This program establishes the minimum requirements for safe electrical work at TWU and is applicable to the maintenance or service of equipment, machines or electrical systems. The goal is to reduce the electrical hazards to employees conducting electrical work by requiring such work to be conducted on electrically safe or de-energized equipment whenever possible, and requiring proper procedures and equipment when energized work is necessary.

Hazards

Employees must be protected from BOTH hazards related to live electrical work:

• Electrical Shock, AND
• Arc Flash/Blast

Traditionally, most electrical safety procedures were focused on the electrical shock hazards.  Increasingly however there is recognition of the significant hazards associated with arc flash or arc blasts.  An arc flash/blast can reach temperatures of 35,000° F, vaporizing metal, ignite clothing from several feet away, and toss employees across the room! 

Which is not to minimize the risk of electrical shock; just half an Amp (500 mA) will stop a person's heart!

Requirements

Electrical work involving exposure to energized electrical conductors or circuit parts must be avoided to the maximum extent possible.  This includes any work where equipment or electrical systems are not in an "electrically safe work condition". In other words, electrical work should be conducted in accordance with the TWU Lockout/Tagout (Hazardous Energy Control) Program, except under limited exceptions. If electrical work must be conducted on or near energized electrical conductors or circuit parts, an Energized Electrical Work Permit justifying why the work cannot be completed in an electrically safe work condition, and listing required safety measures, must be issued before the work may proceed.

Additional Information

Below you will find links to the full program, the Energized Electrical Work Permit by itself, and reference tables from the plan useful when completing the permit.