Write a safe work procedure for installing a new electrical breaker referencing OHS where applicable

Generated on: June 16, 2025

Safe Work Procedure: Electrical Breaker Installation

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 steps and safety precautions to be followed when installing a new electrical breaker in [Specify the types of work environments or situations where this procedure applies, e.g., residential, commercial, or industrial settings]. It applies to all workers involved in the installation process. This procedure aims to minimize the risk of electrical shock, arc flash, and other hazards associated with electrical work. This SWP does not cover work on energized electrical equipment above 750 volts, which requires specialized procedures and qualified personnel [1].

2. Definitions

Qualified Person: An individual who, by reason of knowledge, training, and experience, is qualified to perform electrical work safely [2].

Isolated: Separated or disconnected from every source of electrical energy that is capable of making electrical equipment dangerous [2].

Live Equipment: Electrical equipment that is energized or has the potential to become energized.

Safety Ground: A temporary connection to earth to ensure electrical equipment is at zero potential [3].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are qualified and trained to perform the electrical breaker installation safely [2].
Provide workers with the necessary tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) in good working condition.
Conduct pre-job briefings to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures.
Enforce adherence to this SWP and all applicable safety regulations.

3.2 Workers

Follow this SWP and all safety instructions provided by the supervisor.
Inspect tools, equipment, and PPE before use and report any defects.
Participate in pre-job briefings and ask questions if unsure about any aspect of the work.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
Do not work on live electrical equipment unless specifically trained and authorized to do so [3].

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Provide guidance and support in the development and implementation of this SWP.
Conduct regular inspections of work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to electrical work and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Electrical Shock	Electrocution, burns, cardiac arrest	De-energize and isolate the electrical circuit before starting work. Verify isolation with a voltage tester. Use insulated tools and PPE.
Arc Flash	Severe burns, blindness, hearing loss	Wear appropriate arc-rated PPE. Maintain safe distances from live equipment.
Falls from Heights	Injury, death	Use fall protection equipment when working at heights above [insert height]. Inspect fall protection equipment before use [4].
Cuts and Lacerations	Injury	Wear appropriate gloves. Use sharp tools with caution.
Musculoskeletal Injuries	Strains, sprains	Use proper lifting techniques. Take breaks to avoid fatigue.
Fire	Burns, property damage	Ensure proper grounding. Use caution when working near flammable materials.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the proper PPE for the job. Inspect all PPE before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged PPE immediately.

Insulated Gloves - Protects hands from electrical shock. Use appropriate voltage-rated gloves and inspect for damage before each use [3], [5].
Safety Glasses or Face Shield - Protects eyes and face from arc flash and flying debris [6].
Arc-Rated Clothing - Protects body from burns in the event of an arc flash.
Safety Boots - Protects feet from electrical hazards and physical injury.
Hard Hat - Protects head from falling objects.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the proper tools for the job. Inspect all tools before each use for damage or wear. Replace damaged tools immediately.

Voltage Tester - Used to verify that electrical circuits are de-energized.
Insulated Screwdrivers and Pliers - Used for working on electrical circuits.
Wire Strippers - Used to remove insulation from electrical wires.
Lockout/Tagout Devices - Used to prevent accidental energization of electrical circuits [7], [8].
Personal Fall Arrest System - Used when working at heights above [insert height] [4].

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be qualified electricians or supervised by a qualified electrician [2].
Workers must be trained in the hazards of electrical work and the control measures outlined in this SWP.
Workers must be trained in the proper use of PPE and tools.
Workers must be trained in first aid and emergency response procedures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all workers involved in the electrical breaker installation.
Discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and control measures.
Review this SWP and ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.
Identify any specific safety concerns or challenges related to the job.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure that the work area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions [9].
Provide adequate lighting.
Barricade the work area to prevent unauthorized access.
Post warning signs to alert others to the electrical work in progress [10].

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 De-energize and Isolate the Electrical Circuit

Identify the electrical circuit that needs to be de-energized.
Locate the appropriate breaker or disconnect switch.
Turn off the breaker or disconnect switch to de-energize the circuit.
Lockout and tagout the breaker or disconnect switch to prevent accidental re-energization [7], [8].
- (iii) bears a distinctive tag or sign designed to notify persons that operation of the control device and movement of the locking device are prohibited during the performance of the work or live test [8].
Verify that the circuit is de-energized using a voltage tester.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that the correct circuit is de-energized. Double-check the voltage tester to ensure it is working properly.

8.2 Remove the Existing Breaker

Loosen the screws or clips holding the existing breaker in place.
Carefully remove the breaker from the electrical panel.
Inspect the wiring for any damage or wear.

Safety considerations for this step: Avoid touching any exposed wires. Use insulated tools.

8.3 Install the New Breaker

Ensure that the new breaker is the correct type and size for the electrical circuit.
Connect the wiring to the new breaker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Secure the breaker in the electrical panel.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that all connections are tight and secure. Do not over-tighten screws.

8.4 Test the New Breaker

Remove the lockout/tagout devices.
Turn on the breaker to energize the circuit.
Test the circuit to ensure that it is working properly.
Turn off the breaker and replace the lockout/tagout devices.

Safety considerations for this step: Stand clear of the electrical panel when energizing the circuit. Use a voltage tester to verify that the circuit is properly energized.

8.5 Final Inspection and Closeout

Inspect the work area to ensure that all tools and equipment have been removed.
Clean up any debris or spills.
Restore power to the circuit.
Inform the supervisor that the work is complete.

Safety considerations for this step: Ensure that the electrical panel is properly closed and secured.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Lockout/Tagout: Always use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental energization of electrical circuits [7], [8].
Insulated Tools: Use only insulated tools when working on or near electrical equipment [3].
PPE: Wear appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves, safety glasses, and arc-rated clothing [3], [5].
Safe Distances: Maintain safe distances from live electrical equipment [9].
Qualified Personnel: Only qualified and trained personnel should perform electrical work [2].

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately call 911.
Provide first aid to any injured workers.
Evacuate the work area if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Electrical Shock: Turn off the power source if it is safe to do so. 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. Administer first aid for burns and call for medical assistance.
Fire: Activate the fire alarm and evacuate the building. Use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire if it is safe to do so.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[Company Name] Safety Department: [Phone Number]
[Supervisor Name]: [Phone Number]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and to implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) [9], [2], [7], [3], [11], [10], [8], [12]
Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code [1], [13], [5], [14], [4]
Canadian Electrical Code, Part I