Electrical Safety
29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical
Electrical Safety An Overview
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such dangers as electrical shock, electrocution, burns and fires. OSHA’s electrical standard attempts to minimize potential hazards by specifying safety aspects in the design and use of electrical equipment.
Who is Covered?
The regulations cover all workers who are, or could be, exposed to the hazards of electricity.
“Qualified” and “Unqualified” Persons
The electrical regulations distinguish between “qualified” and “unqualified” persons. Only qualified persons can work directly with exposed energized parts. Qualified persons must be trained in and be familiar with:
· How to avoid electrical shock.
· The electrical equipment and hazards of the work being performed.
· How to distinguish exposed “live” parts from other parts of electrical equipment.
· How to determine nominal voltages of parts.
· The specified clearance distances.
Only qualified employees can work on or near exposed energized parts. Live parts operating at less than 50 volts to ground do not need to be de-energized when the qualified worker experiences no increased exposure to electrical burns or explosions due to electrical arcs. Qualified employees must perform lockout/tagout, and need to be able to use voltage-testing equipment to identify live and de-energized circuits.
Employee Training
At §1910.332, OSHA has specific training requirements for all employees who face the risk of electrical shock.
Qualified persons shall at a minimum be trained in and familiar with the following:
· The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electrical equipment.
· The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
· The clearance distances as specified in §1910.333(c) and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person shall be exposed.
Training Tips
· Review Subpart S as it might apply to your facility.
· Using the employee handout, review the requirements of §1910 Subpart S with the employees.
· Review with the employees the requirements for a “qualified person” and “unqualified person,” and define what a “qualified person” is.
· List by name those persons in your facility that are “Qualified Persons.”
For more information see 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S-Electrical.
Electrical Safety Overview Handout
Electricity is an integral part of our lives both at home and at work. The chance of being injured while working on or near de-energized electrical parts can decreased by utilizing safe work practices.
Employees who work on or near de-energized electrical parts require training on how the equipment is de-energized and locked out/tagged out; how to safely work on or near de-energized parts; and what safeguards to use.
How Can Electricity Hurt You?
High-voltage shocks can cause serious injury or sometimes death. The effects of an electrical shock on the body can range from a tingle to immediate cardiac arrest. A severe shock can cause more damage than can be seen with the naked eye.
Electrical currents travel in closed circuits through conducting material. You can receive a shock when a part of your body comes in contact with:
· Both wires of an electrical circuit.
· One wire of an energized circuit and the
ground.
· Part of the machine which is “hot” because it
is contacting an energized wire and the ground.
Your Employer Will:
· Discuss what is expected of you in regards to working with electricity or electrical parts.
· Inform you of those “qualified persons” who are employed at your facility.
Notes:
Who at this facility is a “qualified person?”
What is the definition of a “qualified person?”
Electrical Safety – Overview Sign–Off Sheet
The employees of ______Company Name______, have taken part in a training session on Electrical Safety Overview. The session covered:
· The requirements of 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S.
· The definition of “qualified person.”
· Who at this facility is a “qualified person.”
Date of Training: / Facility:Employee Signature / PRINT NAME
______
Supervisor’s Signature