Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP)

Experience suggests that if managers and supervisors are advised that a significant risk of injury exists, they are reluctant to accept that increased risk, and he or she will be more critical of the plan to execute the work. An Energized Electrical Work Assessment must be completed for all work on or near exposed electrical conductors greater than 50 volts, with the exception of diagnostic testing as described above, where an electrically safe work condition cannot be established.

This assessment provides guidance on required analysis and establishes written justification and authorization for live work. It also provides a means of communication between the supervisor and the employees performing the work. View the flow chart for more information.

Elements of the Work Assessment

Section I - Work Request: This section is to be completed by the department being requested to perform the work live. Typically, a Work Order will be requested of Facilities stating the scope of the work and a request to perform it live. The department that will be conducting the work will then initiate the Energized Electrical Work Assessment. It must provide a description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and its location. It also indicates that the equipment has been requested to be shut down, either until the work has been completed or temporarily while barriers are installed.

Section II - Hazard Analysis: This section is to be completed by the electrical qualified person who will be performing the live work. It includes detailed information regarding the hazards expected to be encountered and protective measures that must be implemented prior to beginning work.

• Results of the shock hazard analysis: A shock hazard analysis determines the voltage to which personnel will be exposed, the boundary requirements, and the personal protective equipment necessary to minimize the possibility of electrical shock. As voltage increases, so does the degree of risk.
• Results of the flash hazard analysis: A flash hazard analysis determines if flame-retardant clothing must be worn by the worker (and the appropriate rating of the clothing), and the location of the arc-flash boundary. If the flash hazard analysis suggests that the intensity of the arc flash could expose a worker to 40 calories per square centimeter (cal/cm2), the work must not be performed unless an electrical safe work condition has been established. If the intensity is greater than 40 cal/cm2, no protective equipment exists that can protect the worker from the intense pressure that also will be produced by the arcing fault.

Section III - Review of Proposed Energized Electrical Work: Once the electrical qualified person has signed the Hazard Analysis section indicating that live work is requested and justified, a final review must be performed by the supervisor, designated safety representative, and departmental management. Where the department does not have a designated safety representative, contact EHS.

If review signatures are not obtained for all three levels, or if all parties are not in agreement, the request to work live is denied. The work must then be performed in an electrically safe work condition (i.e. de-energized) and the date and time for shut down must be coordinated between the department and the electrical qualified person(s) performing the work.

Note: As tasks are evaluated (i.e. an Energized Electrical Work Assessment is completed), file them for future reference so that the information can be used again, provided the work task conditions remain consistent.