Electrical Hazard Controls

In addition to proper electrical training, the following controls may be required to eliminate or significantly reduce the associated risks with electrical research activities.

Isolation/Distance

Isolation and distance can eliminate potential exposure to electrical hazards, or reduce the risk to an acceptable level. These options should always be considered when the threshold is reached or exceeded. Examples of isolation and distance include:

Control rooms designed for electrical apparatus testing when the potential risk is significant;
Shielding;
Personnel located outside of approach boundaries; and/or
Remote sensors and testing/diagnostic equipment.

Two-Person Rule (Buddy System)

Higher risk energized work may require a second person to be present, known as the "two-person rule" or "buddy system." The second person must also be "qualified," and must understand the work activities and hazards present. This person must be trained to know what to do in case of an electrical incident involving the other worker, including the location of electrical disconnects, information for contacting emergency services, and first aid/CPR/AED response.

Safety Watch

In some instances, a "safety watch" is necessary. The use of a safety 2atch is more stringent than the two-person rule. Safety watch responsibilities and qualifications include:

Training in methods of the release of victims from contact with electrical energy, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AED);
Thorough knowledge of location and operation of emergency shutdown push buttons and power disconnects;
Thorough knowledge of the specific working procedures to be followed and the work to be done;
Monitoring the work area for unsafe conditions or work practices, and taking necessary action to ensure abatement;
De-energizing equipment and alerting emergency rescue personnel as conditions warrant;
Maintaining visual and audible contact with personnel performing the work;
Removal of injured personnel, if possible;
Preventing unqualified persons from crossing the established safe approach boundaries; and
No other duties may preclude observing and rendering aid.

Work Controls

Standard Operating Procedures

Work controls, as recommended in the risk assessment, may include documented standard operating procedures (SOP) for hazardous electrical research work. The SOP should include specific steps to be taken in order to energize the apparatus, run the test, and de-energize the apparatus. It should also include the results of the risk assessment, including the hazard class, controls to be implemented for modes of operation involving a potential exposure to electrical hazards, approach boundaries, and specific personal protective equipment to be worn. A schematic of the system should be included, which identified the various components and their magnitudes (voltages, pressures, temperatures, etc.). Documentation from the department regarding reviews and approvals must be made available upon request.

Energized Electrical Work Permit

An Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP), or equivalent written approval from the lab manager/principal investigator, must be completed and approved where the task is not specifically exempt from written approval (e.g. voltage-testing or diagnostics), and where the system must be energized and approach boundaries will be crossed. Work performed under energized conditions is generally prohibited, but may be considered where a power source physically cannot be de-energized (i.e. batteries). Elimination (of the electrical hazard to personnel) and engineering controls must be considered and implemented, where feasible before energized work is approved by three levels of management and permitted.

Electrical Personal Protective Equipment

Whenever electrical tasks are being performed, including voltage testing, where the approach boundaries will be crossed, appropriate electrical personal protective equipment must be provided by the department and worn by personnel.

Electrical Hazard Controls