OSHA for utility safety

Utility safety, particularly concerning electrical hazards, is a critical aspect of workplace safety regulated by OSHA. Here's a breakdown of key areas to consider:

• Hazard Assessment and Safe Work Procedures: Industrial power producers must conduct written hazard assessments and implement safe work procedures for all utility work [1]. Electric utilities and rural electrification associations must ensure work aligns with CAN/ULC-S801-14 standards [2].
• Coordination: When work affects multiple utilities, they must develop a unified set of safe work procedures for isolating equipment [1].
• Communication Lines: When working near electrical facilities, workers must maintain safe approach distances for communication lines or cables, prevent contact with overhead lines, and coordinate with the electric utility system operator [1].
• Work on Energized Equipment: Work on energized equipment above 750 volts requires a minimum of two qualified utility workers, with an additional worker at ground level; aerial devices must have upper and lower controls [1]. These requirements may be altered if a professional engineer certifies an alternative live line work procedure [3].
• Protective Equipment: Protective devices and equipment must meet specific standards, including those set by CAN/ULC and CAN/CSA [2].
• Working Near Overhead High Voltage Lines: Activities near high voltage lines require proper notification to the owner/operator and either de-energizing/grounding the lines or using insulating barriers [4].
• General Electrical Safety: OSHA also covers electrical safety-related work practices for both qualified and unqualified persons working on or near electrical installations [5]. This includes premises wiring, wiring for connection to supply, and other outside wiring [5].
• Cranes and Power Lines: Equipment operations near power lines have specific restrictions, including the need to de-energize and ground power lines or maintain minimum clearance distances 8, 10. A planning meeting with the utility owner/operator is often required to determine safety procedures [6].
• Lockout and Tagging: Controls that are to be deactivated during work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits shall be tagged [7]. Equipment or circuits that are deenergized shall be rendered inoperative and shall have tags attached at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized [7].