OSHA’s Electric Power Standards

David Wallis

Construction and Maintenance

Electrical Protective Equipment

• Rubber insulating equipment

• Other electrical protective equipment

§§1910.137 and 1926.97

Rubber Insulating Equipment• Gloves

• Sleeves

• Blankets

• Covers

• Line hose

• Matting

Gloves and Sleeves

Blankets, Line Hose, & Covers

Matting

Design Standards• ASTM design specifications:

§§1910.137(a) and 1926.97(a)

D120—Gloves D1049—Covers

D1051—Sleeves D1050—Line hose

D1048—Blankets D178—Matting

Use and Care• Inspection

• Maximum use voltage

• Storage

• Protector gloves

• Testing

• Repair

Inspection

• Before each day’s use

• Following any incident that could damage the equipment

• Air test for rubber gloves

§§1910.137(c)(2)(ii) and 1926.97(c)(2)(ii)

Defects and Damage

• Holes, tears, punctures, or cuts

• Ozone cutting or checking

• Embedded foreign object

• Swelling, hardening, sticky, or inelastic

• Other damage to insulation—retest

§§1910.137(c)(2)(iii) & (iv) and 1926.97(c)(2)(iii) & (iv)

Air Test

Mechanical Inflator Manual Inflation

Maximum Use VoltageClass Maximum Use Voltage

00 500

0 1,000

1 7,500

2 17,000

3 26,500

4 36,000

§§1910.137(c)(2)(i), Table I-4, and 1926.97(c)(2)(i), Table E-4

Maximum Use Voltage

• Multiphase exposure = phase-to-phase voltage

• Single-phase exposure = phase-to-ground voltage

Single-Phase Exposure

• Only one phase in a system area, and maximum voltage is phase to ground

• Insulation or isolation of other phases on grounded-wye circuit

Multiphase Exposure

Single-Phase Exposure

Storage• Protect from:

• Light

• Temperature extremes

• Excessive humidity

• Ozone

• Other damaging substances and conditions§§1910.137(c)(2)(vi) and 1926.97(c)(2)(vi)

Protector Gloves

Protector Gloves• Always wear protector gloves over rubber gloves

• Exceptions:

• Class 0 limited use

• Class 00 limited use—≤ 250 V ac or 375 V dc

• Other classes—one class higher

• Retest rubber gloves after use without protectors§§1910.137(c)(2)(vii) and 1926.97(c)(2)(vii)

Testing

Equipment When to Test

Line hose and covers Insulation suspect, after repair

Gloves Every 6 mo., insulation suspect, after repair

Blankets and sleeves Every 12 mo., insulation suspect, after repair

§1910.137(c)(2)(viii) & (ix), Table I-4 & I-5

Testing

• Certify the testing, identifying the equipment and test date

• Logs or marking the equipment are acceptable

§§1910.137(c)(2)(xii) and 1926.97(c)(2)(xii)

Repair• Line hose—cut off defective portion

• Blankets—cut off defective area, min. size is 22 in. x 22 in.

• Blankets—repair using compatible patch

• Gloves and sleeves—compatible patch or compound, only in gauntlet area

• Test after repair§§1910.137(c)(2)(x) and 1926.97(c)(2)(x)

Other Electrical Protective Equipment

Plastic guard equipment (ASTM F712)

Insulating shields and barriers

Other Electrical Protective Equipment

• Withstand imposed voltages

• Limit equipment current to 1 μA per kV

§§1910.137(b) and 1926.97(b)

Electric Power Generation, Transmission, & Distribution

• General industry, 29 CFR 1910.269

• Construction, 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart V

Scope—§1910.269• Operation and maintenance of:

• Electric power generation, transmission, and distribution installations, including related installations

• Fuel and ash handling

• Water and steam installations

• Chlorine and hydrogen systems§1910.269(a)(1)(i)

Scope—§1910.269• Operation and maintenance of:

• Test sites

• Line-clearance tree trimming

• Whole standard applies to work by qualified employees

• Only paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), (b), (c), (g), (k), (p), and (r) apply to work by line-clearance tree trimmers

§1910.269(a)(1)(i)

Scope—§1910.269

• Excluded:

• Construction

• Subpart S, electrical, requirements

§1910.269(a)(1)(ii)

Scope—Subpart V• Construction of electric power transmission and

distribution lines and equipment, including

• New construction,

• Alteration,

• Conversion, and

• Improvement

§1926.950(a)(1)(i)

Scope—Subpart V

• Excluded:

• Electrical safety-related work practices for unqualified employees

§1926.950(a)(1)(ii)

Scope—Subpart V

• Applicable general industry standards, §1910.269:

• Line-clearance tree trimming operations

• Electric power generation

§1926.950(a)(3)

Scope—Both Standards

• Section 1910.269 applies in addition to other provisions in OSHA’s General Industry Standards (29 CFR Part 1910)

• Subpart V applies in addition to other provisions in OSHA’s Construction Standards (29 CFR Part 1926)

§§1910.269(a)(1)(iii) and 1926.950(a)(2)

Training

• All employees

• Qualified employees

• Line-clearance tree trimmers

§§1910.269(a)(2) and 1926.950(b)

Training—All Employees• Safety-related work practices, safety procedures,

and other safety requirements in the standards that pertain to the job

• Other safety practices, including applicable emergency procedures, that are not specifically addressed by the standards but that are related to work and necessary for safety

• Degree of training commensurate with risk

§§1910.269(a)(2)(i) and 1926.950(b)(1)

Qualified Employees• Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live

parts from other parts of electric equipment

• Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts

• Applicable minimum approach distances and how to maintain them

• Proper use of protective equipment and tools for working on or near exposed live parts

• Recognition of electrical hazards and how to control them§§1910.269(a)(2)(ii) and 1926.950(b)(2)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimmers

• Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment

• Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts

• Applicable minimum approach distances and how to maintain them

§1910.269(a)(2)(iii)

Supervision and Inspections

• Ensure that workers are following required practices

• Regular supervision

• Annual inspections

§§1910.269(a)(2)(iv) and 1926.950(b)(3)

Additional Training

• Additional training required:

• If supervision or inspections detect noncompliance

• New technology or other changes

• Worker must use practices not normally in use (within the last year)

§§1910.269(a)(2)(v) and 1926.950(b)(4)

Training Results

• Introduce procedures necessary for compliance

• Establish proficiency

• Training is complete only after employee demonstrates proficiency

§§1910.269(a)(2)(vii) & (viii) and 1926.950(b)(6) & (7)

Existing Conditions• Characteristics of the system related to safety

• Voltage, maximum overvoltage, induced voltage

• Presence of grounds

• Location of circuits and equipment

• Conditions of the installation related to safety

• Condition of grounds and poles

• Environmental conditions§§1910.269(a)(4) and 1926.950(d)

Information Transfer

Information Transfer• Host employer:

An employer that operates, or that controls the operating procedures for, an electric power generation, transmission, or distribution installation on which a contract employer is performing work covered by [the standard].

• Contract employer:

An employer, other than a host employer, that performs work covered by [the standard] under contract.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Information Transfer

• Host employer

• Typically an electric utility

• Must operate, or control operating procedures for, an electric power installation

• Contractor must be working on system

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Information Transfer

• Not a host employer

• Holding company owning, but not operating, generation plant

• Contractor, unless it operates or controls the operation

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Information Transfer• Contract employer

• Any contractor that performs covered work

• Subcontractors

• But not…

• A host employer

• A contractor that is present at a covered installation, but does not performed covered work

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Information Transfer• Host provides information to contractors

• Characteristics listed in §§1910.269(a)(4) and 1926.950(d)

• Known conditions listed in §§1910.269(a)(4) and 1926.950(d)

• System design information needed for assessments

• Other known system information related to safety and requested by contractor

§§1910.269(a)(3)(i) and 1926.950(c)(1)

AssessmentsProvision Assessment Required Type of Information

§1910.269(e), §1926.953(a)

Whether an enclosed space must be entered as a permit-required confined space

Whether an enclosed space contains hazards, other than electrical and atmospheric hazards, that could endanger the life of an entrant or could interfere with escape from the space

§1910.269(e)(12), §1926.953(m)

Whether forced air ventilation has been maintained long enough that a safe atmosphere exists

The size of the enclosed space

Information Transfer

• Contractor instructs its employees in the hazardous conditions, relevant to employees’ work, of which the contractor is aware as a result of information communicated by the host

§§1910.269(a)(3)(ii)(A) and 1926.950(c)(2)(i)

Information Transfer

• Contractor advises the host of:

• Any unique hazardous conditions presented by the contract employer’s work

• Any unanticipated hazardous conditions not mentioned by the host

§§1910.269(a)(3)(ii)(B) & (C) and 1926.950(c)(2)(ii) & (iii)

Information Transfer

• Contractor and host must coordinate work rules and procedures so that each employee is protected

§§1910.269(a)(3)(iii) and 1926.950(c)(3)

Medical Services & First Aid

• General industry and construction standards apply (§§1910.151 and 1926.50)

• First-aid training includes training in CPR

§§1910.269(b) & (x) and 1926.951(a) & 1926.968

Medical Services & First Aid

• Field work—work by 2 or more workers requires at least 2 workers trained in first aid

• Partial exception for line-clearance tree trimming

• Fixed work locations—Reach an injured worker in 4 minutes, or all workers trained in first aid

§§1910.269(b)(1) and 1926.951(b)

Medical Services & First Aid

• First-aid supplies in weatherproof containers when exposed to weather

• First-aid kit maintenance

• Readily available for use

• Inspect to ensure replacement of supplies

• Inspect at least annually

§1910.269(b)(2) & (3)

Job Briefing

• Employer must provide the employee in charge with with all available information that relates to the determination of existing characteristics and conditions under §§1910.269(a)(4) and 1926.950(d):

• Information on existing characteristics

• Information about existing conditions

§§1910.269(c)(1)(i) and 1926.952(a)(1)

Job Briefing• Employee in charge conducts job briefing before start of work

• Job briefing to cover:

• Hazards associated with the job

• Work procedures involved

• Special precautions

• Energy-source controls

• PPE

§§1910.269(c)(1)(ii) & (c)(2) and 1926.952(a)(2) & (b)

Job Briefing

• Number of briefings:

• Single briefing at the start of the shift if work will be repetitive and similar

• Additional briefings when changes affecting safety occur

§§1910.269(c)(3) and 1926.952(c)

Job Briefing• Extent of briefing

• Short discussion if work is routine and workers are trained to recognize and avoid hazards of the job

• More detail for complicated or particularly hazardous work

• More detail if employee might not recognize and avoid hazards of the job

§§1910.269(c)(4) and 1926.952(d)

Job Briefing

• Working alone

• No job briefing

• Plan the job as if a briefing took place

§§1910.269(c)(5) and 1926.952(e)

Enclosed Spaces

§§1910.269(e) and 1926.953

What Is an Enclosed Space?

A working space, such as a manhole, vault, tunnel, or shaft, that has a limited means of egress or entry, that is designed for periodic employee entry under normal operating conditions, and that, under normal conditions, does not contain a hazardous atmosphere, but may contain a hazardous atmosphere under abnormal conditions

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Manholes and Vaults

Tunnels and Shafts

Not an Enclosed Space• Not designed for entry under normal operating

conditions

• Contains a hazardous atmosphere under normal operating conditions

• Contains or develops a hazardous atmosphere that is not removed by compliance with standard

• Hazards remaining after compliance endanger the life of an entrant or could interfere with escape

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Entry

The action by which a person passes through an opening into an enclosed space. Entry includes ensuing work activities in that space and is considered to have occurred as soon as any part of the entrant’s body breaks the plane of an opening into the space.

• Attendant

An employee assigned to remain immediately outside the entrance to an enclosed or other space to render assistance as needed to employees inside the space.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

• Hazardous atmosphere

An atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (that is, escape unaided from an enclosed space), injury, or acute illness from one or more of the following causes:

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Hazardous atmosphere …

(1) Flammable gas, vapor, or mist in excess of 10 percent of its lower flammable limit (LFL);

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Hazardous atmosphere …

(2) Airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LFL;

Note to the definition of ‘‘hazardous atmosphere’’ (2): This concentration may be approximated as a condition in which the dust obscures vision at a distance of 1.52 meters (5 feet) or less.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Hazardous atmosphere …

(3) Atmospheric oxygen concentration below 19.5 percent or above 23.5 percent;

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Hazardous atmosphere …

(4) Atmospheric concentration of any substance for which a dose or a permissible exposure limit is published in Subpart G, Occupational Health and Environmental Control, or in Subpart Z, Toxic and Hazardous Substances, of this part and which could result in employee exposure in excess of its dose or permissible exposure limit;

Note to the definition of ‘‘hazardous atmosphere’’ (4): An atmospheric concentration of any substance that is not capable of causing death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue, injury, or acute illness due to its health effects is not covered by this provision.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Hazardous atmosphere …

(5) Any other atmospheric condition that is immediately dangerous to life or health.

Note to the definition of ‘‘hazardous atmosphere’’ (5): For air contaminants for which the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has not determined a dose or permissible exposure limit, other sources of information, such as Material Safety Data Sheets that comply with the Hazard Communication Standard, §1910.1200, published information, and internal documents can provide guidance in establishing acceptable atmospheric conditions.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Enclosed Spaces—Definitions

• Immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH)

Any condition that poses an immediate or delayed threat to life or that would cause irreversible adverse health effects or that would interfere with an individual’s ability to escape unaided from a permit space.

Note to the definition of ‘‘immediately dangerous to life or health’’: Some materials—hydrogen fluoride gas and cadmium vapor, for example—may produce immediate transient effects that, even if severe, may pass without medical attention, but are followed by sudden, possibly fatal collapse 12–72 hours after exposure. The victim ‘‘feels normal’’ from recovery fromtransient effects until collapse. Such materials in hazardous quantities are considered to be ‘‘immediately’’ dangerous to life or health.

Enclosed Spaces

• Establish safe work practices for entry into, and work in, enclosed spaces and for rescue of employees from such spaces

• Train entrants and attendants in entry and rescue procedures

§§1910.269(e)(1) & (2) and 1926.953(b) & (c)

Evaluating Hazards• Determine whether the space is safe for entry:

• Check for temperature and pressure differences

• Check potential for hazardous atmosphere

• Remove unsafe conditions

• Guard opening after removing cover

• Attendant required for traffic hazards§§1910.269(e)(4), (5), & (7) and 1926.953(e), (f) & (h)

Testing Atmosphere

• Instruments must be direct reading, be calibrated, and have an accuracy of ±10 percent

• Test for oxygen deficiency unless adequate ventilation is provided

• Test for flammable gases and vapors

§§1910.269(e)(8) to (10) and 1926.953(i) to (k)

Hazardous Atmosphere?

• No entry permitted if a hazardous atmosphere is present

• See §1910.146

§§1910.269(e)(8) to (10) and 1926.953(i) to (k)

Ventilation and Monitoring• If you find oxygen deficiency or flammable gases or

vapors:

• Use forced-air ventilation to maintain oxygen at a safe level and to prevent a hazardous concentration of flammable gases and vapors from accumulating

• If you only detect flammable gases or vapors at safe levels, you can use continuous monitoring instead

• If you use open flames, test often enough to detect hazardous accumulation, but no less than once/hour

§§1910.269(e)(11) & (14) and 1926.953(l) & (o)

Ventilation and Monitoring

• Begin ventilation before entry and maintain long enough to ensure a safe atmosphere

• Directed to ventilate work area

• Clean air supply

§§1910.269(e)(12) & (13) and 1926.953(m) & (n)

Fall Protection

Fall Protection—Types• Fall restraint system

A system that prevents the user from falling any distance

• Work positioning equipment

A system rigged to allow an employee to be supported on an elevated vertical surface and work with both hands free while leaning

• Personal fall arrest equipment

A system used to arrest an employee in a fall from a working level

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Fall Restraint System

Work Positioning Equipment

Personal Fall Arrest Equipment

Fall Protection

• Design requirements

• Fall restraint—guidelines only, 3,000-lb capacity

• Fall arrest—29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart M plus 40-cal/cm2 arc test

• Work positioning—ASTM F887

§§1910.269(g)(2)(i), (ii), & (iii) and 1926.954(b)(1) & (2)

Fall Protection

• Aerial Lifts

• Fall restraint system, or

• Personal fall arrest system

§§1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C) and 1926.954(b)(3)(iii)

Fall Protection• Poles, towers, and similar structures, more than

1.2 m above the ground

• Fall restraint system,

• Work positioning equipment, or

• Personal fall arrest system

• As appropriate

§§1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C) and 1926.954(b)(3)(iii)

Fall Protection

• Use fall protection while climbing or changing location

• Limited exemption

• Provides anchorage

• Effective April 1, 2015

§§1910.269(g)(2)(iv)(C) and 1926.954(b)(3)(iii)

Appropriate for Work

Wood pole structure

Appropriate for Work

Steel lattice structure

Multipurpose Harness

Fall arrest or work positioning

WPFRD

Wood pole fall restriction device

Retractable Lanyards

Fall Protection?

Fall Arrest Systems• Inspect before each use

• Unless designed for the purpose, do not engage snaphooks

• To each other

• To a D-ring with another snaphook or connector

• To webbing, rope, or wire rope

• Horizontal lifeline

• Incompatible object§1926.502(d)(6) & (21)

Fall Arrest Systems

• Rig so that worker cannot fall more than 1.8 meters or contact a lower level

• Use only for employee protection

§1926.502(d)(16)(iii) & (d)(18)

Work Positioning Equipment• Inspect before each day’s use

• Rig so that worker cannot fall more than 0.6 meters

• Unless designed for the purpose, do not engage snaphooks

• To each other

• To a D-ring with another snaphook or connector

• To webbing, rope, or wire rope

• Horizontal lifeline

• Incompatible object§§1910.269(g)(2)(iv) and 1926.954(b)(3)

Portable Ladders and Platforms

• See 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart D for ladders used during maintenance operations

• See 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart X for ladders used during construction

§§1910.269(h)(1) and 1926.955(a)

Special Ladders and Platforms

§§1910.269(h)(1) and 1926.955(a)

Special Ladders and Platforms

• Do not overload them

• Secure them from displacement

• Use only as intended

§§1910.269(h)(2) and 1926.955(b)

Cord- and Plug-Connected Equipment

Grounded Double Insulated Low Voltage

§§1910.269(i)(2) and 1926.956(b)

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools

§§1910.269(i)(4) and 1926.956(d)

Hydraulic and Pneumatic Tools

• Maintain safe operating pressure

• Use near energized lines

• Designed for use

• Hydraulic tools—check valves at > 10.7 meters

• Pneumatic tools—protection against moisture accumulation

§§1910.269(i)(4) and 1926.956(d)

Live-Line Tools

• ASTM F711, Standard Specification for Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Rod and Tube Used in Live Line Tools

§§1910.269(j) and 1926.957

Live-Line Tools

• Wipe clean and visually inspect before each day’s use

• If any defect or contamination is present, return for repair and testing

§§1910.269(j)(2)(i) & (ii) and 1926.957(b)(1) & (2)

Live-Line Tools• Periodic cleaning, repair, and testing for tools used as primary

protection

• Every 2 years

• Thorough examination

• Test after repair or refinish

• Test after exam without repair or refinish, except for FRP rod or foam-filled FRP tube

• Test must verify integrity of tool along working length

§§1910.269(j)(2)(i) & (ii) and 1926.957(b)(1) & (2)

Live-Line Tool Guidelines• IEEE 516, IEEE Guide for Maintenance Methods on

Energized Power Lines

• Protect tools from damage during storage

• Inspection guidelines—what to look for

• Cleaning guidelines

• Testing guidelines—how to test

Materials Handling and Storage

• For maintenance, see 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N

• For construction, see 29 CFR Part 1926, Subparts N and CC

• Material storage

• Unrestricted access, minimum clearance = 3 meters

• Restricted to qualified employees, minimum clearance = MAD

§§1910.269(k) and 1926.958

Mechanical Equipment

§§1910.269(p) and 1926.959

Mechanical Equipment

• Inspect critical safety components before use on each shift

• Critical safety components are components for which failure would result in free fall or free rotation of the boom

§§1910.269(p)(1)(i) and 1926.959(a)(2)

Mechanical Equipment• Critical safety components include:

• Boom

• Outriggers

• Upper and lower bearing attachment weld and bolts

• Lift cylinders and attachments

• Hydraulic system

• Elbow§§1910.269(p)(1)(i) and 1926.959(a)(2)

Mechanical Equipment

• Operator may not leave position while load is suspended, unless no employees are endangered

• Use outriggers unless terrain precludes use

• Extend and retract outriggers in full view of operator or keep workers outside of range of movement

§§1910.269(p)(1)(iv) & (2) and 1926.959(a)(3) & (b)

Mechanical Equipment Near Overhead Lines

• Maintain MAD from overhead power lines

• The insulated portion of an aerial lift may approach closer than MAD

• Use an observer unless the operator can accurately determine and maintain the distance

§§1910.269(p)(4)(i) & (ii) and 1926.959(d)(1) & (2)

Mechanical Equipment Near Overhead Lines

• If equipment could become energized:

• Cover lines, or

• Use insulated boom where it could come within MAD, or

• Protect workers from hazards arising from contact

§§1910.269(p)(4)(iii) and 1926.959(d)(3)

Mechanical Equipment Near Overhead Lines

• Protect workers from hazards arising from contact by:

• Using the best available ground

• Bond mechanical equipment together

• Ground mats to extend area of protection

• Use insulating equipment or barriers to protect against any remaining hazardous voltage

§§1910.269(p)(4)(iii) and 1926.959(d)(3)

Working On or Near Exposed Energized Parts

• Two-person rule

• MAD

• Working position

• Protection from electric arcs (arc flash)

§§1910.269(l) and 1926.960

Working On or Near Exposed Energized Parts

• How close is near?

• Who is a qualified employee?

• What work is restricted to qualified employees?

• When are lines and equipment energized?

§§1910.269(l) and 1926.960

How Close is Near?

• Near = close enough to expose worker to hazard

• Electric shock

• Hazards from electric arcs

§§1910.269(l) and 1926.960(a)

Who Is a Qualified Employee?

• An employee (person) knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment involved, along with the associated hazards.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Who Is a Qualified Employee?

• An employee must have the training required for qualified employees to be a qualified employee.

• Generally, an employee who is undergoing on-the-job training and who has demonstrated, in the course of such training, an ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person is a qualified person for the performance of those duties.

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

What Work Is Restricted to Qualified Employees?

• Work on or with exposed energized lines or parts of equipment

• Work in areas containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more

§§1910.269(l)(1)(i) & (ii) and 1926.960(b)(1)

When Are Lines and Equipment Energized?

• Unless they have been deenergized in accordance with the requirements in the standards for deenergizing lines and equipment

• Generation

• Transmission and distribution

§§1910.269(l)(1)(iii) and 1926.960(b)(2)

Two-Person Rule• Install, remove, repair lines >600 V

• Install, remove, repair deenergized line with exposure to >600 V

• Install, remove, repair equipment with exposure to >600 V

• Mechanical equipment, other than insulated aerial lifts, near parts >600 V

• Other work posing similar hazards§§1910.269(l)(2)(i) and 1926.960(b)(3)(i)

Exposed to Contact

• Not isolated or guarded

• Insulated parts are “exposed to contact” unless isolated or guarded

§§1910.269(x) and 1926.968

Two-Person Rule

• Exceptions:

• Routine circuit switching when safe

• Work with live-line tools when out of reach of energized parts

• Emergency repairs to safeguard the public

§§1910.269(l)(2)(ii) and 1926.960(b)(3)(ii)

Minimum Approach Distances (MAD)

MAD

• Employer must establish minimum approach distances based on formulas in the standard

• For voltages >72.5 kV, employer must determine maximum transient overvoltage (TOV)

• Based on engineering analysis or

• Use default values

§§1910.269(l)(3)(i) & (ii) and 1926.960(c)(1)(i) & (ii)

MAD• Maintain MAD between the worker and live parts,

unless:

• Worker is insulated from live parts (gloves or gloves and sleeves if employee has control of parts),

• Live parts are insulated from worker, or

• Live-line barehand work

§§1910.269(l)(3)(iii) and 1926.960(c)(1)(iii)

What Is the Distance?

• For voltages up to 72.5 kV, generally use the default table

• For voltages >72.5 kV, the distances are based on the equations (D = TOV × (C + a) + M)

• MAD is based on probability of 1/1000 of sparkover

§1910.269 Table R-3 and Subpart V Table V-2

MAD for ≤72.5 kV(showing difference compared to old §1910.269)

Voltage (kV phase-to-phase) m ft

0.50 to 0.300 Avoid contact

0.301 to 0.750 0.33 (+0.33) 1.09 (+1.09)

0.751 to 5.0 0.63 (-0.01) 2.07 (-0.01)

5.1 to 15.0 0.65 (+0.01) 2.14 (+0.06)

15.1 to 36.0 0.77 (+0.05) 2.53 (+0.20)

36.1 to 46.0 0.84 (+0.07) 2.76 (+0.18)

46.1 to 72.5 1.00 (+0.10) 3.29 (+0.29)

§1910.269 Table R-6 and Subpart V Table V-5

MAD for >72.5 kVMAD = 0.3048(C + a)VL-GTA + M

C = constant, 0.01 or 0.011, depending on exposure

a = saturation factor (per equations in Table R-3)

VL-G = phase-to-ground rms voltage, in kV

T = maximum anticipated per-unit transient overvoltage

(for phase-to-phase exposures, T = 1.35TL-G + 0.45)

A = altitude correction factor from Table R–5 or Table V-4

M = 0.31 m (1.0 ft), the inadvertent movement factor

§1910.269 Table R-3 and Subpart V Table V-2

Changes for Voltages>72.5 kV

• Maximum transient overvoltage (TOV)

• Highest is 3.5 rather than 3.0

• Standards anticipates that most employers will determine maximum TOV

• Appendix B includes MAD tables for various values of maximum TOV

• MAD for phase-to-phase exposures increases substantially for voltages >350 kV because of error

§1910.269 Table R-3 and Subpart V Table V-2

Portable Protective Gap

Line endGround end

Using Rubber Gloves and Sleeves

• When a worker is using the rubber glove method:

• He or she must also wear rubber sleeves, or

• Exposed energized parts not being worked on must be insulated, and the worker must install this insulation from a position where his or her upper arm is not exposed to contact

§§1910.269(l)(4)(i) and 1926.960(c)(2)(i)

Working Position

• Where to put on and take off rubber gloves

• Where may unprotected employees work?

§§1910.269(l)(4)(ii) & (5)(ii) and 1926.960(c)(2)(ii) & (d)(2)

Don & Doff Rubber Gloves• Put on and take off rubber insulating gloves in a

position where the worker cannot reach into MAD

§§1910.269(l)(4)(ii) and 1926.960(c)(2)(ii)

Unprotected Workers• For work near live parts of >600 volts but ≤ 72.5 kV,

work from a position where the worker cannot reach into MAD, except:

• wearing rubber insulating gloves,

• protected by insulating equipment,

• using live-line tools, and

• performing live-line barehand work§§1910.269(l)(5)(ii) and 1926.960(d)(2)

Electric Arc Protection

Electric Arc Protection

Principle Requirements• Assess workplace for hazards from flames or electric

arcs

• If there is exposure, estimate incident energy

• Prohibit clothing when incident energy could ignite clothing

• Require FR under certain conditions

• Select clothing with an arc rating greater than the estimated incident energy

§§1910.269(l)(8) and 1926.960(g)

Appendix E Guidelines• Assessment guidelines with examples

• Estimating available heat energy

• Selecting an appropriate calculation method

• Selecting reasonable input parameters (in particular, distance to arc and arc gap)

• Tables for single-phase arc in open air

• Selecting protective clothing and other protective equipment

Appendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Assessment Guidelines—Arc and Flame Sources

• Sources of electric arcs

• Unguarded, uninsulated live parts

• Switches that arc in normal operation

• Sliding parts subject to faults

• Electric equipment subject to failure

• Sources of flames

• Open flames

• Ignitible material near flames or arcsAppendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Assessment Guidelines—Probability of Arc

• Whether conductive objects can fall on live parts

• Whether employee is inside MAD

• Whether operation of electric equipment is part of normal operation or occurs during servicing

• Evidence of impending failure

Appendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Assessment ExamplesTask Exposure

Normal operation

Proper maintenance and no evidence of impending failure

No

Evidence of arcing or overheating Yes

Evidence of inadequate maintenance

Yes

Servicing and maintenance All Yes

Assessment ExamplesTask Exposure

Inspection with exposed live parts

Worker outside of MAD and holding no conductive objects

No

Worker holding conductive object Yes

Worker inside MAD Yes

Using open flames All Yes

Guidelines for Calculation Methods

Appendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Notes on Calculation Methods

• Heat flux calculator

• NFPA 70E Task Table

• 2012 edition

• 2015 edition

• ARCPRO

• v. 2.0

• v. 2.01Appendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Guidelines on Arc Gap

Appendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Appendix E Incident-Energy Tables

Appendix E to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Arc-Rated Protection• Outer layer of clothing must be FR for incident energy

exceeding 2.0 cal/cm2

• Arc-rated protection must cover entire body, with certain exceptions:

• Protection for hands (rubber gloves with protectors or, for exposures ≤ 14 cal/cm2, heavy-duty (12-oz) leather work gloves)

• Protection for feet (heavy work shoes or boots)

• Protection for the head under certain conditions§§1910.269(l)(8)(v) and 1926.960(g)(5)

Head and Face Protection• Starts at 9 cal/cm2 for single-phase arcs in air

• Starts at 5 cal/cm2 for other exposures

• May be hard hat and face shield for these exposures:

• < 13 cal/cm2 for single-phase arc in open air

• < 9 cal/cm2 for other exposures

• For open-air, single-phase arc exposures, the required arc rating is reduced by 4 cal/cm2

§§1910.269(l)(8)(v)(C) - (D) and 1926.960(g)(5)(iii) - (v)

Compliance Deadlines

• Incident energy estimates—January 1, 2015

• Use FR clothing when incident energy exceeds 2.0 cal/cm2—April 1, 2015

• Arc-flash protection—April 1, 2015

• Everything else—July 10, 2015

§§1910.269(l)(8)(vi) and 1926.960(g)(6)

Making Connections

• Attaching deenergized equipment to energized—attached deenergized part first

• Removing equipment from energized circuit—remove the source end first

§§1910.269(l)(6) and 1926.960(e)

Conductive Articles

• Don’t wear conductive articles when working within reach of exposed energized parts unless articles do not increase hazards

• You can render them nonconductive instead

§§1910.269(l)(7) and 1926.960(f)

Fuse Handling

• If the voltage exceeds 300 V or if live parts of 50 V or more are present, use rated tools or gloves

• When installing or removing expulsion-type fuses energized at > 300 V, wear eye protection, use a rated tool, and stand clear of the exhaust path

§§1910.269(l)(9) and 1926.960(h)

Treat as Energized• Covered conductors

• Non-current-carry metal parts, unless determined to be grounded

• Transformer cases

• Circuit breaker housings

• Other equipment enclosures

§§1910.269(l)(10) & (11) and 1926.960(i) & (j)

Opening and Closing Circuits Under Load

• Use devices designed to carry or interrupt current under load

§§1910.269(l)(12) and 1926.960(k)

Deenergizing Lines and Equipment and Lockout-Tagout

• Generation

• Lockout-tagout

• Transmission and distribution

• System operator (dispatcher)

• Protection against outside energization

Hazardous Energy Control (Lockout-Tagout)

• A program to ensure that, before servicing or maintenance where the unexpected energizing, start up, or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment is isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative

• Energy control procedures

• Employee training

• Periodic inspections

§1910.269(d)(2)(i)

Lockout-Tagout• Lockout

• Tags plus

• Removal of isolating circuit element

• Blocking a controlling switch

• Opening extra disconnect

• Removal of valve handle§1910.269(d)(2)(ii)

Lockout-Tagout Procedures• Written procedures covering the scope, purpose, responsibility,

authorization, rules, and techniques to be applied to the control of hazardous energy, and the measures to enforce compliance

• Statement of the intended use

• Specific steps for controlling energy for machines and equipment

• Specific steps for placing, removing, and transferring lockout-tagout devices

• Specific requirements for testing machines or equipment to verify the effectiveness of lockout-tagout measures

§1910.269(d)(2)(iii) & (iv)

Annual Inspection• Performed by an authorized employee who is not using

the energy control procedure being inspected

• Designed to identify and correct any deviations or inadequacies

• Include a review, between the inspector and each authorized employee, of that employee’s responsibilities under the energy control procedure being inspected, with a review of tagout elements if applicable

• Certify inspections§1910.269(d)(2)(v)

Training

• Must ensure that:

• The purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees

• The knowledge and skills required for the safe application, use, and removal of energy controls are acquired by employees

§1910.269(d)(2)(vi)

Definitions• Authorized employee. An employee who locks out or tags

out machines or equipment in order to perform servicing or maintenance on that machine or equipment. An affected employee becomes an authorized employee when that employee’s duties include performing servicing or maintenance ….

• Affected employee. An employee whose job requires him or her to operate or use a machine or equipment on which servicing or maintenance is being performed under lockout or tagout, or whose job requires him or her to work in an area in which such servicing or maintenance is being performed.

§1910.269(x)

Training—Authorized Employees

• Recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources

• The type and magnitude of energy available in the workplace

• The methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control

§1910.269(d)(2)(vi)(A)

Training—Affected Employees

• The purpose and use of the energy control procedure

§1910.269(d)(2)(vi)(B)

Training—All Other Employees

• About the procedures

• About the prohibition relating to attempts to restart or reenergize machines or equipment that are locked out or tagged out

§1910.269(d)(2)(vi)(C)

Training—Tagout

• About the limitations of tags:

• Warning devices that do not provide a physical restraint

• Not removed without authorization of the person responsible for it

• Do not bypass, defeat, or ignore

§1910.269(d)(2)(vii)(A) & (B)

Training—Tagout

• About the limitations of tags:

• Must be understandable to be effective

• Must be capable of withstanding the environment

• May evoke a false sense of security

• Must be securely attached

§1910.269(d)(2)(vii)(C) - (F)

Retraining

• Required for changes

• Job assignment

• Machines, equipment, or processes

• Energy control procedures

§1910.269(d)(2)(viii)(A)

Retraining

• Inadequacies in worker’s knowledge or use of energy control procedures

• Detected by inspection

• Other reason to believe inadequacies exist

§1910.269(d)(2)(viii)(B)

Retraining

• Reestablish proficiency

• Introduce any new or revised procedures

§1910.269(d)(2)(viii)(C)

Protective Materials and Hardware

• Hardware for isolating, securing, or blocking energy provided by employer

• LOTO devices singularly identified and used only for LOTO

• LOTO devices capable of withstanding environment so that they don’t come off or otherwise become ineffective

• LOTO devices must provide for identification of employee applying the device

§1910.269(d)(3)

LOTO Procedures

• LOTO device application and removal only by authorized employee performing the servicing

• Notification of affected employees

• Before

• After

§1910.269(d)(4) & (5)

LOTO Procedures• LOTO application

• Orderly shutdown in accordance with procedures

• Isolate machine or equipment

• Affix LOTO devices

• Remove stored or residual energy and prevent reaccumulation

• Verify isolation§1910.269(d)(6)

Release from LOTO

• Inspect work area to ensure safe startup

• Check to ensure that all employees are out of work area

• After LOTO device removal but before startup, notify affected employees

§1910.269(d)(7)

Removal of LOTO Device• Remove LOTO device by authorized employee who applied

it

• If that worker is unavailable:

• Verify that he or she is not at the facility

• Make reasonable efforts to contact him or her

• Make sure that he or she is aware of removal before resuming work at the facility

• Procedures must afford equivalent safety§1910.269(d)(7)(iv)

Testing and Positioning

• Clear the area of tools and materials

• Remove workers from the area

• Remove LOTO devices

• Energize and proceed with testing or positioning

• Deenergize and reapply energy control measures

§1910.269(d)(8)(i)

Group LOTO• Assign one authorized employee with primary responsibility

• Primary authorized employee must ascertain exposure status of group members

• When more than one group is involved, designate authorized employee to coordinate groups

• Each authorized employee must affix a personal LOTO device to the group mechanism

• Ensure protection equivalent to personal LOTO

§1910.269(d)(8)(ii)

Shift Changes

• Ensure continuity of protection during shift and other personnel changes

• Orderly transfer of LOTO protection

§1910.269(d)(8)(iii)

Outside Personnel

• Onsite and outside employers must inform each other of their respective procedures

• Each employer must ensure that its employees follow all applicable energy control procedures

§1910.269(d)(8)(iv)

System Operator• Energy isolating devices are centrally located and under the exclusive

control of the system operator

• System operator places and removes LOTO devices for authorized employee

• Provisions to:

• Identify authorized employee being protected by LOTO device

• Transfer LOTO device responsibility

• Ensure that employee requesting LOTO device removal or transfer is the authorized employee is the one responsible for it

• Equivalent to personal LOTO

§1910.269(d)(8)(v)

Deenergizing T&D• System operator?

• Yes—Requests go thru SO, who reenergizes and tags

• No—Employee in charge takes place of SO

• No tags or communication with SO required

• One crew only

• Disconnects are accessible and visible to, and under the sole control of, the employee in charge

§§1910.269(m)(2)(i) - (iii) and 1926.961(b)(1) - (3)

Deenergizing T&D

• Multiple crews working on the same lines or equipment:

• Coordinate activities with one employee in charge of the clearance

• Independent crews—if no system operator, crews must have separate tags and must coordinate energizing and deenergizing

§§1910.269(m)(2)(iv) and 1926.961(b)(4)

Deenergizing T&D

• Disconnects accessible to the individuals outside the employers control must be rendered inoperable

§§1910.269(m)(2)(v) and 1926.961(b)(5)

Deenergizing Procedures

• Employee in charge requests clearance from system operator

• Isolate from all known sources of energy

• Disable if design permits

• Tag

§§1910.269(m)(3)(i) & (ii) and 1926.961(c)(1) & (2)

Deenergizing Procedures

• Tag automatic and remote points of control

• Render inoperable if design permits

§§1910.269(m)(3)(iii) and 1926.961(c)(3)

Network Protectors• Need not tag network protectors if:

• Maintained so that they will immediately open if closed when a primary conductor is deenergized

• Workers cannot manually override, and the manual position is disabled

• Procedures for overriding protector:

• The line is not deenergized for worker protection

• The primary line is energized§§1910.269(m)(3)(iv) and 1926.961(c)(4)

Deenergizing Procedures

• Tags must prohibit operation and indicate that employees are at work

• Test the lines and equipment with device designed to detect voltage

• Install required protective grounds

• Lines and equipment may now be considered as deenergized

§§1910.269(m)(3)(v) - (viii) and 1926.961(c)(4) - (c)(8)

Transferring Clearance

• Employee in charge (or, in case of emergency, the supervisor) must inform the system operator and crew members

• New employee in charge becomes responsible for clearance

§§1910.269(m)(3)(ix) and 1926.961(c)(9)

Releasing Clearance• Employee in charge must:

• Notify employees in crew of release

• Make sure that all employees are clear

• Ensure that protective grounds have been removed

• Report to system operator and release clearance

• Employee releasing clearance must be employee in charge§§1910.269(m)(3)(x) & (xi) and 1926.961(c)(10) & (11)

Reenergizing• Tags may not be removed without release of

associated clearance

• No action to reenergize until:

• All grounds are removed

• All crews have released clearances

• All tags removed from point of connection

§§1910.269(m)(3)(xii) & (xiii) and 1926.961(c)(12) & (13)

Grounding

• Grounding requirements apply to:

• Generation, transmission, and distribution

• Ampacity and impedance requirements apply to grounding mechanical equipment

§§1910.269(n)(1) and 1926.962(a)

Grounding

• Transmission and distribution lines and equipment worked as deenergized must be grounded, except for:

• Installation of ground is impracticable

• Grounding presents a greater hazard

§§1910.269(n)(2) and 1926.962(b)

Work Without Grounds

• Lines and equipment are deenergized in accordance with standard and

• No possibility of contact with other energized source and

• No induced voltage hazard

§§1910.269(n)(2) and 1926.962(b)

Equipotential Zone

• Grounds must protect against hazardous differences in potential

• Appendix C contains guidance and safe-harbor grounding practices

§§1910.269(n)(3) and 1926.962(c)

Appendix C

Appendix C to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Appendix C

Appendix C to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Appendix C

Appendix C to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Appendix C

Appendix C to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Appendix C

Appendix C to §1910.269 and Subpart V

Protective Grounding Equipment

• Must be able to conduct maximum fault current until the fault is cleared

• Ampacity ≥ No. 2 AWG copper

• Impedance low enough so that there is no delay in the operation of protective devices

• See ASTM F855 and IEEE Std 1048

§§1910.269(n)(4) and 1926.962(d)

Test Before Ground

• Test lines and equipment and verify the absence of nominal voltage before employees install any ground

§§1910.269(n)(5) and 1926.962(e)

Connecting and Removing Grounds

• Attach ground end first

• Remove line-end first

• Use live-line tool, except for ≤ 600-V if the employer can demonstrate safety

§§1910.269(n)(6) and 1926.962(f)

Potential Transfer

• For work on cables with remote terminals, do not ground the terminal if there is a possibility of hazardous transfer of potential during faults

§§1910.269(n)(7) and 1926.962(g)

Removal of Grounds for Test

• Workers must use insulating equipment

• Isolate workers from hazards

• Implement additional measures to ensure that workers are protected in case the lines or equipment become energized

§§1910.269(n)(8) and 1926.962(h)

Testing and Test Facilities

• High-voltage and high-power testing

• Laboratories

• Shops

• Substations

• Field

• Transmission and distribution lines and equipment

§§1910.269(o)(1) and 1926.963(a)

Testing and Test Facilities

• Does not apply to:

• Testing involving continuous measurements

• Normal line work

§§1910.269(o)(1) and 1926.963(a)

Testing—General

• Establish work practices

• Training

§§1910.269(o)(2) and 1926.963(b)

Testing—Guarding of Test Areas

• Safeguarding to control access and protect against contact with live parts

• Permanent areas—walls, fences, other barriers

• Temporary—barriers, barricades, observers

• Remove safeguards whenever they are not necessary

§§1910.269(o)(3) and 1926.963(c)

Testing—Grounding• Safe grounding practices

• Apply grounds automatically or by use of insulated tools

• Isolated ground return

• Ground when employees enter test area

• Ground test vehicles and protect against hazardous differences in potential

§§1910.269(o)(4) and 1926.963(d)

Testing—Control and Measuring Circuits

• Run in metallic enclosure

• Isolate meters and instruments

• Protect temporary wiring and separate signal, control, ground, and power cables

• Test observer when workers are present in test area

§§1910.269(o)(5) and 1926.963(e)

Testing—Safety Check• At the beginning of each series of tests, check:

• Safeguards

• System test status signals, if used

• Availability of clearly marked emergency disconnects

• Clearly identified ground connections

• PPE

• Proper separation between signal, ground, and power cables

§§1910.269(o)(6) and 1926.963(f)

Overhead Lines;Live-Line Barehand Work

Overhead Lines;Live-Line Barehand Work

• General requirements

• Installing and removing overhead lines

• Live-line barehand work

• Towers and structures

§§1910.269(q) and 1926.964

General Requirements• Check structure, brace if necessary

• Setting and moving poles

• Pole may not contact conductor

• Use electrical protective equipment or insulating devices to handle poles

• Guard or attend pole holes

§§1910.269(q)(1) and 1926.964(a)(2) & (3)

Installing and Removing Lines

• When lines can contact energized parts, use barriers, tension stringing method, or equivalent measures

• Disable the automatic reclosing feature of circuit-interrupting devices when the design of the device permits and the installed or removed line crosses a line energized at > 600 V

§§1910.269(q)(2)(i) & (iii) and 1926.964(b)(1) & (3)

Installing and Removing Lines

• Use methods to protect against hazardous differences in potential whenever these failures could energize pulling equipment or the line:

• Failure of pulling equipment

• Failure of the line being pulled

• Failure of previously installed lines

§§1910.269(q)(2)(ii) and 1926.964(b)(2)

Installing and Removing Lines—Induced Voltage

• Determine if hazardous induced voltages will be present or treat installed or removed lines as energized with hazardous induced voltage

• To protect against induced voltages, install grounds in a manner that will protect against hazardous differences in potential

§§1910.269(q)(2)(iv) and 1926.964(b)(4)

Installing and Removing Lines—Operating Conditions

• Pulling equipment must be leveled and in safe operating condition

• Do not exceed load ratings of pulling equipment, hardware, and accessories

• Repair or replace defective pulling lines and accessories

§§1910.269(q)(2)(v) - (vii) and 1926.964(b)(5) - (7)

Installing and Removing Lines—Operating Conditions

• Use grips as designed

• Maintain reliable communications via radio or equivalent means

• Operate pulling equipment only when safe to do so

• Do not work under operations or on crossarms while pulling, except as necessary

§§1910.269(q)(2)(viii) - (xi) and 1926.964(b)(8) - (11)

Live-Line Barehand Work

• Train workers in live-line barehand techniques

• Determine: voltage, clearances to ground, voltage limitations for equipment

• Insulated tools and devices designed and tested for live-line barehand work

• Keep this equipment clean and dry

§§1910.269(q)(3)(i) - (iv) and 1926.964(c)(1) - (3)

Live-Line Barehand Work

• Disable automatic reclosing feature

• Do not perform this work during adverse weather

• Use conductive bucket liner or other device to bond worker to energized line

• Use electrostatic shielding if necessary

§§1910.269(q)(3)(v) - (vii) and 1926.964(c)(4) - (6)

Live-Line Barehand Work

• Bond conductive device to energized line

• Keep it connected throughout work

• Aerial lifts must have upper and lower controls

• Operate lower controls only in emergency

§§1910.269(q)(3)(viii) - (x) and 1926.964(c)(7) - (9)

Live-Line Barehand Work• Check controls for proper operation

• Ground or barricade body of aerial lift truck

• Boom-current test

• Contact for 3 minutes

• ≤ 1 μA per kV (Φ-g)

• Suspend work on indication of malfunction§§1910.269(q)(3)(xi) - (xiii) and 1926.964(c)(10) - (12)

Live-Line Barehand Work• Maintain MAD

• Nonconductive measuring device

• Nonconductive handlines from conductor to ground only

• Do not use these ropes for other purposes

• Do not pass uninsulated equipment or material between pole or structure and worker in aerial lift§§1910.269(q)(3)(xiv) - (xix) and 1926.964(c)(13) - (18)

Towers and Structures• Do not work under tower or structure except as

necessary to assist

• Use tag lines to control tower sections being raised or positioned

• Secure load before detaching from loadline

• Except for emergency restoration, do not work in adverse weather

§§1910.269(q)(4) and 1926.964(d)

Line-ClearanceTree Trimming

Line-ClearanceTree Trimming—Electrical

• Line-clearance tree trimmers only

• Determine voltage

• Second line-clearance tree trimmer if:

• Voltage > 750 V and the worker will be < 3.05 m

• Branches closer than MAD to lines > 750 V

• Roping is necessary§1910.269(r)(1)(i) & (ii)

Line-ClearanceTree Trimming—Electrical

• Maintain MAD

• Remove branches closer than MAD with insulating equipment

• Do not work in adverse weather

• Train workers performing work under emergency conditions in special hazards of this work

§1910.269(r)(1)(iii) - (vi)

Line-ClearanceTree Trimming—Chippers

• Maintain access panels in place during operation

• Chock when not connected to truck

• Nearby workers must use PPE

§1910.269(r)(2)

Line-ClearanceTree Trimming—Sprayers

• Use slip-resistant material, guardrails, or slip-resistant footwear on walking-working surfaces

• Protect workers with guardrails if the equipment is moved with workers onboard

§1910.269(r)(3)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Stump Cutters

• Equip stump cutters with guards or enclosures

• Nearby workers must use PPE

§1910.269(r)(4)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Power Saws

• Gasoline power saw operations must meet §1910.266(e)

• Support saws weighing > 6.8 kg with separate line, unless work is from aerial lift or is topping or removing operation

• Adjust clutch so that it will not engage when idling

§1910.269(r)(5)(i) & (iii)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Power Saws

• Support saws when starting

• Start only when workers are clear

• Running saws may not be carried up into tree

• Stop saws for fueling, cleaning, adjustments, and repairs, except per manufacturer

§1910.269(r)(5)(iv) - (vii)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Backpack Units

• Keep workers at least 3.05 m from cutting head of brush saws

• Stop units for fueling, cleaning, adjustments, and repairs, except per manufacturer

§1910.269(r)(6)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Rope

• Use climbing ropes when aloft in trees

• Minimum diameter of 12 mm

• Minimum breaking strength of 10.2 kN

• Inspect before use

• Store away from sharp objects and damaging chemicals

§1910.269(r)(7)(i) - (iii)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Rope

• Store rope coiled, piled, or suspended so that air can circulate

• Secure ends to prevent unraveling

• Do not splice climbing ropes

• Do not use rope near energized lines when:

• Wet

• Contaminated

• Otherwise is uninsulated

§1910.269(r)(7)(iv) - (vii)

Line-Clearance Tree Trimming—Fall Protection

• Except when ascending, workers in trees must use climbing ropes and saddles

§1910.269(r)(8)

Underground Lines

• Use ladders for access to manholes or subsurface vaults > 1.22 m deep

• Hoisting equipment must be capable of supporting loads and checked before use

• Clear area under openings before lowering tools or equipment

§§1910.269(t)(1) & (2) and 1926.965(b) & (c)

Underground Lines—Attendants

• Attendant with first aid training must be on surface, except:

• Attendant may enter briefly to provide nonemergency assistance

• No attendant for brief entries involving inspection, housekeeping, reading, and similar

• Reliable communications among all employees

§§1910.269(t)(3) and 1926.965(d)

Underground Lines• Install duct rods in the least hazardous direction

• Station worker at far end to maintain MAD

• When multiple cables are present, identify the correct one

• Protect other cables from damage

• Inspect cables before movement

§§1910.269(t)(4) - (6) and 1926.965(e) - (g)

Underground Lines—Protection Against Faults

• Deenergize cables with abnormalities (leaking oil, broken sheaths, swollen joints)

• Except for service-load conditions

• Deenergize cables where work could cause fault

• Except for service-load conditions

§§1910.269(t)(7) and 1926.965(h)

Underground Lines

• Maintain sheath continuity or treat sheath as energized

§§1910.269(t)(8) and 1926.965(i)

Substations

• Maintain adequate access and working space about electric equipment

• Remove or insert draw-out breakers in open position; disable control circuit when design permits

• When expanding a fence or removing a fence section, isolate, ground, or bond the fence to protect against hazardous potential differences

§§1910.269(u)(1) - (3) and 1926.966(b) - (d)

Substations—Guarding Rooms and Spaces

• When to guard:

• Exposed live parts 50 - 150 V < 2.4 m above ground

• Live parts 151 - 600 V < 2.4 m above ground and guarded only by location

• Live parts > 600 V unless:

• In metal-enclosed enclosures

• Installed at a sufficient height§§1910.269(u)(4) and 1926.966(e)

Substations—Guarding Rooms and Spaces

• How to guard:

• Space is guarded by barriers to restrict access to qualified employees only

• Unqualified employees may not enter

• Display warning signs at entrance

• Lock or attend the space

§§1910.269(u)(4) and 1926.966(e)

Substations—Guarding Live Parts

• Provide guards around live equipment > 150 V unless:

• Insulated

• Isolated (guarding by location)

• Maintain guards during maintenance and operation, except for fuse replacement and other necessary access

• Install barriers around work area when guards are removed

§§1910.269(u)(5) and 1926.966(f)

Substations• Report presence upon entry, except for employees

regularly working in the substation

• Job briefing must cover special system conditions affecting employee safety

• Location of energized equipment in or adjacent to the work area

• Limits of any deenergized work area

§§1910.269(u)(6) and 1926.966(g)

Generation

• Maintain interlocks in safe condition; do not defeat, except for test, repair, or adjustment

• When changing generator or exciter brushes while the generator is in service, check for ground condition

• Maintain adequate access and working space about electric equipment

§§1910.269(v)(1) - (3)

Generation—Guarding Rooms and Spaces

• When to guard:

• Exposed live parts 50 - 150 V < 2.4 m above ground

• Live parts 151 - 600 V < 2.4 m above ground and guarded only by location

• Live parts > 600 V unless:

• In metal-enclosed enclosures

• Installed at a sufficient height§§1910.269(v)(4)

Generation—Guarding Rooms and Spaces

• How to guard:

• Space is guarded by barriers to restrict access to qualified employees only

• Unqualified employees may not enter

• Display warning signs at entrance

• Lock or attend the space

§§1910.269(v)(4)

Generation—Guarding Live Parts

• Provide guards around live equipment > 150 V unless:

• Insulated

• Isolated (guarding by location)

• Maintain guards during maintenance and operation, except for fuse replacement and other necessary access

• Install barriers around work area when guards are removed

§§1910.269(v)(5)

Generation—Water or Steam Spaces

• Inspect spaces before and after work

• Wear eye or full face protection when condenser, heater, or boiler tubes are being cleaned

• Install shields to protect employees working near tube ends during cleaning

§§1910.269(v)(6)

Generation—Chemical Cleaning of Boilers

• Cordon off areas where chemical cleaning is being performed

• If flammable or combustible materials are used:

• Post warning signs restricting entry

• Prohibit ignition sources

• Restrict personnel to those needed to do the work

• Provide ready access to water or showers

• Use PPE (protective clothing, boots, goggles, gloves)

§§1910.269(v)(7)

Generation—Chlorine Systems

• Post warning signs restricting entry

• Restrict personnel to those needed to do the work

• Emergency repair kits must be available for quickly repairing leaks

• Purge system and isolate from chlorine sources before maintenance

• Do not mix chlorine with reactive materials§§1910.269(v)(8)

Generation—Boilers

• Inspect area for potential falling objects and protect workers as necessary (with nets for example)

• When opening the door of an operating boiler, stand clear to avoid heat blast and gases

§§1910.269(v)(9)

Generation—Turbine Generators

• Prohibit ignition sources

• Correct excessive hydrogen makeup (emergency condition)

• Have inert gas available to purge the hydrogen from the largest generator

§§1910.269(v)(10)

Generation—Coal and Ash Handling—Rail

• Use designated employees to operate railroad equipment

• Warn workers in the area before moving locomotive

• Do not use your feet to line up drawheads

• Do not shift drawheads or knuckles while locomotive or railcars are in motion

• Secure stopped railcars from displacement

• Have emergency stops for railcar dumping operations

§§1910.269(v)(11)(i) - (vi)

Generation—Coal and Ash Handling—Conveyors

• Train workers in conveyor areas: operation and standard

• Workers may not ride conveyors

• Cross only at walkways except during LOTO

• Signal conveyor start when conveyor could injure workers

§§1910.269(v)(11)(vii) - (ix)

Generation—Coal and Ash Handling—Conveyors

• Conveyors that are automatically or remotely controlled:

• Audible alarm to indicate conveyor starting with delay

• Visual alarm when equivalent warning

• Warning signs if delay would be seriously hindered by delay or if system installed before Jan. 31, 1995

• Post signs in areas not guarded by location

§§1910.269(v)(11)(x)

Generation—Coal and Ash Handling—Conveyors

• Provide emergency stop devices for remote and automatic conveyors with operating stations that are unmanned or that are beyond voice and visual contact from drive areas, loading areas, transfer points, and other locations on the conveyor path not guarded by location, position, or guards

• Emergency stop devices need not be provided when the design, function, and operation of the conveyor do not expose workers to hazards

§§1910.269(v)(11)(xi)

Generation—Coal and Ash Handling

• If combustible atmospheres may be present, eliminate or safely control ignition sources

• No unprotected employee may work on or beneath overhanging coal in coal bunkers, coal silos, or coal storage areas

• Workers entering a bunker or silo to dislodge its contents must wear a harness attached to a fixed support outside the bunker or silo and attended by an employee

§§1910.269(v)(11)(xii) - (xiv)

Generation—Hydroplants

• Employees working on or close to water gates, valves, intakes, forebays, flumes, or other locations where increased or decreased water flow or levels may pose a significant hazard must be warned and must vacate such dangerous areas before water flow changes are made

§§1910.269(v)(12)

Special Conditions• Capacitors

• Current transformer secondaries

• Series streetlighting

• Illumination

• Protection against drowning

• Excavations

• Employee protection in public work areas

• Backfeed

• Lasers

• Hydraulic fluids

• Communication facilities

Capacitors• Before employees work on capacitors, disconnect

from source and short circuit after 5 minutes

• Short circuit each unit in series-parallel capacitor banks before workers handle the units

• Bond ungrounded racks to ground

• Short circuit any connected lines before treating the line as deenergized

§§1910.269(w)(1) and 1926.967(a)

Current Transformer Secondaries

• Do not open secondary while transformer is energized

• If you cannot deenergize the transformer, bridge the circuit to avoid an open-circuit condition

§§1910.269(w)(2) and 1926.967(b)

Series Streetlighting

• If the voltage exceeds 600 V, follow the overhead or underground provisions, as appropriate

• Before opening the circuit, deenergize and isolate it, or bridge the loop to avoid an open-circuit condition

§§1910.269(w)(3) and 1926.967(c)

Illumination

• Provide sufficient illumination to enable the employee to perform the work safely

§§1910.269(w)(4) and 1926.967(d)

Protection Against Drowning

• Where the danger of drowning exists, use Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices

• Maintain flotation devices in safe condition

• Inspect flotation devices to ensure that it does not have rot, mildew, water saturation, or any other condition that could render the device unsuitable for use

• Cross streams and other bodies of water only when a safe means of passage is provided

§§1910.269(w)(5) and 1926.967(e)

Excavations

• Follow the construction rules for excavations in 29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart P

§§1910.269(f) and 1926.967(f)

Employee Protection in Public Work Areas

• Traffic control devices must meet the construction standards in §1926.200(g)(2)

• Before employees work near traffic, place traffic-control devices in conspicuous locations to alert and channel approaching traffic

• Use barricades where extra protection is needed

• Protect excavated areas with barricades

• Display warning lights at night§§1910.269(w)(6) and 1926.967(g)

Backfeed

• Treat lines as energized if there is a possibility of backfeed

• To work lines or equipment as deenergized, follow the requirements for deenergizing and grounding transmission and distribution lines and equipment

§§1910.269(w)(7) and 1926.967(h)

Lasers

• Install, adjust, and operate lasers in accordance with the construction standards in §1926.54

§§1910.269(w)(8) and 1926.967(i)

Hydraulic Fluids

• Hydraulic fluids used for the insulated sections of equipment must provide insulation for the voltage involved

§§1910.269(w)(9) and 1926.967(j)

Communication Facilities Microwave Transmission

• Do not look into an open waveguide or antenna connected to an energized source

• Post warning signs for areas exceeding10 mW/cm2

• Use administrative or PPE in such areas to bring exposure below limit

§§1910.269(s)(1) and 1926.967(k)(1)

Communication Facilities Power Line Carrier

• Same as work on energized lines

§§1910.269(s)(2) and 1926.967(k)(2)