Arc Flash NPFA 70E 5

Summary

This script outlines safety protocols for jobs involving electrical hazards. It mandates the completion of a job safety plan by a qualified person, which includes a shock risk assessment and identification of protective measures. A job briefing is required to communicate the plan to involved employees, ensuring understanding and addressing concerns. Special considerations are given to tasks requiring a licensed electrician or energized work permits, emphasizing the need for alternative plans and training. The script also discusses the conditions under which work on low-voltage conductors is deemed safe and the importance of work permits in managing risk.

Takeaways

• ⚠️ Before starting electrical work, a job safety plan must be completed and a job briefing conducted with all involved employees.
• 👷‍♂️ The job safety plan should be prepared by a qualified person and include a description of the job, tasks, and identification of electrical hazards.
• 🔍 A shock risk assessment is mandatory, which estimates the likelihood and severity of injury, and determines if additional protective measures are needed.
• 📋 The job briefing should cover the safety plan, energized electrical work permit information, and be conducted just before the work starts.
• 🗣️ The person in charge must communicate job requirements clearly and ensure employees understand the procedures and can voice concerns.
• 🛠️ If tasks require the skills of a licensed electrician, it may be prudent for the electrician to perform the job briefing.
• 🏥 Additional electrical training may be necessary for employees before they perform tasks involving electrical hazards.
• ⚡ Energized work is permitted only if de-energizing introduces more hazards or increased risk, and a justification must be provided.
• 🏥 Consideration for alternative plans is crucial in case of incidents during energized work, especially for critical systems like life support.
• 🔌 Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts operating at less than 50 volts are not required to be de-energized unless they present a thermal or shock hazard.
• 📄 The energized electrical work permit, outlined in NFPA 70E, ensures that responsible decisions are made regarding the increased risk of injury.

Q & A

What is required before starting a job that involves exposure to electrical hazards?

Before starting a job that involves exposure to electrical hazards, a job safety plan must be completed by a qualified person and a job briefing conducted with all employees involved.

Who should complete the job safety plan and what should it include?

The job safety plan should be completed by a qualified person and should be documented. It should include a description of the job, individual tasks, identification of electrical hazards, a shock risk assessment, and determination of additional protective measures including the use of PPE.

What is the purpose of a shock risk assessment?

The shock risk assessment must identify shock hazards, estimate the likelihood and potential severity of injury or health damage, and determine if additional protective measures are required.

What should be covered in the job briefing?

The job briefing should cover the job safety plan, information on the energized electrical work permit if required, and discuss work procedures to ensure all parties understand the procedures before starting the task.

Why is it important for the employee in charge to communicate effectively during the job briefing?

Effective communication during the job briefing is crucial for ensuring that all employees understand what is required of them and for addressing any concerns they may have about the task, procedure, or their safety.

Under what circumstances might a licensed electrician perform the job briefing?

A licensed electrician might perform the job briefing when the tasks involved require the skills of a licensed electrician.

When should the job briefing be performed in relation to the work tasks?

The job briefing should be performed before the work tasks are started, but not so far ahead that the information might be forgotten.

What should be done with the completed job briefing?

The completed job briefing should be sent to the general superintendent and the Safety Director.

What is the purpose of an energized work permit?

An energized work permit ensures that responsible decisions are involved in accepting the increased risk of injury to the employee assigned to the energized electrical work.

What is considered when determining if de-energizing introduces additional hazards or increased risk?

When determining if de-energizing introduces additional hazards or increased risk, consideration should be given to the result of an incident that may occur, not only what equipment failure presents a greater hazard, but also the equipment could be inoperable for considerably longer than during a scheduled outage.

Why might energized work be permitted even when there is a lower voltage?

Energized work may be permitted at lower voltages when it is infeasible to perform diagnostic work without exposing employees to energized conductors and circuit parts, or when the equipment design limitations make de-energizing impractical.

What is the significance of the 50-volt threshold in relation to electrical shock hazards?

Electrical conductors operating at less than 50 volts are not required to be de-energized for the capacity of the source and any overcurrent protection between the energy source and a worker are considered, and it's determined that there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or explosion due to electric arcs under normal conditions.