ty Tools:

ls:

>

5 ways an

energized electrical work

permit can help you

The permit requires that you to dene

The permit requires that you to dene your work your work

1.

tasks and assess the hazards associated with

tasks and assess the hazards associated with thethe

work involved.

It causes you to provide justication for the

2.

work to be done energized.

work to be done energized. Why aren’t Why aren’t youyou

working de-energized as required by OSHA?

After a hazard assessment, the permit a

After a hazard assessment, the permit aids inids in

3.

selecting the PPE necessary to protect you from

shock and arc ash hazards.

The permit requires that boundaries be dened

4.

to keep unqualied workers out of harm’s way

and that electrical workers be

and that electrical workers be properly qualiedproperly qualied

for the specic energized work tasks.

The most important reason for using the

5.

permit is for the approval to perform

permit is for the approval to perform the work the work

energized. Requiring a signature is a powerful

way to reinforce the primary requirement to

work denergized.

Working Energized

If it has to

If it has to be worked energized, using a work permit will be worked energized, using a work permit will help you prepare to face the work hazards ahead with help you prepare to face the work hazards ahead with aa level of professionalism, productivity, and safety. level of professionalism, productivity, and safety.

>

1. 1. 2. 2. 3. 3. 4. 4. 5. 5.

2004 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E ® 2004 National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E ® Job brIEfIng and PlannIng ChECklIst: Job brIEfIng and PlannIng ChECklIst:

8

8 99

What is NFPA 70E? What is NFPA 70E?

Promote awareness of this standard for electrical safety Promote awareness of this standard for electrical safety in the workplace. This short segment explains its role and in the workplace. This short segment explains its role and application in the

application in the industryindustry..

Electrical Safety 101 for Construction & Industrial Electrical Safety 101 for Construction & Industrial

These two clips cover address the most common causes These two clips cover address the most common causes of electrical injuries in the industrial setting and on of electrical injuries in the industrial setting and on construction sites. It provides unqualied electrical construction sites. It provides unqualied electrical workers with general electrical safety information workers with general electrical safety information and safe work practices, and how to

and safe work practices, and how to identify potentialidentify potential electrical hazards.

electrical hazards.

J Pi  Quie Pe & W Pemi J Pi  Quie Pe & W Pemi

This segment provides a summary overview of how to This segment provides a summary overview of how to plan for safety whether working deenergized or plan for safety whether working deenergized or not. Itnot. It

helps you to identify hazards, ask if the

helps you to identify hazards, ask if the equipment can beequipment can be de-energized, check job plans and safety procedures, think de-energized, check job plans and safety procedures, think about the unexpected, and prepare for

about the unexpected, and prepare for an emergency.an emergency.

Denergize & Test Before You Touch Denergize & Test Before You Touch

Finally

Finally, this short , this short segment will show you the segment will show you the importanceimportance of always deenergizing.

of always deenergizing. It explains the absoluteIt explains the absolute importance of testing all conductors, every time for importance of testing all conductors, every time for absence of voltage before starting a job.

absence of voltage before starting a job.

For more information on workplace safety, please visit ESFI’s website at

www.esf.org

.

The DVD included in this workplace toolkit reinforces the

The DVD included in this workplace toolkit reinforces the safety training you have already received. It focuses on: safety training you have already received. It focuses on:

ESFI’s website also has other valuable resources that are available right at your ngertips.

ESFI’s website also has other valuable resources that are available right at your ngertips. There you will nd safetyThere you will nd safety information and tips on a

information and tips on a wide variety of topics, from holiday safety to dangers associated with older home wide variety of topics, from holiday safety to dangers associated with older home wiringwiring systems.

systems. AdditionallyAdditionally, ESFI makes available press releases and other resources that will help you , ESFI makes available press releases and other resources that will help you to work with localto work with local media in reducing

(6)

What is NFPA 70E? What is NFPA 70E?

Promote awareness of this standard for electrical safety Promote awareness of this standard for electrical safety in the workplace. This short segment explains its role and in the workplace. This short segment explains its role and application in the

application in the industryindustry..

Electrical Safety 101 for Construction & Industrial Electrical Safety 101 for Construction & Industrial

These two clips cover address the most common causes These two clips cover address the most common causes of electrical injuries in the industrial setting and on of electrical injuries in the industrial setting and on construction sites. It provides unqualied electrical construction sites. It provides unqualied electrical workers with general electrical safety information workers with general electrical safety information and safe work practices, and how to

and safe work practices, and how to identify potentialidentify potential electrical hazards.

electrical hazards.

J Pi  Quie Pe & W Pemi J Pi  Quie Pe & W Pemi

This segment provides a summary overview of how to This segment provides a summary overview of how to plan for safety whether working deenergized or plan for safety whether working deenergized or not. Itnot. It

helps you to identify hazards, ask if the

helps you to identify hazards, ask if the equipment can beequipment can be de-energized, check job plans and safety procedures, think de-energized, check job plans and safety procedures, think about the unexpected, and prepare for

about the unexpected, and prepare for an emergency.an emergency.

Denergize & Test Before You Touch Denergize & Test Before You Touch

Finally

Finally, this short , this short segment will show you the segment will show you the importanceimportance of always deenergizing.

of always deenergizing. It explains the absoluteIt explains the absolute importance of testing all conductors, every time for importance of testing all conductors, every time for absence of voltage before starting a job.

absence of voltage before starting a job.

For more information on workplace safety, please visit ESFI’s website at

www.esf.org

.

The DVD included in this workplace toolkit reinforces the

The DVD included in this workplace toolkit reinforces the safety training you have already received. It focuses on: safety training you have already received. It focuses on:

ESFI’s website also has other valuable resources that are available right at your ngertips.

ESFI’s website also has other valuable resources that are available right at your ngertips. There you will nd safetyThere you will nd safety information and tips on a

information and tips on a wide variety of topics, from holiday safety to dangers associated with older home wide variety of topics, from holiday safety to dangers associated with older home wiringwiring systems.

systems. AdditionallyAdditionally, ESFI makes available press releases and other resources that will help you , ESFI makes available press releases and other resources that will help you to work with localto work with local media in reducing

media in reducing electrically-reelectrically-related deaths and lated deaths and injuries.injuries.

1

(7)