Electrician Safety Rules

The company you work for as an electrician probably has a list of safety rules in your employee handbook. Be sure to look over these rules. Make suggestions to your foreman for additional rules which may help other electricians.

Here is a sample of electrician safety rules which may be useful to you. You may copy these rules as you may deem useful to you.

Carry a first aid kit in your tool box.
Maintain all tools in like new operating condition.
Report selective tools to your supervisor.
Tag out defective equipment so others will not use them.
Replace personal tools as needed.
Secure all tools and equipment to avoid tampering and theft.
Verify GFCI protection works for all power circuits.
Avoid hazardous work positions above and below ground.
Use protective gear appropriate to the environment.
Clean up work area before, during and after work.
Lock out disconnects when working on equipment.
Operate equipment according to manufacturers directions.
Treat minor injuries properly. Report all injuries.
Lift heavy material properly. Seek help as needed.
De energize circuits while making repairs to avoid electric shock.
Observe fellow employees for safety compliance.
Stay well clear of hostile confrontation with other workers.
Do not wear loose or excessive jewelry.
Proper footwear is mandatory.
Keep a spare set of work clothes handy just in case.
Verify that pets on the job are harmless or ask that they be secured.
Leave any job site to avoid injury when you are concerned.
Wear clean clothing every day.
Drive to and from job locations very cautiously.
Keep material in work vehicles in an organized manner.
Position load in vehicles to avoid injury due to load shifts.

Here are a set of safety rules from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) SOURCE:

ES&H Manual --> Volume II: Health & Safety--Controls and Hazards -->
Part 16: Electrical

Document 16.1

Electrical Safety

Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction

2.0 Hazards

3.0 Controls for Electrical Work and Electrical Equipment

3.1 General
3.2 Electrical Equipment Conditions of Approval and Use
3.3 Work on Electrical Components and Systems
3.4 Clearances and Illumination for Electrical Enclosures
3.5 Temporary Wiring
3.6 Extension Cords/Multiple Outlet Boxes/Flexible Cords and Cables
3.7 Power Plugs and Receptacles
3.8 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters
3.9 Portable Electrical Tools, Equipment, and Instruments
3.10 Equipment Grounding
3.11 Static Electricity
3.12 Personal Protective Equipment
3.13 Reviews and Inspections
3.14 Emergency Assistance and Rescue
3.15 Minor Shocks
3.16 Analysis of Electrical Incidents
3.17 Specific Training
3.18 Supplementary Training

4.0 Responsibilities

4.1 Employees
4.2 Supervisors
4.3 Electrical Safety Advisory Board

5.0 Work Standards

6.0 Resources for More Information

6.1 Contacts
6.2 Lessons Learned
6.3 Other Sources

Appendix A Terms and Definitions

Appendix B Effects of Electrical Energy on Humans

Table 1. ASTM/ANSI standards for PPE

1.0 Introduction

This document contains general requirements for all Laboratory work involving the use of electrical equipment and systems. Appendix A contains terms and definitions and Appendix B, the effects of electrical energy on humans. All managers, designers, users, installers, and others who service or operate electrical equipment--including those used for research and development (R&D)--shall comply with these requirements.

More specific information about electrical work can be found in Document 16.2, "Work and Design Controls for Electrical Equipment," and Document 16.3, "LLNL Authority Having Jurisdiction Requirements for Approving Electrical Equipment, Installation, and Work," in the Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Manual. In addition, Laboratory programs may consult the Electrical Safety Advisory Board (ESAB) for further guidance on electrical work. The ESAB was chartered on February 20, 1996, and is the Laboratory's technical resource for electrical safety issues. The Board comprises a chair and several members from the Hazards Control Department, Electronics Engineering, Scientific Programs, and Plant Engineering who are knowledgeable in electrical safety. The chair is a member of the Safety Programs Division and is appointed by the Hazards Control Department Head. The other members are nominated by the chair and approved by the Hazards Control Department Head.

2.0 Hazards

Electricity is used in many different ways at LLNL. Each application has its own combination of hazards that includes the potential of electric shock, fire, and burns. Thus, it is essential for all employees, including supplemental labor and subcontractor employees, to be aware of the hazards associated with electrical work and use appropriate protective methods to minimize the risk of an injury or accident.

Appendix B contains more detailed information about the effects of electrical energy on humans.

3.0 Controls for Electrical Work and Electrical Equipment

3.1 General

Only qualified and authorized individuals are permitted to perform electrical work at LLNL. A qualified person is one who has the required skills and knowledge to perform electrical work safely. Such individuals must be aware of the hazards associated with electrical work (see Appendix B for details) and the methods for reducing the risk of electrical accidents that can result from unsafe equipment, adverse environmental conditions, and unsafe acts.

Whenever possible, all circuits or equipment shall be de-energized before beginning any work. Work on energized circuits shall only be performed by authorized workers, as described in Document 16.2. In addition, these workers shall use

In support of Lab-wide electrical safety, management shall take a proactive approach when dealing with the root causes of employees' concerns, near-misses, and incidents or accidents involving electrical hazards.

3.2 Electrical Equipment Conditions of Approval and Use

All electrical equipment, components, and conductors should be listed, labeled, and approved by an NRTL for their intended purpose. Custom-made and installed equipment can be approved for use, by the Electrical Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), if built according to specific standards (e.g., Underwriters Laboratories [UL] 508 or one of the ANSI C series standards). Appropriate documentation for such equipment shall be maintained on file.

When building, repairing, or modifying electrical systems, NRTL-approved equipment must be used if available. Non-NRTL-approved equipment (e.g., shop-made extension cords) shall be built in accordance with an approved design, as specified in Document 16.3.

Document 17.1, "Explosives," in the ES&H Manual provides specific guidance for explosives work and for work in explosives areas. Assure an Explosives Safety Engineer has reviewed the process prior to starting work in explosives facilities or areas.

3.3 Work on Electrical Components and Systems

Any live electrical parts shall be positively de-energized when working on or near electrical circuits, equipment, or systems. Circuits and equipment must be considered energized until isolated, locked out and tagged , and verified with an appropriate testing device as described in Document 12.6, "LLNL Lockout/Tagout Program," in the ES&H Manual. Where it is possible for the circuits to be energized by another source, or where capacitive and/or inductive devices (including cables) may retain or build up a charge, circuits shall be grounded and shorted. Exceptions to this paragraph may be permitted when the requirements in Document 16.2 are fulfilled.

Additionally, the following precautions shall be observed to improve safety in the workplace:

3.4 Clearances and Illumination for Electrical Enclosures

A clear working space shall be maintained in the front, back, and on each side of all electrical enclosures and around electrical equipment for safe operation and to permit access for maintenance and alteration. Refer to the documents listed in this section as required. (NOTE: The National Electrical Code (NEC) is available from the Technical Information Department (TID) Library and the Plant Engineering Library. You may also contact the Hazards Control Department for additional information about the NEC):

In addition to the NEC, the IES Lighting Handbook (latest edition) specifies the following requirements for electrical equipment:

3.5 Temporary Wiring

Construction Power and Lighting. Temporary wiring for electric power and lighting is permitted during periods of construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of equipment or structures and during emergencies. Temporary wiring does not mean a "reduced" level of safety or quality, as this wiring must still conform to certain criteria for electrical work.

Temporary wiring shall have a temporary wiring tag attached to it with the following information:

In addition, temporary wiring

Switches or other means shall be installed to permit the disconnection of all ungrounded conductors of each temporary circuit. All lamps used for temporary illumination shall have a suitable fixture or lamp holder with a guard to prevent damage or accidental contact with energized parts.

Experiments. Temporary wiring may be used for experimental and developmental equipment. There is no time limit on how long the wiring can remain in place, except that it must be removed upon completion of the experiment. Temporary wiring tags are not required for temporary wiring within experimental systems. However, they are required for the power feeder to the power distribution points of experimental systems. The wiring tag on these systems shall contain the same information as previously described.

3.6 Extension Cords/Multiple Outlet Boxes/Flexible Cords and Cables

Extension Cords. Observe the following precautions when using extension cords. Note that extension cords for normal office use do not require a temporary wiring tag.

Only high-visibility orange or yellow extension cords shall be used outdoors and with portable or integral ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs).

Multiple Outlet Boxes. Observe the following precautions when using multiple outlet boxes:

Note that multiple outlet boxes used in offices, as well as those used to provide surge protection for computers, do not require a temporary wiring tag.

Flexible Cords and Cables. Flexible cords and cables shall comply with the requirements in NEC Article 400 (Flexible Cords and Cables). They shall not be

Individual conductors of a flexible cord or cable shall not be smaller than those listed in Table 400-5(A) and (B) of NEC Article 400.

Article 240-4 of the NEC (Protection of Flexible Cords and Fixture Wires) states that flexible cords, including extension cords, shall be protected against overcurrent in accordance with their amperage ratings (see Tables 400-5(A) and 400-5(B)). NEC Article 400-14 states that flexible cords and cables inserted through holes in covers, outlet boxes, or similar enclosures shall be protected by bushings or fittings.

3.7 Power Plugs and Receptacles

The Laboratory uses many different voltages, frequencies, and current (ac or dc) in power systems and equipment. Thus, it is essential to ensure that such equipment cannot be inadvertently connected to the wrong power source. For specific purposes, voltage, and current ratings, use a plug or receptacle that fully complies with the requirements in ANSI C73. See the configuration chart (from ANSI C73) in the NFPA National Electrical Code Handbook for information about general-purpose locking and nonlocking plugs and connectors. Use of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) connectors may not be appropriate for all research and development applications. Contact Electronics Engineering Specifications and Standards Group for guidance, if necessary.

3.8 Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters

Ground-fault circuit interrupters-either circuit breakers or portable ground-fault interrupting receptacles-shall be used for

Unlike fuses or standard circuit breakers, which are designed to protect equipment from overcurrent, GFCIs are designed to protect personnel from serious injury or death.

Article 305-6 of the NEC (Ground-Fault Protection for Personnel) requires GFCI protection of all 125 V, single phase, 15, 20, and 30-Amp receptacles that are associated with temporary wiring on construction sites. LLNL requires the use of GFCIs for any type of construction work to ensure personnel protection, even if the receptacle is part of the permanent wiring of the building.

Laboratory practice is to provide its employees and subcontractors with at least the same level of protection from electric shock as they would have in their own homes. NEC Article 210-8 (Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel) specifies that GFCIs must be installed in the following locations:

Thus, all the aforementioned areas within LLNL shall have receptacles with GFCI protection.

Exceptions to these requirements are:

3.9 Portable Electrical Tools, Equipment, and Instruments

Portable electrical equipment or tools shall always be inspected to identify defects; defective equipment shall be removed from service immediately. Portable electrical equipment shall be connected to a portable GFCI (or a circuit that contains a GFCI) when used outdoors, in damp locations, in any unsafe environment, or for indoor or outdoor construction. Ordinarily, the casings for portable electrical equipment are grounded. If it is necessary to operate this type of equipment with other than a grounded equipment casing, suitable barriers, guards, or shields shall be installed to protect personnel while working on or near the equipment. In addition, a safety procedure shall be written describing the controls for safe operation of the equipment.

Receptacles and flexible cords can be used to connect electrical appliances and equipment (e.g., fans, machine tools, and pumps) to power sources. Receptacles used on a two-wire, single-phase portable generator (or vehicle-mounted generator) with a rating of not more than 5 kW (where the circuit conductors are insulated from the frame and all other grounded surfaces) do not need to be GFCI protected.

3.10 Equipment Grounding

All electrical apparatus, equipment, and systems shall be grounded in accordance with NEC Article 250 (Grounding) and ANSI standards. The conductor used for grounding shall meet the following criteria:

Guidelines for proper grounding of programmatic equipment and systems can be found in the Electronics Engineering Department Grounding Guidelines: Practical Examples for Power Systems at LLNL (UCID-19752).

3.11 Static Electricity

A static charge is an imbalance of electrons on objects (matter) that can build up on all matter and transfer from one object to another by conduction or induction. The discharge of static electricity can cause shock or a fire or explosion. Although this type of shock is painful, it is not normally physically hazardous and therefore is not considered reportable as an electric shock. It should be noted, however, that injuries may result from reaction to the shock (i.e., by a person rapidly pulling his/her hand away from a metal object and hitting an elbow against a wall or cabinet).

Equipment and Personnel Guidelines. When working with electrical equipment, employees shall follow the guidelines below for their own protection and that of the equipment:

NFPA Regulations for Fire and Lightning. NFPA 77 (Static Electricity) contains requirements for reducing the fire hazard of static electricity. Lightning, an example of static electricity, is covered in NFPA 780 (Lightning Protection Code). This document gives lightning protection requirements for ordinary facilities and for facilities containing flammable vapors, gases, or liquids.

Flammable Vapor. A flammable vapor source can be ignited by static electricity if the following conditions exist simultaneously:

Liquids. Electrostatic charges can be generated by the movement of liquid through pipes, funnels, pumps, filters, or by free-flowing through air. Static charges generated by flowing liquids can be reduced or eliminated by bonding or grounding, or both; by lowering the flow rate; or by reducing the amount of misting, spraying, free-fall, and splashing of the liquid. Pay particular attention to situations where the liquid stream may impinge on a connection to a capacitor, high-voltage bushing, or cable terminal. Static charge from the liquid can store hazardous quantities of electrical energy in a capacitor over time. This hazard is most likely to occur when filling electronic apparatus tanks with insulating oil.

3.12 Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment is required when installing, examining, adjusting, servicing, fabricating, testing, or maintaining electrical equipment. The work supervisor shall provide employees with the appropriate PPE, and shall ensure that the equipment is used properly. Alternatively, employees may contact the area ES&H Team for assistance in selecting the appropriate PPE for the operation. Protective footwear; hard hats; and insulated, nonmetallic-framed safety glasses shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z41, ANSI Z87.1, and ANSI Z89.2 (see Table 1 below).

Rubber-insulated (nonconductive) protective equipment shall be visually inspected at the beginning of each workday before use and after performing work that can cause damage to PPE. This inspection shall include an air test of the gloves used. Hot sticks, grounds, aerial-lift equipment and booms, hot rope, and hot ladders shall also be visually inspected.

3.13 Reviews and Inspections

Major modifications to new and existing facilities and projects may be inspected by the DOE (or authorized designee) to verify compliance with codes and standards in effect on the day that such work is approved by a final design review. If the modification involves a hazard to life, equipment, or property, current safety requirements shall be reviewed and used to mitigate the hazard.

3.14 Emergency Assistance and Rescue

Anyone who witnesses or discovers a serious electric shock that results in any of the conditions listed below, at the Livermore site or at Site 300 shall immediately call the Fire Department Emergency Rescue (dial 911) (from a cell-phone, call 925-447-6880).

1. Obvious serious injury (e.g., loss of consciousness, significant trauma).
   
   

2. Altered mental status (e.g., confusion, slow/slurred speech).
   
   

3. Other obvious injury (e.g., laceration, muscle strain, burn).

In addition to calling 911:

Refer to Document 10.1, "Occupational Medical Program," in the ES&H Manual for additional information.

3.15 Minor Shocks

All other electric shock victims must be taken to the Health Services Department for evaluation so that potentially damaging effects can be detected early and treated properly. It should be noted that such effects may not be immediately recognized and can appear later (see Appendix B for details). Do not let the shock victim drive himself to the Health Services Department.

3.16 Analysis of Electrical Incidents

Serious and potentially lethal incidents, including near misses that could result in a serious or potentially lethal shock, shall undergo an incident analysis in accordance with Document 4.5, "Incidents--Notification, Analysis, and Reporting," in the ES&H Manual. This analysis shall be determined by facility or program management and the responsible ES&H Team.

3.17 Specific Training

Electrical Workers. Employees who perform electrical work shall be trained to recognize the hazards associated with their work environment and use appropriate procedures and protective equipment to minimize the risk of an accident or injury. The payroll supervisor provides trained electrical workers. Work supervisors shall verify the qualifications and training of all electrical workers before they are permitted to perform electrical work. Training requirements are identified in Document 40.1, "LLNL Training Program Manual," in the ES&H Manual and the Directorate Training Implementation Plan.

Employee training shall be documented with respect to the specific equipment and tasks for which the employee is qualified. Much of the experience required for an employee to be considered qualified is specific to the equipment and tasks involved. On-the-job training is always a necessary component of a qualification program. Classroom training, including courses offered by the Hazards Control Department, is a useful way to ensure that employees share a common level of basic knowledge on which to build specific on-the-job training. Additionally, employees can gain knowledge and experience about how to perform their jobs safely and properly by taking courses offered by universities and trade schools or through apprenticeships, on-the-job training (OJT), or other formalized training. The depth of training and how training is provided shall be determined by the hazards associated with the employee's respective tasks.

Electrical workers shall be trained in and familiar with the following subject areas:

The Hazards Control Department offers the following courses to fulfill some of these requirements:

Refresher training for electrical workers is required at intervals listed in the course catalog, and shall include a formal review of current regulations and safety practices.

Electrical workers should take HS1620, "Multimedia First Aid with CPR."

Nonelectrical Workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires training for nonelectrical workers whose job assignments require them to be close to exposed parts of electrical circuits operating at 50 V or more. The Hazards Control Department offers the following course for this purpose:

3.18 Supplementary Training

In addition to the courses the Hazards Control Department offers, both electrical and nonelectrical workers whose job assignment requires them to work close to exposed electrical circuits operating at 50 V or more to ground (in accordance 29 CFR 1910.332) should receive supplementary training in the following subject areas:

For additional training requirements, see the LLNL Training Program Manual and the Directorate Training Implementation Plan.

4.0 Responsibilities

All workers and organizations shall refer to Document 2.1, "Laboratory and ES&H Policies, General Worker Responsibilities, and Integrated Safety Management," in the ES&H Manual for a list of general responsibilities. This section describes specific responsibilities of LLNL organizations and workers who have key safety roles. The responsibilities of individuals with regard to electrical work are listed below each title.

4.1 Employees

4.2 Work Supervisors

4.3 Electrical Safety Advisory Board

5.0 Work Standards

29 CFR 1910, Subpart S, "Electrical."

29 CFR 1910, Subpart H, "Hazardous Materials."

29 CFR 1910, Subpart J, "General Environmental Controls." (Section 1910.147, "The control of hazardous energy lockout/tagout," specifically applies.)

29 CFR 1910, Subpart R, "Special Industries." (Section 1910.269, "Electrical power transmission, and distribution," specifically applies.)

29 CFR 1910.137, "Electrical Protective Devices."

29 CFR 1926, Subpart K, "Electrical."

DOE M 440.1-1, DOE Explosives Safety Manual.

NFPA 70, National Electrical Code.

6.0 Resources for More Information

6.1 Contacts

For additional information about the topics covered this document, contact the following:

6.2 Lessons Learned

For lessons learned specific to electrical work areas or electrical equipment, refer to the following web site:

http://www.llnl.gov/es_and_h/lessons/lessons.shtml

6.3 Other Sources

29 CFR 1910.268, "Telecommunications."

29 CFR 1926, Subpart V, "Power Transmission and Distribution" (latest edition).

ANSI C73, "American National Standard on Dimensions of Attachment Plugs" [configuration tables for general-purpose nonlocking and locking plugs and receptacles].

ANSI C84.1, "For Electric Power Systems and Equipment-Voltage Ratings (60 Hz)."

ANSI/IEEE Standard 18, "IEEE Standard for Shunt Power Capacitors."

ANSI/IEEE 80, "IEEE Guide for Safety in AC Substation Grounding."

ANSI/IEEE C2, "National Electrical Safety Code" (latest edition)."

ANSI/ISA-S82.01, .02, and .03, "Safety Standard for Electrical and Electronic Test, Measuring, Controlling and Related Equipment."

ANSI Z136.1, Section 7, "ANSI Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers" [Subsection 7.4, "Electrical Hazards."]

Charles F. Dalziel, "Deleterious Effects of Electric Shock," International Labour Office Meeting of Experts on Electrical Accidents and Related Matter (October 1961).

DOE-HDBK-1092-98, Electrical Safety Handbook.

Electronics Engineering Department, Grounding Guidelines: Practical Examples for Power Systems at LLNL, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA (UCID-19752).

IEEE 450-IEEE, "Recommended Practice for Maintenance, Testing, and Replacement of Large Lead Storage Batteries for Generating Stations and Substations."

NFPA 70B, Electrical Equipment Maintenance.

NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces (latest edition).

NFPA 75, Electronic Computer/Data Processing Equipment.

NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity.

NFPA 780, Lightning Protection Code (latest edition).

NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery National Fire Protection Association (interpretations of current NFPA 70).

NFPA 110, A-Stored Electrical Energy Emergency and Standby Power Systems."

Appendix A

Terms and Definitions

The following terms and acronyms are used in this document and the supporting appendices.

Affected employee

Any employee (including subcontractors) whose job requires him/her to operate or use a machine or work in an area where service or maintenance of equipment is being performed.

ac

Alternating current.

ANSI

American National Standards Institute.

Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)

An individual who interprets the requirements of all electrical codes and standards such as the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70); the National Electrical Safety Code (ANSI/IEEE C2); 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S; 29 CFR 1926, Subparts K and V; and Document 16.3. This individual also approves electrical equipment, wiring methods, electrical installations, and utilization of equipment for compliance.

Authorized person

Any employee (including subcontractors) with acquired skills and training who has been approved or assigned by the supervisor to perform specific work or tasks.

Bonding

The permanent joining of metallic parts to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.

CFR

Code of Federal Regulations.

Competent person

A person who is (1) capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in workplaces; and (2) authorized and qualified by management to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate hazards, provide first aid, and notify the appropriate personnel when an accident or incident occurs.

CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Dead-front construction

Electrical equipment built so that, in NEC 70 Article 100's definition, it is "without live parts exposed to a person on the operating side of the equipment." Article 384 (Switchboards and Panel Boards), in paragraph 384-3.(a), requires that "barriers shall be placed in all service switchboards that will isolate the service bussbars and terminals from the remainder of the switchboard."

dc

Direct current.

Electrical equipment

A general term for material, fittings, devices, appliances, fixtures, apparatus, and the like that are used as a part of or in connection with an electrical installation. The term applies to both power-generation equipment and electronics equipment.

Electrical hazard

Any situation in which an employee or any conductive tool or object in contact with the employee could contact or approach closer than the safe clearance distance of any live part or other energized conductor. Any situation in which electrical equipment is likely to cause a fire because of defective components or design. Examples of electrical hazards include inadequate working clearance while working on energized circuits, exposed energized parts, electrical equipment inadequately guarded or enclosed, electrical equipment in an unsafe environment, and unsafe electrical equipment. Generally, electrical equipment that is not in compliance with OSHA regulations or NEC standards presents a potential hazard.

Electrical worker

An electrical worker is a person trained, qualified, and authorized to work on electrical equipment. He/she is usually hired specifically for this purpose.

Facility power

Main disconnects, panel boards, switches, and associated wiring are considered facility/building power and are typically less than 600 V ac. These systems are designed and installed to operate facilities in these buildings (i.e., lighting, heating, air conditioning, or standby power supply and circuitry).

FSP

Facility Safety Plan.

GFCI

Ground-fault circuit interrupter.

Grounded

Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth. Physically and intentionally connected to the earth through a ground connection of sufficient low impedance and with sufficient current-carrying capacity to prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in undue hazard to connected equipment or persons. (See ungrounded.)

Joule (J)

Watt-second (power x time); a unit of energy.

Labeled

Equipment or materials to which a label, symbol, or other identifying mark has been applied by an NRTL.

Listed

Equipment or materials included in a list published by an NRTL.

Live/energized parts

The current edition of 29 CFR 1910 defines a "live part" as an electrically conducting part carrying more that 50 V ac or dc. (A part may be designated as "not live" if the current from the part to ground through 1500 ohms non-inductive resistance shunted by a capacitance of 0.15 µf cannot exceed 0.5 mA, even though the part carries voltage equal to or greater than that specified for a live part.)

Lockout and tag procedure

LLNL's general procedure for affixing appropriate locks and tags to energy-isolating devices to prevent inadvertent energizing or start-up of machines or equipment while service and maintenance is being performed. Lockout devices prevent the release of energy that could cause injury or death. Refer to Document 12.6 for details on this procedure.

Minimum work distance or clearance

A minimum separation distance between a qualified electrical worker (or any conducting object touching the worker) and any energized component. Also, a mandatory separation distance between any energized component and vehicles or machinery. See Document 16.2, 29 CFR 1910.303, and 29 CFR 1910.304.

NEC

National Electrical Code.

NEMA

National Electrical Manufacturers Association.

NFPA

National Fire Protection Association.

Nationally recognized testing Laboratory (NRTL)

An organization that is concerned with product evaluation and maintains periodic inspection of listed equipment and materials. The NRTL ensures that the equipment or materials meet appropriate designated standards and that they have been tested and found to be suitable for use in a specified manner. (Refer to 29 CFR 1910.7, "Definition and Requirements for a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory.")

Nominal system voltage

A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system to conveniently designate its voltage class (e.g., 120/240 V, 480Y/277 V, 600 V). The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can vary from the nominal within a range that permits satisfactory operation of the equipment. (Refer to ANSI C84.1, "Electric Power Systems and Equipment--Voltage Ratings [60 Hz]" for details.)

OJT

On-the-job training.

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSP

Operational Safety Plan.

PPE

Personal protective equipment.

Qualified person

A person who has been determined by his/her supervisor to have the skills, knowledge, and abilities to safely perform the work to which he/she is assigned. Qualifications may include a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing--through extensive knowledge, training, and experience--or that one has successfully demonstrated the ability to resolve problems relating to the subject matter or work to the satisfaction of his/her supervisor.

Safety watch

A person specifically assigned to stand by (within visible and audible range of workers) and continually monitor equipment and personnel for safety.

Strain relief

A mechanical device that prevents force from being transmitted to the connections or terminals of a cable.

Temporary wiring

Electrical wiring that is temporarily installed for a limited time to complete a specific task (e.g., construction of a new facility or performance of R&D work). Temporary wiring methods must apply sound engineering practices to ensure adequate electrical safety of temporary wiring installations. Temporary wiring shall conform to the requirements in Section 3.5 of this document, Article 305 of the NEC, and the respective subparts of 29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926.

Ungrounded

A condition having no physical connection or continuity with earth ground. A condition of insulation or isolation. (See grounded.)

Utility power

Utility, transmission, and distribution of electrical power systems typically above 600 V ac (i.e., substations, vaults, transformers, switch gear) prior to the final point of transformation and distribution. These electrical systems and equipment then furnish electrical power to buildings and facilities through an electric service entrance. Qualified Plant Engineering personnel (or their designees) are the only individuals authorized to work on these high-voltage systems.