Safety Standards And Hazard Control

• Work on electrical systems only when they are in an electrically safe working condition. Creating and verifying this condition requires more than just de-energizing.
• Working on energized equipment should be the EXCEPTION not the RULE.
• Schedule jobs so power sources can be de-energized, grounded, and tested.
• Outdated or worn electrical equipment should be replaced with newer, safer models with more arc resistance.
• Use a high-resistance grounding (HRG) system.
• Use current-limiting devices, such as fuses and circuit breakers.

• Set up barriers around hazardous locations, such as locked electrical vaults and high fences around transformers.
• Use a lockout/ tagout program, complete with training and equipment.
• Use remote operation, such as remote racking and remote opening and closing of protective devices.
• Take control of variables including arc flash duration, distance, and direction.

• Use safety signs, safety symbols, accident prevention tags, labels, and warning tape to create awareness of the hazard.
• If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection from electrical hazards, an attendant shall be stationed to warn and protect employees.
• Use work practice controls, including training and education and setting expectations for safe work practices.
• Conduct a written risk assessment and develop electrical safety programs.

• Use clothing with an arc-rating greater than or equal to the estimated incident energy of any electrical arc hazard a worker is exposed to.

Remember PPE is the last line of defense. The other types of controls should be fully implemented first. The ability to use PPE should never be employed as a justification to skip the first four control methods.