Working On or Near Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts
When working on or near exposed electrical conductors or circuit parts that are or could become energized, adhering to safety-related work practices is critical. These practices are designed to safeguard employees from potential injury by mitigating associated electrical hazards.
Key Principles for Electrical Safety
- Safety-Related Work Practices
Work practices should be consistent with the nature and extent of the electrical hazards present. - De-Energizing Live Parts
Live parts must be de-energized and put into an electrically safe work condition before work begins, unless:- De-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards (e.g., shutting down critical systems like life support or emergency alarms).
- De-energizing is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations.
- Achieving Electrically Safe Work Conditions
An electrically safe work condition can be achieved through the following process:
Steps to Ensure Electrically Safe Work Conditions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Identify All Sources | Determine all potential electrical supply sources to the specific equipment. Check up-to-date drawings, diagrams, and tags. |
| Interrupt Load Current | Properly interrupt the load current and open the disconnecting device(s) for each power source. |
| Visually Verify Disconnection | Visually confirm that all blades of disconnecting devices are fully open or that draw-out circuit breakers are fully withdrawn. |
| Apply Lockout/Tagout Devices | Apply lockout/tagout devices as per a documented and established policy. |
| Test for De-Energization | Use a properly rated voltage detector to verify all phase conductors or circuit parts are de-energized. Perform a detector functionality check before and after testing. |
| Ground Conductors if Necessary | If induced voltages or stored energy might exist, ground the phase conductors or circuit parts before touching. |
Additional Precautions
- Lockout/Tagout Protocols
Lockout/tagout procedures should always be documented, communicated, and consistently followed to prevent accidental energization. - Verify Absence of Voltage
Always verify the absence of voltage using an adequately rated voltage detector. This step ensures the equipment is truly de-energized. - Prevent Stored Energy Hazards
Ground conductors or circuit parts to dissipate stored electrical energy. Use ground-connecting devices rated for the available fault duty if energized conductors might contact de-energized parts. - Consider Induced Voltages
In areas with potential induced voltages, additional grounding and isolation precautions are necessary.
Why These Steps Matter
Implementing these safety protocols helps protect workers from:
- Electrical Shock: Exposure to live circuits.
- Arc Flash: Sudden release of energy due to a fault in an electrical circuit.
- Electrocution: Contact with a lethal amount of current.
By strictly adhering to these guidelines, workplaces can ensure that employees working with electrical systems remain safe while minimizing risks to equipment and operations. Always prioritize safety and follow documented procedures to maintain an electrically safe work environment.