Electrical Safety

No. Voltage pens (i.e. non-contact test equipment) may not always detect the presence or absence of voltage due to design and use limitations. They may be useful in some applications, or as a secondary means of verification. Always review the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and restrictions.

Many buildings on campus have uneven heat distribution, causing occupants to bring electric space heaters into their work areas.

• Be sure heaters have tip-over automatic safety cut-offs and that the wiring is in good condition. 
• Three  feet of clearance is required around the heater. 
• Placing a space heater near or in contact with combustible materials can be a fire hazard and is prohibited. 
• Heaters that use resistive coils (where the hot coil is visible from the exterior) are prohibited.

Small portable fans help improve ventilation in an area. They can also pose a fire hazard if placed near combustible materials, around flammable liquids or where the blades of the fan can easily catch items. Make sure wiring on fans is not damaged and complies with the National Electrical Code. Contact Environmental, Health & Safety Fire Safety for further information.

Contact the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities 540-231-4300. In some situations, the department may need to pay to have additional outlets installed.

Overloaded circuits, damaged wiring, defective switches/outlets, overloaded motors or circuits, faulty heating elements, issues with lighting fixtures, etc.  can all lead to electrical fires. Inspect all wiring, switches, and plugs. Report any damage found to the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities (540-231-4300) and have a qualified electrician make any repairs necessary before using.

No, not when performing live electrical work, including voltage testing. Arc-rated clothing can only provide protection where it separates the wearer from the ignition source. Exposed body parts are completely unprotected and will suffer the same injuries as if the garment had never been worn. Always button sleeves and collars when performing electrical work tasks.

While professional industrial laundry is preferred, home laundry is acceptable provided that the manufacturer's instructions are followed. Instructions may include the use of a mild detergent in warm water and no bleach products used, for example.

For information regarding power strips, click here.

All equipment/material shall conform to the latest issue of all applicable standards as established by National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and Underwriters' Laboratories, Incorporated (UL) or other Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL) currently listed with the U.S. Department of Labor. All equipment and material, for which there are NEMA, ANSI, UL, or other NRTL standards and listings shall bear the appropriate label of approval for the use intended.

If electrical equipment is not listed or labeled as outlined above, the department making the purchase shall have a review of the equipment be done for conformance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and any applicable standards by either a testing laboratory, licensed electrical engineer, or comparable authority, or licensed electrician for simpler systems. Such reviews are to be performed in accordance with NFPA 791 and NEC section 110. Any deficiencies identified during this review must be corrected before the equipment is placed in service. A written certification or test report that the equipment is safe to operate must be provided to and maintained by the department. If the equipment is plug-and-cord connected, a copy is to be provided to Environmental Health & Safety. If the equipment will be hard-wired to the building electrical system, a copy shall be provided to the University Building Official. All costs associated with such testing and inspections are the responsibility of the department making the purchase.

Contact Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-5985 with questions.

An Arc Thermal Protective Value (ATPV) refers to the maximum incident energy (in calories per centimeter squared) that protective equipment can be exposed to and prevent the onset of a second-degree burn. Ratings are based upon the total weight of the fabric. Appropriate clothing ranges from untreated cotton, wool, rayon, or silk materials with a fabric weight of at least 4.5 ounces per square yard to flame retardant (treated) clothing worn in layers.

For specific guidelines, contact Environmental Health & Safety at 540-231-2341.

Current as low as 9 milliamps (a milliamp is a thousandth of an amp) can produce a painful shock. For reference, consider that the standard household circuit operates at 15 amps, and you should see that most electrical circuits in your work area or home should be treated with respect. Current as low as 100 milliamps can be fatal. The voltage threshold for alternating current is 50 volts, and 100 volts for direct current. If these thresholds are met or exceeded, several hazard controls must be implemented.

Review the Virginia Tech Electrical Safety Program. Personnel that has not been formally trained to work on electrical systems may not rewire or work on campus electrical systems. If you do so, you place both yourself and others in your work area at risk for electrical shocks.

Environmental Health & Safety offers an awareness-level training program on electrical safety. This training may be requested by contacting Robin Miller at 540-231-2341 or rmmiller@vt.edu.

Approach distances to energized parts are discussed during Electrical Qualified Person training provided by Environmental Health & Safety or you may contact Robin McCall-Miller at 540-231-2341 or rmmiller@vt.edu for more information.

Electrical PPE is reviewed during Electrical Qualified Person training or you may contact Robin McCall-Miller at 540-231-2341 or rmmiller@vt.edu for more information.

Contact Robin McCall-Miller at 540-231-2341 or rmmiller@vt.edu.

OSHA requires that persons who install or modify electrical systems must be qualified by training and experience to perform this work safely. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code imposes additional requirements. The regulations issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations also impose training and licensing requirements on persons that perform work on electrical systems.

The supervisor is ultimately responsible for assuring that his or her employees perform work in a safe and code-compliant manner. Environmental Health & Safety supports the supervisor in this role by offering both the general awareness and qualified person electrical safety training. Physical plant also assumes an active role in electrical safety by serving as the Building Code Official for the university. The Building Code Official assures that all work performed meets the code requirements, that renovation permits are issued, and that the work is inspected when complete to assure that all systems have been installed correctly. The Building Code Official also assures compliance with University Policy 5405.

Facilities Services maintains the electrical systems in all academic buildings as well as the main electrical distribution systems on campus. Electrical systems within student housing and dining facilities are maintained by Residential and Dining Programs. In leased spaces, these systems may be maintained either by the landlord or the Division of Campus Planning, Infrastructure, and Facilities. Check with the Office of Real Estate Management for specifics on your leased space.

If workers do not have an accurate map (i.e. one-line diagram) of the electrical system, they can be exposed to potential back feeds from alternate sources, energized capacitors, undocumented switching conditions, and unknown voltages, in addition to the problem of not being able to accurately perform lockout/tagout procedures.

Electrical Qualified Person Form

Energized Electrical Work Assessment 

Flow Chart

Table 3 - Working Space