Safe Work Procedure: Installing and Using Temporary Power

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 safety requirements and procedures for the installation, use, and removal of temporary electrical power and lighting systems. It applies to temporary wiring installations of 600 volts or less used during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, demolition, experimental work, emergencies, and for a limited time for decorative lighting 1, 2, 9.

This SWP covers all aspects of temporary power, including wiring methods, grounding, overcurrent protection, and safe work practices. It is intended for use by qualified electrical workers and other personnel involved in the installation and use of temporary power systems.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and other applicable safety standards.

2. Definitions

Approved Distribution Center: A panelboard or other enclosure containing overcurrent protective devices and used for distributing power to branch circuits or feeders 1, 4.

Qualified Person: A person who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved 1, 4.

Temporary Wiring: Electrical power and lighting wiring methods of a class less than would be required for a permanent installation, intended for use during a limited time period 1, 2, 8, 9.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

• Ensure that all workers are trained and competent in the safe installation and use of temporary power systems.
• Conduct pre-job briefings to review the SWP and identify potential hazards.
• Inspect temporary power installations regularly to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
• Provide appropriate PPE and equipment for workers.
• Ensure that all incidents and near misses are reported and investigated.

3.2 Workers

• Follow the procedures outlined in this SWP and all other applicable safety rules.
• Use required PPE and maintain equipment in good condition.
• Report any hazards or unsafe conditions to the supervisor immediately.
• Participate in pre-job briefings and training sessions.
• Do not perform any task unless properly trained and authorized.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

• Assist in the development and review of this SWP.
• Conduct periodic audits of temporary power installations to ensure compliance.
• Investigate incidents and near misses related to temporary power.
• Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on safety issues.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Electrical shock	Electrocution, burns	Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), ensure proper grounding, use insulated tools, maintain safe distances from energized parts 7, 20.
Arc flash	Burns, eye injury	Wear appropriate PPE (e.g., arc-rated clothing, face shield), de-energize circuits before working on them, use insulated tools.
Fire	Property damage, injury	Use properly rated and approved equipment, protect wiring from damage, avoid overloading circuits 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.
Tripping hazards	Slips, trips, and falls	Keep cords and cables out of walkways, use cable protectors, ensure adequate lighting [1].
Equipment damage	Electrical failure, injury	Protect wiring and equipment from physical damage, use appropriate equipment for the environment (e.g., weatherproof for outdoor use) 3, 6, 18.
Improper wiring	Electrical hazards	Ensure wiring is performed by qualified personnel, inspect wiring before energizing, follow NEC guidelines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE must be worn at all times when installing or using temporary power [2].

• Hard hat - Protects the head from falling objects and impacts.
• Safety glasses - Protects eyes from dust, debris, and arc flash.
• Insulated gloves - Protects hands from electrical shock; must be rated for the voltage being worked on.
• Safety footwear - Protects feet from impacts and electrical hazards.
• Arc-rated clothing - Protects the body from burns in the event of an arc flash.

Inspect PPE before each use for damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Use only approved and properly maintained equipment and tools [3].

• Multimeter - Used to measure voltage, current, and resistance to verify proper circuit operation and identify faults.
• Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) - Protects against electrical shock by interrupting the circuit when a ground fault is detected.
• Insulated screwdrivers and pliers - Used for safely working on electrical circuits.
• Cable testers - Used to verify the integrity of cables and connections.
• Extension cords (heavy-duty) - Used to extend power to equipment; must be properly rated for the intended use.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use for damage or defects. Remove damaged equipment from service.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

• All workers must be trained and competent in the safe installation and use of temporary power systems.
• Training must include electrical safety, grounding, overcurrent protection, and the use of PPE.
• Only qualified persons are allowed to work on electrical systems 1, 4.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

• Conduct a pre-job briefing before starting any work on temporary power systems.
• Review the SWP, identify potential hazards, and discuss control measures.
• Ensure that all workers understand their roles and responsibilities.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

• Inspect the work area for hazards, such as wet locations, flammable materials, and obstructions.
• Ensure adequate lighting is provided.
• Barricade the work area to prevent unauthorized access.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Planning and Design

• Determine the power requirements for the temporary installation.

• Select appropriate wiring methods and equipment based on the environment and load requirements.

• Ensure that the temporary power system is designed to meet all applicable safety standards.

• Sub-step 1.1: Calculate the total load requirements.

• Sub-step 1.2: Select appropriate wire sizes and overcurrent protection.

• Sub-step 1.3: Plan the layout of the temporary wiring system.

Safety considerations: Avoid overloading circuits, ensure proper grounding, and protect wiring from damage 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.

8.2 Installation

• Install feeders originating from an approved distribution center 1, 4.

• Run conductors as multiconductor cord or cable assemblies or in raceways 1, 4.

• Install branch circuits originating from an approved power outlet or panelboard 1, 4.

• Use grounding-type receptacles and ensure proper grounding 1, 4.

• Install suitable disconnecting switches or plug connectors 1, 4.

• Protect lamps for general illumination from accidental contact or breakage 1, 3, 6, 7.

• Sub-step 2.1: Install feeders and branch circuits.

• Sub-step 2.2: Install receptacles and disconnecting means.

• Sub-step 2.3: Protect lamps and wiring from damage 3, 6, 7.

Safety considerations: Ensure proper grounding, use GFCIs, and protect wiring from physical damage 7, 20.

8.3 Inspection and Testing

• Inspect the temporary power installation before energizing it.

• Verify proper grounding and polarity.

• Test all circuits with a multimeter to ensure proper voltage and continuity.

• Use a GFCI tester to verify proper operation of GFCIs.

• Sub-step 3.1: Visually inspect the installation.

• Sub-step 3.2: Test circuits with a multimeter.

• Sub-step 3.3: Test GFCIs.

Safety considerations: De-energize circuits before inspecting or testing, use insulated tools, and wear appropriate PPE.

8.4 Removal

• De-energize the temporary power system before removing it.

• Remove all wiring and equipment carefully.

• Inspect the area to ensure that all temporary wiring has been removed.

• Sub-step 4.1: De-energize the system.

• Sub-step 4.2: Remove wiring and equipment.

• Sub-step 4.3: Inspect the area.

Safety considerations: Ensure that the system is de-energized before removal, and use caution when handling wiring and equipment.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

• Grounding: Ensure that all noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment are properly grounded 2, 11, 19.
• GFCI Protection: Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in wet locations and for portable tools 7, 20.
• Overcurrent Protection: Protect all circuits with properly sized fuses or circuit breakers 1, 4.
• Wiring Methods: Use appropriate wiring methods for the environment and application 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.
• Inspection: Inspect temporary wiring regularly for damage or defects 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

• In the event of an electrical incident, immediately de-energize the affected circuit.
• Call for medical assistance if anyone is injured.
• Evacuate the area if there is a fire or other hazardous condition.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

• Electrical Shock: De-energize the circuit, call for medical assistance, and administer first aid.
• Fire: Evacuate the area, call the fire department, and use a fire extinguisher if safe to do so.
• Downed Power Line: Stay away from the downed line, call the utility company, and warn others to stay away.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

• Emergency Medical Services: 911
• Fire Department: 911
• Utility Company: [PHONE NUMBER]
• [Company Safety Department]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. All reported incidents will be investigated to determine the root cause and prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

• National Electrical Code (NEC)
• [Company Electrical Safety Program]
• [Relevant OSHA Standards]

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

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