Safe Work Procedure: Electrical Maintenance

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

1. Scope

This procedure covers the safe practices for performing electrical maintenance on energized and de-energized electrical systems. It applies to all electrical maintenance activities, including troubleshooting, repair, and testing of electrical equipment and systems. This procedure is applicable in environments where electrical systems are present, such as industrial facilities, commercial buildings, and utility installations.

Consult related procedures such as lockout/tagout (LOTO) and confined space entry when applicable.

2. Definitions

Qualified Person A person who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and the hazards involved.

Energized Electrical equipment or circuits that are connected to a source of voltage.

De-energized Electrical equipment or circuits that have been disconnected from all sources of voltage.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure all workers are trained and qualified for electrical maintenance tasks.
Verify that all safety procedures are followed during electrical maintenance.
Conduct regular safety audits and inspections.

3.2 Workers

Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate PPE.
Report any unsafe conditions or incidents immediately.
Participate in safety training and briefings.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Monitor compliance with safety procedures.
Assist in the investigation of incidents and near-misses.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Electrical shock	Injury or fatality	Use insulated tools and PPE, follow lockout/tagout procedures
Arc flash	Burns, injury	Maintain safe distance, use arc-rated PPE
Confined spaces	Asphyxiation, injury	Follow confined space entry procedures

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for electrical maintenance to protect against electrical hazards.

Insulated gloves - Use when working on or near energized equipment.
Arc-rated clothing - Wear to protect against arc flash hazards.
Safety glasses - Protect eyes from flying debris and arc flash.
Hard hat - Protect head from falling objects and electrical contact.
Hearing protection - Use in areas with high noise levels.

Inspect PPE before use and replace any damaged or worn items.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the correct equipment and tools is crucial for safe electrical maintenance.

Insulated tools - Use for all electrical work to prevent shock.
Multimeter - For testing and troubleshooting electrical circuits.
Lockout/tagout devices - Ensure equipment is de-energized and cannot be re-energized during maintenance.
Voltage detector - Verify circuits are de-energized before work.
Portable lighting - Provide adequate illumination in work areas.

Inspect tools regularly and maintain them according to manufacturer instructions.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

Workers must be trained in electrical safety, lockout/tagout procedures, and the specific equipment they will be working on.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a briefing to discuss the scope of work, potential hazards, and safety measures. Ensure all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions. Verify that all necessary tools and equipment are available and in good condition.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Preparation

Identify the equipment to be maintained.
Review electrical schematics and safety procedures.
Gather necessary tools and PPE.

Ensure all team members are aware of the work plan and safety measures.

Step 2: De-energize Equipment

Follow lockout/tagout procedures to de-energize equipment.
Verify de-energization using a voltage detector.
Apply lockout/tagout devices and tags.

Ensure no one can re-energize the equipment during maintenance.

Step 3: Perform Maintenance

Use insulated tools and wear appropriate PPE.
Follow manufacturer instructions and safety procedures.
Communicate with team members throughout the process.

Be alert for any unexpected conditions or hazards.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Maintain a safe distance from energized parts.
Use barriers or guards to prevent accidental contact.
Avoid working alone; have a safety watcher present.
Do not bypass safety interlocks or devices.
Ensure adequate lighting in the work area.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In case of an emergency, stop work immediately and follow emergency response procedures.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Electrical Shock - Call emergency services and provide first aid.
Arc Flash - Evacuate the area and seek medical attention for injuries.
Fire - Use a Class C fire extinguisher and evacuate if necessary.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

[List of emergency contacts and their phone numbers]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to a supervisor immediately. Participate in incident investigations to identify root causes and prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

Lockout/Tagout Procedure
Confined Space Entry Procedure
Electrical Safety Standards

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