Electrical Work on Energized 240V Equipment

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 requirements for safely performing electrical work on or near energized 240V electrical equipment. It includes procedures for lockout/tagout, the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), establishing and maintaining safe approach distances, and other essential safety measures. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors who may be exposed to electrical hazards while working on or near 240V electrical equipment. It does not apply to work performed by qualified persons on or directly associated with installations for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical energy.

2. Definitions

Qualified Person A person who has training in avoiding the electrical hazards of working on or near exposed energized parts. [2]

Lockout Device A device used to prevent the operation of a disconnecting means and ensure equipment cannot be inadvertently energized. Tagout Device A warning device attached to a disconnecting means to indicate that the equipment is not to be operated. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) The process of de-energizing and isolating electrical equipment from its energy source(s) and applying lockout/tagout devices. Safe Approach Distance The distance an unqualified person must maintain from energized electrical equipment.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are qualified and trained for the assigned tasks.
Conduct pre-job briefings and hazard assessments.
Provide appropriate PPE and ensure its proper use.
Enforce safe work procedures and address any unsafe conditions.
Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions.
Maintain a written copy of lockout/tagout procedures and make it available for inspection by employees. [1]

3.2 Workers

Inspect and maintain PPE before each use.
Participate in pre-job briefings and hazard assessments.
Follow all safe work procedures and instructions.
Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
Use tools and equipment only for their intended purpose.
Do not defeat or tamper with safety interlocks.
Participate in training and competency assessments.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Electrical Shock [2]	Severe injury or death	De-energize and lockout/tagout the equipment before starting work whenever possible. Use appropriate PPE, including insulated gloves and eye protection. Maintain safe approach distances.
Arc Flash/Arc Blast [4]	Burns, eye injury, hearing loss	Wear appropriate PPE, including arc-rated clothing and face shield. Ensure equipment is properly grounded. Follow safe work practices for energized work.
Electrocution [4]	Death	Use insulated tools and equipment. Inspect tools for damage before use. Maintain safe approach distances.
Ground Fault [1]	Electrical shock, equipment damage	Ensure proper grounding of equipment. Use ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) where required. Inspect grounding equipment before use.
Slips, Trips, and Falls [7]	Injuries ranging from minor to severe	Keep work areas clean and free of obstructions. Use proper lifting techniques. Ensure adequate lighting.
Exposure to Hazardous Substances	Respiratory illness, skin irritation, other health problems	Provide adequate ventilation. Use respiratory protection when necessary. Monitor air quality.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All personnel performing electrical work must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as specified in this procedure.

Insulated Gloves: Must be worn to protect against electrical shock and burns. Gloves must be electrically tested regularly. [5]
Eye and Face Protection: Must be worn to protect the eyes and face from arc flash and flying debris. [4]
Hard Hat: Must be worn to protect the head from electrical shock and impact. [4]
Arc-Rated Clothing: Must be worn to protect the body from arc flash and burns. Clothing must be arc-rated for the potential exposure.
Leather Protectors: Leather protectors must be worn over rubber insulating gloves to provide mechanical protection against cuts, abrasions, and punctures.

Gloves: Inspect for holes, tears, or other damage before each use. Electrically test according to standards. Eye Protection: Inspect for cracks, scratches, or other damage. Clean regularly. Arc-Rated Clothing: Inspect for tears, burns, or contamination. Follow manufacturer's instructions for care and maintenance.

6. Equipment and Tools

All tools and equipment used for electrical work must be inspected before use to ensure they are in good working condition and suitable for the task.

Voltage Tester: Used to verify the absence of voltage. Must be properly rated for the voltage being tested.
Lockout Devices: Used to apply lockout devices to energy isolating devices.
Tagout Devices: Used to tag energy isolating devices to warn against unauthorized operation.
Insulated Tools: Insulated tools are designed to protect workers from electrical shock when working on or near energized equipment. [4]

Multimeters: Calibrate annually and check for damaged leads or housing before each use. Insulated Tools: Inspect for cuts, abrasions, or other damage to the insulation before each use. Replace if damaged. Grounding Equipment: Verify continuity and proper connection before each use.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Training and Competency: Only qualified persons are permitted to perform electrical work on energized equipment. Qualified persons must have completed appropriate training and demonstrate competency in the specific tasks to be performed. Training must include electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, PPE requirements, and safe work practices. [1]

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Pre-Job Briefing: A pre-job briefing must be conducted before starting any electrical work. The briefing should cover the scope of work, potential hazards, control measures, and emergency procedures. All workers involved in the task must attend the briefing and acknowledge their understanding.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Work Area Preparation: The work area must be inspected to identify any potential hazards, such as obstructions, poor lighting, or the presence of flammable materials. The area must be cleared of any unnecessary items and properly illuminated. Warning signs and barricades must be used to prevent unauthorized access to the work area.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Notification: Notify all affected personnel that a lockout/tagout will be performed.
Identify Energy Sources: Identify all energy sources to the equipment. This may include electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and thermal energy sources.
Equipment Shutdown: De-energize the equipment using normal operating controls. Do not use control circuit devices, such as push buttons, selector switches, and interlocks, as the sole means for deenergizing circuits or equipment. [3]
Equipment Isolation: Isolate the equipment from all energy sources by disconnecting or isolating all energy isolating devices. [7]
Apply Lockout/Tagout Devices: Apply lockout/tagout devices to each energy isolating device. Each tag shall contain a statement prohibiting unauthorized operation of the disconnecting means and removal of the tag. [3] [3]
Stored Energy Release: Relieve any stored energy, such as capacitors, springs, or elevated weights. If there is a possibility of re-accumulation of stored energy to a hazardous level, verification of isolation shall be continued until the servicing or maintenance is completed, or until the possibility of such accumulation no longer exists. [3] [6]
Verify De-energization: Verify that the equipment is de-energized by testing the circuit with a properly rated voltage tester. If the circuit to be tested is over 600 volts, nominal, the test equipment shall be checked for proper operation immediately after this test. [1]
Perform Work: Perform the required electrical work.
Inspection: Inspect the work area to ensure that all tools, materials, and personnel are clear of the equipment.
Remove Lockout/Tagout Devices: Remove lockout/tagout devices. Each lock and tag shall be removed by the employee who applied it or under his or her direct supervision. [1]
Notification: Notify affected personnel that the equipment is being re-energized.
Re-energize Equipment: Re-energize the equipment.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Always assume that electrical equipment is energized until proven otherwise. - Use a properly rated and functioning voltage tester to verify that circuits are de-energized before starting work.
Maintain safe approach distances from energized parts. - Refer to the safe approach distance table for specific voltage levels.
Use insulated tools and equipment when working near energized parts. - Inspect tools for damage before each use.
Never defeat or bypass safety interlocks. - Report any malfunctioning interlocks to the supervisor immediately.
Follow lockout/tagout procedures when de-energizing equipment. - Ensure that all energy sources are properly isolated and locked out before starting work.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an electrical shock: 1. Immediately de-energize the circuit if safe to do so. 2. If unable to de-energize the circuit, use a non-conductive object (e.g., wood, plastic) to separate the person from the electrical source. 3. Call for emergency medical assistance. 4. Do not touch the person directly until the electrical source is removed. 5. Administer first aid and CPR as needed until medical help arrives.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Electrical Fire: 1. Evacuate the area immediately. 2. Notify the supervisor and emergency services. 3. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire with water unless the electrical source is confirmed to be de-energized. 4. Use a Class C fire extinguisher if the electrical source cannot be de-energized.
Arc Flash: 1. Immediately shut down the power supply to the affected area. 2. Evacuate the area. 3. Contact a qualified electrician to assess and repair the damage.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

In case of emergency, contact emergency services immediately. Provide the location, nature of the emergency, and any known injuries. Follow established emergency response protocols.

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor immediately. A written report must be submitted within 24 hours of the incident. The report should include a detailed description of the incident, the cause(s), and any corrective actions taken.

A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause(s) of the incident. The investigation team will include safety personnel, supervisors, and workers involved in the incident. The findings of the investigation will be used to develop and implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION]

Date: [APPROVAL DATE]