Page 1 of 60

NFPA 70E Electrical

Safety Presentation
(updated for 2012)

By Bruce Bowman, P.E.

 Page 2 of 60

OSHA and the IEC Alliance

Through the OSHA and Independent Electrical

Contractors (IEC) Alliance, IEC developed this
presentation
t ti ffor iinformational
f ti l purposes only.
l It
does not necessarily reflect the official views of
OSHA or the U U.S.
S Department of Labor
Labor.
 Page 3 of 60

What is the best way to prevent

the hazards of electricity?

• Stop - Before Action

• Think - Risks/Hazards
• Options - LOTO
• Protection - Proper PPE

Avoiding energized circuits is the safest way!

 Page 4 of 60

Electrical Safety

Wh El
Why Electrical
t i lS Safety
f t PPractices
ti and
d
Procedures?

1. An estimated 30,000 non-fatal electrical shock accidents occur

each year
2. O
Over 600
6 people l die
di ffrom electrocution
l t ti each h year
3. Electrocution remains the fourth (4th) highest cause of industrial
fatalities
4. Approximately 3000 flash burn incidents reported annually along
with approximately 350 deaths
 Page 5 of 60

Electrical Safety

NFPA 70 E –
Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace

• Formallyy “Standard ffor Electrical Safety

f y Requirements
q
for Employee Workplaces”

• Began
B iin 19
1976
6bby NFPA to
t assist
i t OSHA
 Page 6 of 60

Electrical Hazards

• Shock
Sh k

• Arc Flash & Arc Blast

• Fire Ignition
 Page 7 of 60

The Effects of Shock

Immediate Long Term
- Muscle contraction - Memory Loss
- Vital organs (heart, lungs, etc.) - Nervous disorders
- Tingling - Chemical imbalances
- Pain - Damage to vital organs
- Breathingg - Sometimes fatal
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Death
 Page 8 of 60

Effects of Current on the Body

Men Women
• Perception Threshold • Perception Threshold
- 0.0001 Amps (1 mA) - 0.0007 Amps (0.7 mA)

• Painful Shock • Painful Shock

- 0.009 Amps (9
( mA)) - 0.006 Amps (6
( mA))

• Cannot Let-Go Level • Cannot Let-Go Level

- 0.010 Amps (10 mA) - 0.010 Amps (10 mA)

• Ventricular Fibrillation • Ventricular Fibrillation

- 0.100 Amps (100 mA) for 3 seconds - 0.100 Amps (100 mA) for 3 seconds
- 0.200 Amps (200 mA) for 1 second - 0.200 Amps (200 mA) for 1 second

• Heart Failure • Heart Failure

- 0.5 Amps (500 mA) - 0.5 Amps

• Organ Burn and Cell Breakdown • Organ Burn and Cell Breakdown
- 1.5
5 Amps
p ((1500
5 mA)) - 1.5
5 Amps
p ((1500
5 mA))
Electrical Safety in the Workplace by Ray A. Jones, PE © 2001
 Page 9 of 60
Resistance and the Body
• The body has a natural defense system to shock (skin)
• Whyy 5
50 v0lts?
• As you can see from the calculation below, a 50 volt exposure would not cause
muscles to lock and is insufficient to cause physical harm.
• The key to survival is to decrease our exposure to energized circuits.
• Ohm’s Law for electric current (amps), voltage and body resistance
• The typical body has a contact resistance of approximately 500 ohms
at the p
point of contact with the electrical source.
• The body has an internal resistance of approximately 100 ohms.
• There is another ac resistance or impedance to ground of
approximately 5000 ohms.
ohms
- 120v / (500 + 100 + 5000 ) = 21mA
- 50v / (500 + 100 + 5000 ) = 8.9 mA
• It is around 10 mA that the “cannot let g
go” level is reached.
 Page 10 of 60

Two Types of Burns from Shock

• Surface Burns • IInternall Tissue
Ti Burns
B
• Caused by entrance and • Caused by current
exit of electrical currents flowing through organs
through the body off the
th body
b d
• Can be caused by a very • Caused by currents in
small amount of current excess of 1.5 amps
• 1st degree
d tto 3rd degree
d • 4th degree
• Internal organs
• Typically
yp y fatal
 Page 11 of 60

One Type of Burn from Arc Flash

• Surface Burns
• Caused by exposure to the arc flash
• Can cause more surface burns if the initial arc flash
i it other
ignites th material
t i l such
h as clothing
l thi
• 1st degree to 3rd degree
• It has and may cause death!
 Page 12 of 60

Electrical Safety

How to prevent shock?

1. Place circuits in electrically safe working conditions by

locking out and tagging out all sources
Chapter 1, Section 120.2 of NFPA 70E-2012

2. Verifying that no electrical energy is present

Chapter 1, Section 120.2 of NFPA 70E-2012
 Page 13 of 60

Fire Ignition from Arc Flash

• The original and primary mission of the NFPA

- Primarily covered by installation standards contained

in the National Electric Code – NFPA 70

- The incidence of fire ignition has dropped dramatically

since the advent of the NEC and the acceptance of
installation requirements within the industry

• Th
The NFPA 70 0 – NEC does
d nott address
dd th
the other
th h hazards
d off
electricity
 Page 14 of 60

Exposure to Danger
• The National Electric Code protects individuals from shock
hazards under normal conditions.

• It is not designed to protect us from abnormal conditions.

conditions

• We need additional policies to protect from abnormal

conditions.
conditions
 Page 15 of 60

Conditions
• Normal Conditions • Abnormal Conditions
• Panel covers in place. • Panel covers removed.

• E
Equipment
i t plugged
l d iin • E
Equipment
i t ttemporarily
il
normally. wired.

• N
Normal,l d
designed
i d • N
Normal, l d
designed
i d
protection in place. protection such as guards,
limits switches, etc. not in
place.
place

• Faulty or Damaged
Equipment.
Equipment
 Page 16 of 60

Protection from Abnormal Conditions

• The Company • You
• NFPA 70E • The first line of defense

• OSHA • O
Only
l you can ttruly
l kkeep you
safe
• Electrical Safety
P
Procedures
d M
Manuall • IImplement
l t safety
f t
procedures outlined in
• Electrical Safety Training Safety Manual

• Only you can implement

the procedures that may
save your life
 Page 17 of 60

Old School

Electricians have always recognized the shock hazards of electricity.

We are taught:

- To consider circuits to be energized

- To insulate and protect ourselves
- Stand to one side if an arc flash/blast is suspected
 Page 18 of 60

New School
• Arc Flash and Blast hazards were not formally studied until 1993
(IEEE 1584 began study).

• Electricians have not experienced arc flash and blasts to the same
frequency as electrical shock.

• We have not been trained how to avoid and minimize arc flash and
blasts in the past.

• Thee Electrical
ect ca Energized
e g ed Wo
Work Practices
act ces out
outlined
ed in NFPA
N 70
70E
incorporates measures to help avoid or minimize damage from arc
flash.
 Page 19 of 60

Pi
Pictures from
f ESA Book
B k
Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards

www.easypower.com
 Page 20 of 60

• Electric
El i arcs produce
d the
h hi
highest
h temperatures on earth
h – up to
35,000 degrees Fahrenheit (4 x temp of the sun)!

• The intense
Th i t h
heatt ffrom arc causes the
th sudden
dd expansion i off air
i th
thatt
results in a blast with very strong air pressure (Lightning is a
natural arc).

• All known materials are vaporized at this temperature.

(Copper expands 67,000 times, Water 1,670 times).

Notes are from Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards, by

Chet Davis, P.E.; Conrad St. Pierre; David Castor, P.E.; Robert Luo, PhD; and
Satish Shrestha.
 Page 21 of 60

• Arcs iin enclosures,

A l such
h as a M
Motor
t C Control
t lCCenters
t (MCC
(MCCs)) or
switchgear, magnify blast and energy transmitted as the blast is
forced to the open side of the enclosure.

• Arcs spray droplets of molten metal at high-speed pressure. Blast

shrapnel can penetrate the body.

• Blast pressure waves have thrown workers across rooms and

knocked them off ladders. Pressure on the chest can be higher than
2000 lbs/sq. ft.

Notes are from Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards, by

Chet Davis, P.E.; Conrad St. Pierre; David Castor, P.E.; Robert Luo, PhD; and
Satish Shrestha.
 Page 22 of 60

• Clothing can be ignited from several feet away. Clothed areas can be
burned more severely than exposed skin.

• Hearing loss from sound blast. The sound can have a magnitude as
high as 140dB at a distance of 2 feet from the arc.

• Energy released is a function of:

• System voltage
• Fault current magnitude
g
• Fault duration

Notes are from

f Practical
i l Solution
l i Guide id to Arc Flash
l h Hazards,d byb
Chet Davis, P.E.; Conrad St. Pierre; David Castor, P.E.; Robert Luo, PhD; and
Satish Shrestha.
 Page 23 of 60

How to Protect Against Shock and Arc

Flash/Blast?
Chapter 1, Section 130 of NFPA 70E-2012

1. Justification for Live Work

2. Work Permits Secured if Applicable
3. Approach Boundaries Established
A Shock
A. Sh k Protection
P t ti
1. Limited Boundary
2. Restricted Boundary
3 Prohibited Boundary
3.
B. Flash Protection – ONE BOUNDARY
 Page 24 of 60
Pictures from ESA Book
Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards
 Page 25 of 60

Approach Boundaries
NFPA 70E-2012 Ch. 1, Section 130
Limited Approach Boundary
Entered only by qualified persons or unqualified persons that
have been advised and are escorted by a qualified person
Restricted Approach Boundary
Entered only by qualified persons required to use shock
protection techniques and PPE
Prohibited Approach Boundary
Entered only by qualified persons requiring same protection
as if direct contact with live part
Flash Protection Boundary
Linear distance to prevent any more than 2nd degree burns
from a potential arc-flash (typically 4 feet)
 Page 26 of 60

SHOCK Hazard Analysis

Ch 1, Sec.
Ch. S 130 Shock
Sh k Hazard
H dAAnalysis.
l i

“Shock hazard analysis shall determine the voltage to which

personnell will
ill b
be exposed,
d bboundary
d requirements,
i andd the
h PPE
necessary in order to minimize the possibility of electric shock to
personnel.”

What is required?
1. Determine the Operating Voltage of the System
2. Determine Shock Protection Boundaries
3. Determine the Personnel Protective Equipment
 Page 27 of 60

SHOCK Hazard Analysis

How to comply
H l with
i h NFPA 70E?E?
1. Determine the Operating Voltage.
2. Determine the Three Shock Protection Boundaries by using
Table 130.4(c)(a) of NFPA 70E-2012
A. Limited Approach Boundary
• 10 fft ffor 4
480 V ffor movable energized
g object
j
• 3 ft 6 in. for fixed energized object
B. Restricted Approach Boundary
• 12 in.
in for 480 V
C. Prohibited Approach Boundary
• 1 in. for 480 V
 Page 28 of 60

SHOCK Hazard

How to comply with NFPA 70E?

3 Determine the Personnel Protective Equipment:

3.
NOTE: Short-Circuit Current and Clearing Time Limitations
Apply for use of tables!

a. Determine risk category from Table 130.7 (c)(15)(a) on

NFPA 70E-2012
b. Determine specific PPE & clothing from Table 130.7(c)(16) of
NFPA 70E-2012
 Page 29 of 60

Flash Hazard
Ch 1,
Ch. 1 Sec.
Sec 130.5
130 5 Arc Flash Hazard Analysis.
Analysis

“An arc flash hazard analysis shall determine the arc flash
b
boundary,
d th
the iincident
id t energy att the
th working
ki didistance,
t andd th
the
personal protective equipment that people within the arc flash
boundary shall use.”

How to comply with NFPA 70E for Flash Protection?

1. Determine the flash protection boundary
2. Determine the incident energy exposure level
3. Determine the protective clothing and PPE
 Page 30 of 60

Flash Hazard
H
How to
t Comply
C l with
ith NFPA 70E
E ffor FLASH Protection?
P t ti ?

1. Determine Flash Protection Boundary:

Calculate usingg the IShort-Circuit Amperes & the clearing
g time for
f the
overcurrent protection
(see Formula below & Annex D of NFPA 70E-2012 or default to the
distances listed in the Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) if the IShort-Circuit Amperes &
the clearing time are not exceeded!

Flash Protection Boundary Formula (600 V or less)

DC = [53 x MVA x t] 1/2
where Dc = Arc Flash Boundary (AFB) in Feet
MVA = Transformer capacity in MVA
t = clearing time in seconds
S
Second
d Degree
D B
Burn Th
Threshold
h ld
1.2 cal/cm2
 Page 31 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

2. Determine the Incident Energy Level:

Calculate incident energy exposure level for the distance
between worker
worker’ss face & chest from the potential arc source (18”
(18
typical) OR use 130.7(C)(15)(a) and 130.7(C)(16)

Incident energy formula for Arc in a Cubic Box:

EMB = 1038.7DA-1.4738 tA [0.0093F2 – 0.3453F + 5.9675]
Where EMB = cal/cm2 in 20 inch Cubic Box
DA = distance from electrode in inches
(typically this value would be 18”)
tA = clearing time
F = Ishort-Circuit Amperes available (range
off 16
6 kA to 50 kA)
 Page 32 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

3. Determine the Proper PPE:

Once the
O th iincident
id t energy is
i determined,
d t i d ththe PPE h
has to
t h
have a
rating equal to or greater than the incident energy available. Or, if
the alternate method of using 130.7(C)(15)(a), then the proper
PPE is selected from 130.7(C)(16)
130 7(C)(16) of NFPA 70E-2012
70E 2012 if the IShort-
Circuit Amperes & the clearing time limitations are not exceeded.
 Page 33 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Example 1 – An electrician is to remove the covers to measure the
voltage on a panelboard operating at 480 V with no arc flash analysis
labels to indicate the incident energy and the IShort-Circuit Amperes & the
clearingg time exceeds the limitations in the Table 130.7(C)(15)(a).

Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) > Hazard Risk Category (HRC) = 2 cannot be

used because the IShort-Circuit Amperes & the clearing time limitations have
b
been exceeded!
d d

In this situation Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) could not be used to determine

the
h HRC and d would
ld require
i an iincident
id energy analysis
l i to bbe
performed in accordance with Article 130.5 of the 2012 NFPA 70E
prior to starting any work.
 Page 34 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Example 2 - An electrician is to operate a circuit breaker in the main switchgear (with
all
ll off th
the covers on th
the switchgear)
it h ) tto d
de-energize
i a circuit
i it th
thatt iis operating
ti att 480
8 V ffor
lock-out tagout and the IShort-Circuit Amperes & the clearing time limitations are not
exceeded.

Table 130.7(C)(15)(a)
130 7(C)(15)(a) > Hazard Risk Category (HRC) = 0
(No V-Rated Gloves & No V-Rated Tools Required )

Table 130.7(C)(16) specifies the following required:

• Untreated Natural Fiber longlong-sleeve
sleeve shirt & pants
• Safety Glasses & Hearing Protection

NEXT STEP IS TO VERIFY VOLTAGE IS OFF!

Electrician goes to machine disconnect to open and test for presence
of voltage – What is the HRC level? (Ans: 2)

ELECTRICAL HOT WORK PERMIT REQUIRED? (Ans: NO)

 Page 35 of 60

Fl h Hazard
Flash H dAAnalysis
l i
Example 3 - An electrician is to operate a circuit breaker in the main switchgear (with some of the
covers removed from the switchgear) to de-energize a circuit that is operating at 480 V for lock-out
tagout and
d the
h IShort-Circuit Amperes & the
h clearing
l time llimitations are not exceeded.
d d

Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) > Hazard Risk Category (HRC) = 1

(No V-Rated Gloves & No V-Rated Tools Required )

Table 130.7(C)(16) specifies the following required:

• AR Pants & Shirt or Coveralls of at least 4 cal/cm2
• Hard Hat
• Arc Rated Face Shield
• Safety Glasses or Goggles
• Hearing Protection
• Leather Shoes
• Leather Gloves

NEXT STEP IS TO VERIFY VOLTAGE IS OFF!

Electrician goes to machine disconnect to open and test for presence of

voltage – What is the HRC level? (Ans: 2)
 Page 36 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Example
p 4 - An electrician is to remove the covers on a p panelboard to troubleshoot a
20 A lighting circuit that is not working . The circuit is operating at 208/120 V and
the IShort-Circuit Amperes & the clearing time limitations are not exceeded.

Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) > Hazard Risk Category

g y (HRC) = 1
(V-Rated Gloves & V-Rated Tools Required )

Table 130.7(C)(10) specifies the following required:

• AR Pants & Shirt or Coveralls of at least 4 cal/cm2
• Hard Hat
• Arc Rated Face Shield
• Safety Glasses or Goggles
• Hearing Protection
• Leather Shoes
• Leather Gloves

ELECTRICAL HOT WORK PERMIT REQUIRED? (Ans: NO)

 Page 37 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Example
E l 5 - An
A electrician
l t i i iis tto iinstall
t ll a 100 A
A, 480 V II-Line
Li circuit
i it bbreaker
k on a panelboard
lb d for
f a
new bailer machine. If the panel is shutdown, all the lines will stop and the warehouse will be
without lighting and the IShort-Circuit Amperes & the clearing time limitations are not exceeded.

Table 130.7(C)(9) > Hazard Risk Category (HRC) = 2

(V R t d Gloves
(V-Rated Gl &V V-Rated
R t dTTools
l RRequired
i d)

Table 130.7(C)(10) specifies the following required:

• AR (8 cal/cm2) Long Sleeve Shirt & Pants or AR Coveralls
• Hard Hat
• Safety Glasses or Safety Goggles
• Arc-Rated Face Shield w/ Flash Hood or AR Balaclava
• Hearing Protection
• Leather Gloves
• Leather Work Shoes

ELECTRICAL HOT WORK PERMIT REQUIRED? (Ans: YES)

 Page 38 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Notes are from Practical Solution Guide to Arc Flash Hazards, by

Chet Davis, P.E.; Conrad St. Pierre; David Castor, P.E.; Robert Luo, PhD; and
Satish Shrestha.
 Page 39 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis – Example 2

Flash
Fl h Protection
P i
Boundary Calculation
Circuit using non current limiting
circuit breaker
Overcurrent protective device
with clearing time of 6 cycles

40896
0896 Amperes Available
il bl
480 Volt,
3 phase Answer
Main Lug DC = 10 ft
Only Panel

This example provided by Bussmann®

 Page 40 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis – Example 2

Flash
Fl h Protection
P i
Boundary Calculation Class J, 200 A fuse
Circuit using current limiting fuses
clearing time of 1/4 cycle under
short circuit conditions.

40896 Amperes
p Available
6000 Equivalent RMS Let Through
480 Volt,
3p
phase Answer
Main Lug DC = .23 ft
Only Panel

This example provided by Bussmann®

 Page 41 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Incident Energy Calculation

‘Formula: Based on CUBIC BOX

EMB 1038 7 DB-1.4738
= 1038.7 473 t [0.0093F2 3453F+5 9675] cal/cm2
A[0 0093F -.3453F+5.9675]

EMB = Incident Energy (cal/cm2)

DB = Distance, (in.) [for Distances > 18 inches]

tA = Arc Duration,, ((sec.))

F = Bolted Fault Short Circuit Current [16KA to 50kA]

This example provided by Bussmann®

 Page 42 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis – Example 2

Incident Energy Calculation @ 18”
Circuit using non current limiting
circuit breaker
Overcurrent protective device
with clearing time of 6 cycles

40896 Amperes Available

480 Volt, Answer
3 phase
EMB = 10.92 cal/cm2
Main Lug
Only Panel

This example provided by Bussmann®

 Page 43 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis

Incident Energy Calculation @ 18”

Example 2: 40896 amps of available fault current, 480 volt 3
phase system,
system Non-current
Non current limiting overcurrent device 6 cycle
(0.1 sec) opening time.

EMB = 1038.7 DB-1.4738 tA[0.0093F2-.3453F+5.9675]

.3453F+5.9675]
EMB = 1038.7 (18)-1.4738(.1) [0.0093(41)2-.3453(41)+5.9675]
EMB = 10.92 cal/cm2

This example provided by Bussmann®

 Page 44 of 60

Flash Hazard Analysis – Example 2

Incident Energy Calculation @ 18”
Circuit using current limiting fuses Class J, 200 A fuse
clearing time of 1/4 cycle
under short circuit conditions.
conditions

40896 Amperes Available

6000 Equivalent RMS Let Through
480 Volt,
Answer
3 phase
Main Lug EMB < .17 cal/cm2
Only Panel

This example provided by Bussmann®

 Page 45 of 60

Section 110.16 of the

2011 NEC® Requires Arc Flash
Hazards Labels
 Page 46 of 60

Arc Flash Labeling Required by NEC

• 110.16 Arc-Flash Hazard Warning. Electrical equipment, such

as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket
enclosures, and motor control centers, that are in other than
dwelling units, and are likely to require examination, adjustment,
servicing, or maintenance while energized shall be field marked to
warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards. The
marking
ki shall
h ll b
be located
l d so as to b
be clearly
l l visible
i ibl to qualified
lifi d persons
before examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of the
equipment.

• Also see Informational Notes 1 and 2 for additional information.

• Reprinted from NEC® 2011
 Page 47 of 60

Arc Flash Labeling by NEC & NFPA 70E Minimum

Requirement

! WARNING
Arc Flash Hazard & 480 V Shock Hazard:
1) PPE/HRC Level 2 Required
2) Arc Flash Boundary is 30”

Generic labels prior to September 30, 2011 are acceptable if

they at least have the incident energy or required PPE/HRC
level.
 Page 48 of 60

Arc Flash Labeling Required by NEC & NFPA 70E

! WARNING
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Appropriate PPE Required

24 inch Flash Hazard Boundary

3 cal/cm•2 Flash Hazard at 18 inches
HRC 1 PPE Level, AR Pants & Shirt or Coveralls
(4 cal/cm2) Hearing Protection Hard Hat
Hat–Safety
Safety Glasses
Glasses–Face
Face Shield
480 VAC Shock Hazard when
42 inch Limited Approach
12 inch Restricted Approach - 500 V Class 00 Gloves
1 inch Prohibited Approach - 500 V Class 00 Gloves
Equipment Name: Pump # 1 Starter
 Page 49 of 60

What are the OSHA Regulations and NFPA 70E

Requirements for Working on “Live”
Equipment?
 Page 50 of 60

NFPA 70 E: Safety in Workplace

OSHA 29CFR 1910.333 & 29CFR 1926.416

These two paragraphs are very similar, but apply differently. It is

important that you realize that Electrical Safety applies wherever you
are working. 29CFR 1910 applies to the General Industry and 29CFR
1926 applies to the Construction Industry. We may quote an article from
29CFR 1910 but due to the parallel article in 29CFR 1926 the
information p
presented still applies
pp to the Construction Industry.
y
 Page 51 of 60

NFPA 70E: Safety in Workplace

OSHA 29CFR 1910 Subpart S & 29CFR 1926 Subpart K

• Before we go any further, it is important for you to understand a

few important definitions:
-QQualified
f Worker – One who has received training g in and has
demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and
operation of electric equipment and installations and the hazards
involved. (Qualification is dependent on several factors, such as
different equipment,
equipment systems and/or voltages qualified to work on on. A
qualified worker could be qualified at a certain level or on a certain
voltage, etc. While working under the direct supervision of a qualified
worker, and would be considered qualified).
-- Unqualified Worker – One who is not qualified, has not
had training, or does not possess the experience with the
equipment, systems, and/or voltage to be worked on.
 Page 52 of 60

NFPA 70E: Safety in Workplace

OSHA 29CFR 1910 Subpart S & 29CFR 1926 Subpart K

• Before we go any further, it is important for you to understand a

few important
p definitions:

- Guarded – Covered, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise

protected by means of suitable covers or casings, barrier
rails or screens, mates or platforms designed to minimize the
possibility, under normal conditions, of dangerous approach
or accidental contact by persons or objects.

Note: Wires which are insulated, but not otherwise

protected are not considered as guarded.
 Page 53 of 60

NFPA 70 E: Safety in Workplace

OSHA 29CFR 1910.333 & NFPA 70E 130.2

Qualified electrical workers shall not be asked to work on equipment that is “hot” or “live”
except for these demonstrable reasons:
1. Deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards
• Interruption of life support equipment
• Deactivation of emergency alarm systems
• Cutting ventilation to a hazardous location
Or
2. Infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations
• Voltage testing for diagnostics
• Start up
p testing
g
Or
3. Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if
there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric
arcs.
arcs
 Page 54 of 60

NFPA 70 E: Safety in Workplace

OSHA 29 CFR 1926.416(a)(1) & NFPA 70E 130.2

This article disallows work in such close proximity to any part of an

energized electrical power circuit that the employee could contact in
the course of their work, unless the employee is protected against
electric shock by deenergizing and grounding the circuit, or
guarding
g g it effectivelyy byy insulation or other means.
 Page 55 of 60

Safety-Related Work Practices

1910.333 Selection & use of work practices

(a) General. Safety-related work practices shall be employed to

prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct
or indirect electrical contact, when work is performed near or on
equipment or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific
safety-related
y work p practices shall be consistent with the nature and
extent of the associated electrical hazards.
 Page 56 of 60

Safety-Related Work Practices

1910.335 Safe guards for personnel protection

(a) (2) (ii) Protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating

materials shall be used to protect each employee from shock, burns,
or other electrically related injuries while that employee is working
near exposed energized parts which might be accidentally contacted
or where dangerous
g electric heating
g or arcing
g might
g occur. When
normally enclosed live parts are exposed for maintenance or repair,
they shall be guarded to protect unqualified persons from contact
with live parts.
 Page 57 of 60

Wh iis R
Who Responsible
ibl for
f Safety?
S f ?
The “Employer” is responsible for
• OSHA requirements
• Electrical Safety Program
• Safetyy Policies and Procedures
• Safety Training and Retraining

The “Employee”
Employee is responsible for
• Implementing employer’s safety procedures

The “Owner” and Contractors are both responsible to

coordinate and document hazards and safety procedures
• Contractors on site with Owner
 Page 58 of 60

Response to an Electrical Accident

Personnel that are trained in CPR & AEDs

should be identified and available when
workk near or on energized
i d parts is
i bbeing
i
performed and they shall be trained
annually.
y
 Page 59 of 60

Responses to an Electrical Accident

The FIRST step must be to: “TURN
TURN OFF THE POWER and/or
attempt to remove the victim from the power with dry wood or other
insulating type of materials” to remove the hazard!

SECOND step: CALL 911 or the local emergency number

THIRD step: Administer CPR & First Aid if needed

Note: 29CFR 1926.50(c) requires that in the absence of a

reasonably accessible medical professional,
professional that someone
with valid CPR/First-aid training be on site.
 Page 60 of 60

What is the best way to prevent

the hazards of electricity?

• Stop - Before Action

• Think - Risks/Hazards
• Options - LOTO
• Protection - Proper PPE

Avoiding energized circuits is the safest way!