Safe Work Procedure: Working on Electrical Live Panel

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary safety precautions and procedures to be followed when working on electrical live panels. It applies to all personnel who are required to perform tasks on or near live electrical equipment. This procedure aims to minimize the risk of electrical shock, burns, arc flash, and other hazards associated with live electrical work.

This SWP is applicable in any work environment where electrical live panels need to be accessed or worked on, including but not limited to:

Industrial facilities
Commercial buildings
Residential settings
Outdoor electrical installations

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the following related procedures and documents:

Lockout/Tagout Procedures
Electrical Safety Standards
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Guidelines
Emergency Response Plan

2. Definitions

Live Electrical Panel: An electrical panel that has energized circuits and components.

Qualified Person: An individual with the necessary training, skills, and knowledge to work safely on or near energized electrical equipment.

Arc Flash: A dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electrical arc.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are qualified and trained to perform the assigned tasks safely.
Provide the necessary tools, equipment, and PPE for the job.
Conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures.
Monitor the work to ensure that safety procedures are followed.
Ensure all workers are aware of emergency procedures.

3.2 Workers

Participate in required training and demonstrate competency in electrical safety practices.
Inspect tools and equipment before use to ensure they are in good working condition.
Use the correct PPE for the task.
Follow all safety procedures and instructions provided by the supervisor.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of safe work procedures.
Conduct regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards.
Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on safety-related matters.
Investigate incidents and near-misses to determine root causes and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Electrical Shock	Electrocution, burns, cardiac arrest	De-energize the circuit whenever possible, use insulated tools, wear appropriate PPE (e.g., insulated gloves, safety glasses)
Arc Flash	Severe burns, blindness, hearing loss	Wear appropriate arc-rated PPE, maintain safe working distance, use remote switching devices
Exposure to dust	Respiratory irritation, lung damage	Provide adequate local exhaust ventilation to maintain worker exposure below exposure limits [1], respiratory protection must be provided [2].
Slip, trip, and fall hazards	Injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures	Maintain a clean and organized work area, use appropriate footwear, ensure adequate lighting
Hazardous Materials	May cause allergic reaction [3]	Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid prolonged or repeated skin contact with this material 3, 5.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use proper PPE. [4]

Insulated Gloves - Protects hands from electrical shock and burns. Inspect before each use for damage (holes, tears) and use with leather protectors.
Safety Glasses or Face Shield - Protects eyes from arc flash, flying debris, and chemical splashes. Ensure the face shield is arc-rated if potential for arc flash exists.
Arc-Rated Clothing - Protects the body from burns in the event of an arc flash. Select appropriate arc rating based on the potential incident energy exposure.
Insulated Tools - Prevents electrical current from traveling through the tool to the user. Inspect tools for damage before each use.
Hearing Protection - Protects hearing from loud noises during certain electrical tasks. Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy environments.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage, wear and cleanliness. Replace damaged or worn PPE immediately. Store PPE in a clean, dry place when not in use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use proper equipment and tools.

Voltage Tester - Used to verify that circuits are de-energized before starting work. Ensure the tester is properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
Insulated Screwdrivers and Pliers - Used for tightening and loosening screws and cutting wires safely. Inspect for damage to the insulation before each use.
Multimeter - Used for measuring voltage, current, and resistance in electrical circuits. Ensure the meter is properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
Arc Flash Suit - Used to protect workers from arc flash hazards.
Grounding Equipment - Used to ground electrical equipment to prevent the buildup of static electricity.

Inspect equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove any damaged equipment from service. Follow manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must have completed a recognized electrical safety training program.
Workers must be qualified to work on or near energized electrical equipment.
Training must be current and documented.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the task.
Discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures.
Review the safe work procedure and emergency procedures.
Ensure all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Identify and clearly mark the work area.
Ensure adequate lighting is available.
Remove any obstructions or slip/trip hazards from the work area.
Set up barriers or warning signs to prevent unauthorized access to the work area.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Planning and Preparation

Detailed description of step 1:

Review the work order and identify the specific tasks to be performed.
Identify all potential hazards associated with the work.
Select the appropriate tools, equipment, and PPE for the job.
Notify supervisor and other relevant personnel before commencing work.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that all workers are aware of the potential hazards and control measures.

Step 2: De-energizing and Lockout/Tagout (If Possible)

Detailed description of step 2:

De-energize the electrical circuit or equipment whenever possible.
Verify that the circuit is de-energized using a voltage tester.
Apply lockout/tagout devices to prevent accidental re-energization.
Follow the established lockout/tagout procedures.

Safety considerations for this step: Always verify that the circuit is de-energized before starting work, even if lockout/tagout procedures have been followed.

Step 3: Working on Live Electrical Panel (If De-energizing is Not Possible)

Detailed description of step 3:

Ensure only qualified personnel perform work on live electrical panels.
Wear appropriate arc-rated PPE, including arc flash suit, gloves, and face shield.
Use insulated tools and equipment.
Maintain a safe working distance from energized parts.
Use barriers or shields to protect against arc flash.

Safety considerations for this step: Never work alone on live electrical panels. Have a spotter present who is trained in emergency procedures.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Maintain a Safe Work Area - Keep the work area clean, dry, and free of obstructions.
Use Insulated Tools - Always use insulated tools when working on or near energized electrical equipment.
Avoid Distractions - Focus on the task at hand and avoid distractions.
Communicate Effectively - Communicate clearly with other workers to ensure everyone is aware of the work being performed.
Follow Procedures - Adhere to all established safety procedures and guidelines.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
Ensure the safety of all personnel.
Activate the emergency alarm system.
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Provide first aid to injured personnel.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Electrical Shock - De-energize the circuit if possible. Use a non-conductive object to separate the victim from the electrical source. Administer first aid and call for medical assistance.
Arc Flash - Evacuate the area. Provide first aid for burns and call for medical assistance.
Fire - Activate the fire alarm system. Evacuate the area and attempt to extinguish the fire if it is safe to do so.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Emergency Contact 1]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[Emergency Contact 2]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately.
The supervisor will investigate the incident to determine the root cause and recommend corrective actions.
A written report will be prepared and submitted to the health and safety department.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]