1. PURPOSE
To establish a procedure defining the responsibilities and requirements of personnel when working with or near electrical equipment.
2. SCOPE
This procedure applies to all employees, contractors and visitors working.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
3.1 Safety Section
3.1.1 Develop "qualified employee" safety training for supervisors.
3.1.2 In coordination with the electrical, operations, maintenance, production and engineering departments, create a list of minimum acceptable electrical safety standards (as per recognized national or international standards, e.g.: IEC, VDE and NEC) electrical equipment shall meet in order to be approved for use by employees. Submit this list to the Commercial Department.
3.1.3 Inspect job activities to ensure that electrical equipment is being used as intended by the manufacturer, and electrical hazards have been addressed.
3.1.4 All Electrical safe work practices reviewed as necessary, but as a minimum every three years.
3.2 Area Supervisor
3.2.1 Ensure that those employees they supervise and are exposed to electrical hazards are trained on electrical safety practices.
3.2.2 Shall assign only those employees who have received electrical hazards training into a work area or activity in which they could be exposed to live electrical conductors.
3.2.3 Monitor work practices to ensure the written practices are up-to date and being followed.
3.4 Employees
3.4.1 Once provided with electrical hazards training, it is the responsibility of all employees, who use electrically powered equipment, or who come near electrical construction and maintenance activities, to follow the guidelines in this procedure and be alert for electrical hazards.
3.5 Contractors
3.5.1 Shall provide their employees with the level of electrical safety training commensurate with their job activities.
4. METHOD
4.1 Training
4.1.1 Supervisors shall ensure that all employees whom they supervise receive basic electrical hazards training as outlined in this procedure.
4.1.2 Supervisors shall identify employees with the assistance of the Safety Section, who need additional electrical safety training applicable to their job. Once identified, supervisors shall ensure that these personnel receive electrical hazards training for their specific job activities.
4.2 General Requirements
4.2.1 Only authorized personnel may perform work on or near exposed electrical conductors or equipment.
4.2.2 Receptacle covers, switch plates or covers of electrical equipment which may enclose live conductors, may be opened or removed by electrical personnel only.
4.2.3 All electrical wires or equipment shall be treated as if they are live until proven otherwise.
4.2.4 Employees shall keep themselves, and any material which they might be handling, at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from overhead power lines.
4.2.5 Employees shall observe all warning signs regarding dangerous voltages and shall only enter or approach those areas, if qualified and authorized by electrical supervision to do so.
4.2.6 Employees shall observe all barricade postings and not enter a barricaded area without permission from area supervisor.
4.2.7 Employees shall use the HADEED Health & Safety Procedure “Control of Hazardous Energy Lock out/Tag out” when working on electrical equipment.
4.2.8 Employees shall not work on or near electrical equipment unless adequate lighting in the work area allows the work to be seen clearly.
4.2.9 Only approved electrical equipment properly insulated and grounded shall be used in confined spaces.
4.2.10 Employees shall immediately stop any work involving electrical equipment where injury, loss of life, fire, or explosion potential is significantly great.
4.2.11 Employees observing unsafe electrical conditions will immediately report these conditions to their supervisors and will comply with the safety requirements for use, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment.
4.2.12 Work on live high voltage circuits shall be performed only when no other choice exists. The following requirements shall be met prior to working on live equipment:
4.2.12.1 A written job card must be prepared and approved by the applicable area management/supervisor.
4.2.12.2 The job card shall identify where necessary, required personal protective equipment, necessary test equipment, approved safety equipment to be used, and specific steps to be taken to perform the work.
4.2.12.3 Two authorized/qualified employees shall be present at all times whenever such work is being performed.
4.2.12.4 The fact that circuits are still live shall be written in the related “Work Permit”
4.2.13 Ladders and scaffolds used while working on live electrical circuits shall be made of non-conductive material.
4.2.14 Disconnecting means and overcurrent/earth fault devices shall be readily accessible.
4.2.15 Employees shall only use electrical equipment for its intended purpose as indicated by listing, labeling, or certification.
4.2.16 Questions as to the potential hazards can be referred to safety, fire & environment sections.
4.2.17 Work on or near energized electrical system, permit is required
4.3 Guarding Live Parts
4.3.1 Attachment plugs and connectors shall be so constructed that there are no exposed current-carrying parts except the blades, or pins. The cover for wire terminations shall be an essential part of an attachment plug or connector (dead-front construction).
4.3.2 Unused openings in electrical boxes, cabinets, and fittings, shall be effectively closed.
4.3.3 All live parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact.
4.3.4 Insulate high-voltage circuits that are exposed during operation if permissible clearance is not available.
4.3.5 Cables entering boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall pass through suitable glands to protect them from abrasion. The openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed.
4.4 Marking/Labeling/Posting
4.4.1 Each disconnect (e.g.: cables, plugs) shall be legibly marked by the related Electrical Department to indicate its purpose, unless it is located and/or arranged so that its purpose is evident.
4.4.2 Label all outlets that are on the same circuit.
4.4.3 Warning signs shall be posted for high-voltage equipment (460V or above). High voltage rooms will be locked.
4.4.4 Entrances to rooms or other enclosures containing exposed live electrical parts shall be marked with clear warning signs forbidding unauthorized persons to enter.
4.5 Flexible/Extension Cords/Cables
4.5.1 Never use a cord that is damaged; employees shall inspect these cords before each use. Flexible cords shall be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap.
4.5.2 Precaution (e.g. : Protection of cords) must be taken whenever a flexible cord is laid through a doorway, along the floor, in water, or in any other area where it might become damaged.
4.5.3 Avoid kinking or excessive bending of extension and power cords. This will damage the wire inside, which could create a shock hazard.
4.5.4 Metal and nonmetallic boxes, as defined in the National Electrical Code, Article 370, shall not be used in the construction of extension cords.
4.5.5 Flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for fixed wires of a structure; where run through holes in wall, ceilings, or floors; where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings; where attached to building surfaces; or where concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors.
4.5.6 Flexible cords and cables shall be approved and suitable for conditions of intended use and location.
4.6 Hazardous Atmospheres
4.6.1 Electrical equipment and wiring for all voltages used in locations where fire or explosion hazards may exist due to flammable gases or vapors, flammable liquids, combustible dust, or ignitable fibers, shall be in accordance with the National Electrical Code, Article 500.
4.6.2 Enclosures that contain circuit breakers, and are in wet locations, shall be so constructed or protected that exposure to the weather will not interfere with successful operation.
4.6.3 Never use electrical equipment in a potentially hazardous atmosphere without consulting the related Electrical Maintenance Engineer and Safety Section. The spark produced when the equipment is turned on or off might be sufficient to initiate combustion. Special equipment is available for these situations.
4.6.4 When using electrical equipment in a wet or damp location, employees shall ensure that the equipment shall have IP53-IP56 depending on the wet condition.
4.6.5 When working with flammable liquids, employees shall ensure that adequate bonding and grounding is in place. Static charges can be sufficient to initiate combustion.
4.7 Grounding / Bonding
4.7.1 The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures shall be permanent and continuous and of adequate cross section.
4.7.2 Bonding and grounding devices will be used where needed to dissipate static charge accumulations.
4.7.3 Office appliances (typewriters, adding machines, calculators, etc.) will be grounded with a grounding conductor or meet National Electrical Code double insulation requirements. Other office equipment (desk lamps, or electric powered hand held equipment) will be grounded, if used in a damp environment or in a room or building of steel structure which would provide an electric exposure due to the grounded structure.
4.7.4 All receptacles/cords sets on construction sites will be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) unless an assured equipment grounding conductor program is in effect.
4.8 Working On Live Conductors and Apparatus
4.8.1 Employees shall not be permitted to work on, approach or handle any live electrical conductor/apparatus without an approved insulated tool, instrument and unless one of the following conditions is met:
4.8.1.1 The employee is insulated or guarded from the live part. (Gloves or gloves with sleeves rated for the voltage involved shall be considered insulation of the employee from the live part.)4.8.1.2 The live part is insulated or guarded from the employee and any other conductive object at a different potential.
4.8.1.3 The employee is isolated, insulated or guarded from any other conductive object(s).
4.8.2 If work must be done on a live electrical conductor/apparatus, the following minimum levels of supervision shall evaluate the situation for safety and verbally give their approval of the work to be done:
Voltage Level
Minimum Level of Supervision
460 V & below
Foreman
>460 & up to 4000 V
Supervisor - Electrical Maintenance
>4000 V & up to 13800 V
Superintendent - Plant Maintenance
>13800 V and above
Manager - Electrical Maintenance
4.8.2.1 This statement does not apply when using an approved multi-meter or a clamp-on meter to monitor for voltage and amperage.
4.8.3 If work must be done on a live electrical conductor/apparatus, a second standby person, certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), capable of recognizing electrical hazards, and capable of summoning rescue assistance, shall be present at all times. This standby person shall in no way be involved in performing work.
4.8.3.1 This statement does not apply when using an approved instrument/multi-meter or a clamp-on meter to monitor for voltage and amperage.
4.8.3.2 The only exception to the regulations listed in 4.8.1, 4.8.2, 4.8.3, and 4.8.4 is when qualified personnel must open or close switches. (See Appendix C for minimum hot stick clearances.)
4.8.4 Employees shall remain alert at all times, be aware of their surroundings, and take all necessary safety precautions when performing work on live conductors or apparatus.
4.9 Electrical Safety Inspection Test Requirements
4.9.1 Employees shall inspect electrical safety equipment (i.e., gloves, sleeves, blankets, hot sticks) prior to each use. Rubber personal protective equipment shall be inspected, maintained, and tested in accordance with ANSI S3.40. Gloves shall also be given the air test before each use. If a defect is suspected, the equipment shall be immediately taken out of service for inspection and testing.
4.9.2 Electrical safety gloves shall be formally inspected and air tested by employees as follows:
4.9.2.1 Hold the glove downward and grasp the cuff.
4.9.2.2 Twirl the glove upward toward the body to trap air inside the glove.
4.9.2.3 Squeeze the rolled cuff tightly to keep trapped air inside. Look for hidden damage exposed by inflation
4.9.2.4 Hold the inflated glove close to the ear and listen for air escaping from any holes.
4.9.3 Electrical safety equipment shall be inspected and tested by the related Electrical Department as follows:
Electrical Safety Equipment - Maximum Usage Before Retesting
Rubber gloves - 4 months
Rubber sleeves - 8 months
Rubber blankets - 8 months
Line hose - 14 months
Insulator hoods - 14 months
Mechanical jumpers - 14 months
Rubber Foot Mats - 18 months
4.9.4 The concerned Maintenance Department shall on a predetermined frequency inspect all electrical equipment to ensure that grounding requirements are adequate, electrical connections are intact, no cords or wires need repair, and no additional equipment has created an overload situation.
4.9.5 Grounding rods shall be tested by the concerned Electrical Department for continuity every major shutdown or whenever structural maintenance or alteration interrupts electrical integrity of the grounding system.
4.9.6 All receptacles and cord sets which are not part of the permanent wiring of a building (i.e., construction sites) shall be tested daily by employees for grounding adequacy unless ground fault circuit interrupters are used. Testing shall be documented.
4.10 Grounding de-energized Transmission and Distribution Circuits (460 V or above) and Apparatus
4.10.1 When circuits and apparatus are de-energized for work, they shall be grounded with approved grounding equipment on both sides of the location where the work is to be done, regardless of whether or not there is more than one source of supply.
4.10.2 The grounding cable shall be connected to an effective ground before clamps are applied to the conductors.
4.10.3 Before the grounding clamps are applied, an authorized/qualified electrician shall check to determine that the circuit or apparatus has been de-energized.
4.10.4 The conductor nearest the worker shall be grounded first, then the next nearest all phases have been grounded. The clamps shall be removed in the reverse order.
4.10.5 Grounding cable shall be of a size large enough to operate the protective device supplying the conductor. In no case shall the grounding cable be less than No. 2 AWG (33.6mm2)copper or equivalent.
4.11 Battery Safety Precautions
4.11.1 The principal hazard of working with batteries is the danger of suffering acid burns.
4.11.1.1 Chemical splash goggles, face shield, rubber gloves and rubber apron shall be worn when performing work with battery acid.
4.11.1.2 Safety glasses/chemical splash goggles, face shield, rubber gloves and rubber apron shall be worn when performing battery work.
4.11.2 Another hazard is the danger of explosion due to the ignition of hydrogen gas which is given off during the battery charging operation. The charging rate should be held at a point that will prevent the rapid liberation of hydrogen gas.
4.11.3 Smoking, open flames and other sources of ignition shall not be allowed while working on or near batteries.
4.11.4 In battery storage/recharging areas provisions shall be made for sufficient diffusion and ventilation of the gases from the battery to prevent the accumulation of an explosive mixture.
4.11.5 Particular care shall be taken by employees to prevent short circuits while batteries are being charged, tested or handled. Hydrogen gas, which is accumulated while charging, is highly explosive. A spark from a short circuit could easily ignite the gas, causing serious damage to personnel and equipment.
4.11.6 Extreme caution shall be exercised when installing and removing batteries since batteries are heavy for their size and somewhat awkward to handle.
4.12 Crane Operations Near Electrical Distribution and Transmission Lines
4.12.1 Except where electrical distribution and transmission lines have been de-live and visibly grounded at the point of work, or where insulating barriers (not a part of or an attachment to the equipment or machinery) have been erected to prevent physical contact with the lines. Non-CSD /utility electrical personnel shall operate equipment or machines in the vicinity of power lines in accordance with the following:
4.12.1.1 For lines rated 50 kilovolt (kV) or below, the minimum clearance between the lines and any part of the crane or load shall be 10 feet.
4.12.1.2 For lines rated over 50 kilovolt (kV)
4.12.1.3 In transit with no load and boom lowered, the equipment clearance shall be a minimum of 1.2 meters (4 feet) for voltages less than 50 kilovolt (kV), 3 meters (10 feet) for voltages over 50 kilovolt (kV) up to and including 345 kilovolt (kV), and 5 meters (16 feet) for voltages up to and including 750 kilovolt (kV).
4.12.1.4 An employee shall be designated to observe clearance of the equipment and give timely warning to stop operations, if necessary, where it is difficult for the operator to maintain the desired clearance by visual means.
4.13 Capacitors
4.13.1 When working on equipment that contains capacitors, employees shall be aware of their presence and take proper precautions to avoid shock due to stored electrical charge.
5. Maintaining quality.
All Proposed changes to this procedure shall be reviewed in accordance with management of change standard12-59.
6.DEFINITIONS.
Current - The rate of flow of electricity. Electric current is measured in amperes.
Voltage - The potential difference between two points in a circuit. It is measured in volts.
Resistance - The tendency of a material to resist the passage of electric current. It is measured in ohms.
Ampere - The basic unit of electric current.
Circuit - The combination of a number of electrical devices that when connected together form a continuous path of current.
Electricity - Is a form of energy that can be transformed in to mechanical, chemical, light & sound energy.
Fuse - A protective device inserted in series with a circuit. It contains a metal that will melt or break when current is increased beyond a specific value for a definite period of time.
Ground - A metallic connection with the earth to establish ground potential. The ground directs electric current away from unwanted areas in order to prevent injury, death and/or property damage.
Bonding - Electrical connection of metal parts of a circuit or circuits so that they are at a common voltage.
Qualified Employee - An employee familiar with the construction and operation of specific equipment, or with a specific work method, and trained to recognize and avoid electrical hazards which may be present in his work environment. An employee may be considered qualified with respect to certain equipment and methods but still be unqualified for others.
Electrical Hazard - A recognizable, dangerous condition involving electrical equipment or systems, which could be the cause of an injury or fatality if proper precautions or actions are not taken.
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