Electrical Safety Program Summary
This program applies to personnel who face a risk of electrical shock or related injuries from work on energized electrical systems of 50 volts (ac or dc) or more. Personnel working on or near energized electrical systems must be "qualified." This program sets forth the policy for working on energized systems and the process by which personnel become "qualified."
The program complies with the requirements and intent of the OSHA regulations and relies heavily on industry standards, such as the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 70E “Electrical Safety in the Workplace.” For electrical research applications, the Department of Energy's risk assessment process is also used. The Electrical Safety Program also assures that all departments that perform electrical work on campus follow uniform work practices.
Note: Electrical research operations must be supervised by a "qualified person," and where personnel may be exposed to shock or arc-flash events, additional training is required. The design and use of electrical research systems must comply with the requirements of this program. For more information on Electrical Safety for Research.
Note: New electrical wiring, the modification, extension, or replacement of existing wiring must conform to the requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC), the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA). Requirements and oversight are provided by the Office of the University Building Official.
All construction, renovation, and maintenance of university facilities must be in accordance with University Policy 5405 to ensure full compliance of the design and execution of the work with applicable codes, standards, permitting requirements, and other university concerns.
Research "Work"
The Electrical Safety for Research Program applies to work on or near energized systems in research applications (systems, equipment, or components) performed by students or employees. Tasks must be supervised by an electrical qualified person. For more information on Electrical Safety for Research.