SD.I.10061-M-1_Appendix_H.pdf

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Appendix H SD.I.10061-M-1 Version: May 2012

Electrical Safety-Related Practices

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Purpose………………………………………………………… H-1

2. Scope…………………………………………………………… H-1

3. Roles and Responsibilities……………………………………. H-2

4. Regulatory Compliance…………………………………………. H-3

5. Working on or near Exposed Energized Parts……………… H-3

6. Job Briefing…………………………………………………….. H-6

7. Use of Equipment……………………………………………… H-10

8. Electrically Safe Working Condition…………………………… H-12

9. Approach Boundaries…………………………………………… H-13

10. Arc Flash Analysis………………………………………………. H-14

11. Work Near Uninsulated Overhead Lines…………………… H-15

12. Precautions for Personal Activities……………………………. H-16

13. Personal and Other Protective Equipment…………………… H-18

14. Power Generation……………………………………………….. H-26

15. Contractors………………………………………………………. H-28

16. Training…………………………………………………………… H-29

17. Recordkeeping…………………………………………………... H-30

18. Supersession…………………………………………………….. H-30

19. Effective Date……………………………………………………. H-30

20. Definitions………………………………………………………… H-31

21. References……………………………………………………….. H-32

1. Purpose. The purpose of the USIBWC Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices is to protect USIBWC employees and other personnel from the hazards of exposed electrical circuits through training, risk assessment, risk identification and risk controls such as lockout/tagout, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

This program is meant to meet the relevant requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) electrical regulations as well as relevant requirements from CAL-OSHA Electrical Safety Orders, the Army Corp of Engineers Safety Manual EM 385- 1-1 (2008) and NFPA 70E (2012) Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

2. Scope. Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices apply to USIBWC employees and contractors who work near exposed electrical circuits that operate at 50 volts or more.

USIBWC job positions generally affected by this regulation include, but are not limited to:

• Electric Power Controller

• Electrical Engineer

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• Electrician

• Electronics Mechanic

• Industrial Machine Operator

• Industrial Mechanic

• Laborer

• Machinist

• Maintenance Worker

• Maintenance Helper

• Mechanic and Repairer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Powerhouse Superintendent

• Power Production Manager

• Welder

• Supervisors of the groups listed above

3. Roles and Responsibilities.

A. Qualified and Unqualified Electrical Workers.

• Complete required training on this appendix.

• Do not attempt to perform activities beyond their training and authorization.

• Use appropriate electrical safety-related work practices, including all necessary protective equipment and materials.

• Maintain necessary protective equipment and materials.

B. Area Operations Manager (AOM).

• Ensure affected workers receive electrical safety training appropriate to their assigned tasks.

• Ensure affected workers are provided with and use protective equipment and materials.

C. Power Production Manager

• Ensure affected workers receive electrical safety training appropriate to their assigned tasks.

• Ensure affected workers are provided with and use protective equipment and materials.

D. USIBWC Safety Officer.

• Develop and maintain written Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices.

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• Provide specific training material for qualified and unqualified workers.

• Provide assistance with evaluation of electrical hazards in the workplace.

• Provide a periodic audit of this program.

E. Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

• Inform contractors of known hazards that are covered by this standard, that are related to the scope of work, and that might not be recognized by the contractor or its subcontractors.

• Inform contractors when their installation requires further assessments.

• Report contractor violations of electrical safety related work practices to the

USIBWC Contracting Officer (CO).

F. Contractor.

• Ensure prime and subcontractor employees follow the work practices required by these safety practices when required by contract.

• Ensure that prime and subcontractor employees are instructed in the hazards communicated to the contractor by USIBWC. This instruction is in addition to basic required electrical safety training.

4. Regulatory Compliance.

A. All electrical work shall comply with applicable OSHA regulations including, but not limited to the following:

• OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart S, Electrical. (General Industry)

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.269, Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and

Distribution.

• OSHA 29 CFR 1926, Subpart K, Electrical. (Construction)

• CAL/OSHA Electrical Safety Orders (California Operations).

B. Electrical work should be conducted using the following portions of the National Electric Code (NEC):

• NFPA 70, National Electric Code

• NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety in the Workplace

C. De-energization shall be done in accordance with the latest version of the USIBWC

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Safety Manual, SD.I.10061-M-1, Appendix O, Hazardous Energy Control Program.

(Lockout/Tagout)

D. Section 11, Electrical, of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers safety manual, EM 385 1-1, shall be followed when called for by the provisions of a contract.

5. Working on or near exposed energized parts. This paragraph applies to work on exposed live parts, or near enough to them, to expose the employee to any hazard they present.

A. General. Only qualified employees may work on or with exposed energized lines or parts of equipment. Only qualified employees may work in areas containing unguarded, uninsulated energized lines or parts of equipment operating at 50 volts or more. Electric lines and equipment shall be considered and treated as energized unless de-energized in accordance with USIBWC Safety Manual, SD.I.10061-M-1, Appendix O, Hazardous Energy Control Program (Lockout/Tagout)

(1) Two Employee Rule. Except as provided in section 5.A.(2) at least two employees shall be present while the following types of work are being performed:

• Installation, removal, or repair of lines that are energized at more than 600 volts,

• Installation, removal, or repair of de-energized lines if an employee is exposed to contact with other parts energized at more than 600 volts,

• Installation, removal, or repair of equipment, such as transformers, capacitors, and regulators, if an employee is exposed to contact with parts energized at more than 600 volts,

• Work involving the use of mechanical equipment, other than insulated aerial lifts, near parts energized at more than 600 volts, and

• Other work that exposes an employee to electrical hazards greater than or equal to those posed by operations that are specifically listed above in 5.A.(1).

(2) Exceptions. Paragraph 5.A.(1) does not apply to the following operations:

• Routine switching of circuits, if the employer can demonstrate that conditions at the site allow this work to be performed safely,

• Work performed with live-line tools if the employee is positioned so that he or she is neither within reach of nor otherwise exposed to contact with energized parts, and

• Emergency repairs to the extent necessary to safeguard the general public.

B. Type of insulation. If the employee is to be insulated from energized parts by the use of insulating gloves, insulating sleeves shall also be used. However, insulating sleeves need not be used under the following conditions:

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(1) If exposed energized parts on which work is not being performed are insulated from the employee and

(2) If such insulation is placed from a position not exposing the employee's upper arm to contact with other energized parts.

C. Working position. Each employee, to the extent that other safety-related conditions at the worksite permit, shall work in a position from which a slip or shock will not bring the employee's body into contact with exposed, un-insulated parts energized at a potential different from the employee.

D. Making connections. Connections shall be made as follows:

(1) In connecting de-energized equipment or lines to an energized circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, a qualified person shall first attach the wire to the de-energized part;

(2) When disconnecting equipment or lines from an energized circuit by means of a conducting wire or device, a qualified person shall remove the source end first; and

(3) When lines or equipment are connected to or disconnected from energized circuits, loose conductors shall be kept away from exposed energized parts.

E. Apparel.

(1) When work is performed within reaching distance of exposed energized parts of equipment, each employee shall remove or render nonconductive all exposed conductive articles, such as key or watch chains, rings, or wrist watches or bands, unless such articles do not increase the hazards associated with contact with the energized parts.

(2) Each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs shall be trained in the hazards involved.

(3) Each employee who is exposed to the hazards of flames or electric arcs shall not wear clothing that, when exposed to flames or electric arcs, could increase the extent of injury that would be sustained by the employee.

Note: Clothing made from the following types of fabrics, either alone or in blends, is prohibited by this paragraph, unless the employer can demonstrate that the fabric has been treated to withstand the conditions that may be encountered or that the clothing is worn in such a manner as to eliminate the hazard involved: acetate, nylon, polyester, rayon.

F. Fuse handling. When fuses must be installed or removed with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts or with exposed parts energized at more than 50 volts, H-6 tools or gloves rated for the voltage shall be used. When expulsion-type fuses are installed with one or both terminals energized at more than 300 volts, each employee shall wear appropriate eye protection, use a tool rated for the voltage, and stay clear of the exhaust path of the fuse barrel.

G. Covered (non-insulated) conductors. The requirements of this section which pertain to the hazards of exposed live parts also apply when work is performed in the proximity of covered (non-insulated) wires.

H. Noncurrent-carrying metal parts. Noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment or devices, such as transformer cases and circuit breaker housings, shall be treated as energized at the highest voltage to which they are exposed, unless an inspection of the installation has been conducted and it has been determined by a competent person that these parts are grounded before work is performed.

I. Opening circuits under load. Devices used to open circuits under load conditions shall be designed to interrupt the current involved.

6. Job Briefing.

A. Content. The employee in charge shall conduct a job briefing with the employees involved before they start each job. The briefing shall cover at least the following subjects:

• hazards associated with the job,

• work procedures involved,

• emergency response procedures,

• special precautions,

• energy source controls,

• PPE requirements, and

• information on the energized electrical work permit, if required.

Additional job briefings shall be held if changes that might affect the safety of employees occur during the course of the work.

B. Number of briefings. If the work or operations to be performed during the work day or shift are repetitive and similar, at least one job briefing shall be conducted before the start of the first job of each day or shift. Additional job briefings shall be held if significant changes, which might affect the safety of the employees, occur during the course of the work.

C. Extent of briefing. A brief discussion is satisfactory if the work involved is routine and if the employee, by virtue of training and experience, can reasonably be expected to recognize and avoid the hazards involved in the job. A more extensive discussion shall be conducted:

(1) If the work is complicated or particularly hazardous, or

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(2) If the employee cannot be expected to recognize and avoid the hazards involved in the job. The briefing is always required to touch on all the subjects listed in paragraph 6.A.

D. Working Alone. An employee working alone need not conduct a job briefing.

However, tasks to be performed shall be planned as if a briefing were required.

7. Use of Equipment.

A. Test Instruments and Equipment.

(1) Testing. Only qualified persons shall perform tasks such as testing, troubleshooting, and voltage measuring within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more or where an electrical hazard exists.

(2) Rating. Test instruments, equipment, and their accessories shall be rated for circuits and equipment to which they are connected.

(3) Design. Test instruments, equipment, and their accessories shall be designed for the environment to which they will be exposed, and for the manner in which they will be used.

(4) Visual Inspection. Test instruments and equipment and all associated test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and connectors shall be visibly inspected for external defects and damage before each use. If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective and damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee shall use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made.

(5) Operation Verification. When test instruments are used for testing the absence of voltage or conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more, the operation of the test instrument shall be verified before and after an absence of voltage test is performed.

B. Portable Electric Equipment. This section applies to the use of cord-and-plug connected equipment, including cord sets (extension cords).

(1) Handling. Portable equipment shall be handled in a manner that will not cause damage. Flexible electric cords connected to equipment shall not be used for raising or lowering the equipment. Flexible cords shall not be fastened with staples or hung in such a fashion as could damage the outer jacket or insulation.

(2) Grounding-Type Equipment.

(a) A flexible cord used with grounding-type utilization equipment shall contain an

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(b) Attachment plugs and receptacles shall not be connected or altered in a manner that would interrupt continuity of the equipment grounding conductor. Additionally, these devices shall not be altered in order to allow use in a manner that was not intended by the manufacturer.

(c) Adapters that interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding conductor shall not be used.

(3) Visual Inspection of Portable Cord-and-Plug-Connected Equipment and Flexible Cord Sets.

(a) Frequency of Inspection. Before each use, portable cord-and-plug-connected equipment shall be visually inspected for external defects (such as loose parts or deformed and missing pins) and for evidence of possible internal damage (such as a pinched or crushed outer jacket).

(b) Defective Equipment. If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service, and no employee shall use it until repairs and tests necessary to render the equipment safe have been made.

(c) Proper Mating. When an attachment plug is to be connected to a receptacle, the relationship of the plug and receptacle contacts shall first be checked to ensure that they are of mating configurations.

(d) Conductive Work Locations. Portable electric equipment used in highly conductive work locations (such as those inundated with water or other conductive liquids) or in job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids shall be approved for those locations. In job locations where employees are likely to contact or be drenched with water or conductive liquids, ground fault circuit-interrupter protection shall also be used.

(4) Connecting Attachment Plugs

(a) Employee’s hands shall not be wet when plugging and unplugging flexible cords and cord-and-plug connected equipment if energized equipment is involved.

(b) Energized plug and receptacle connections shall be handled only with insulating protective equipment if the condition of the connection could provide a conductive path to the employees’ hand (if, for example, a cord connector is wet from being immersed in water).

(c) Locking-type connectors shall be secured after connection.

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C. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI) Protection.

(1) General. Employees shall be provided with ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection where required by applicable state, federal, or local codes and standards. Listed cord sets or devices incorporating listed GFCI protection for personnel identified for portable use shall be permitted.

(2) Outdoors. GFCI protection shall be provided when an employee is outdoors and operating or using cord- and plug-connected equipment supplied by other than 125-volt, 15-, 20-, or 30-ampere circuits, an assured equipment grounding conductor program shall be implemented.

D. Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection Devices. GFCI protection devices shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

E. Overcurrent Protection Modification. Overcurrect protection of circuits and conductors shall not be modified even on a temporary basis, beyond that permitted by applicable portions of electrical codes and standards dealing with overcurrent protection.

8. Electrically Safe Working Condition.

A. General. Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts to which an employee might be exposed shall be put into an electrically safe work condition before an employee performs work if either of the following conditions exist:

• The employee is within the limited approach boundary.

• The employee interacts with equipment where conductors or circuit parts are not exposed, but an increased risk of injury from an exposure to an arc flash hazard exists.

(1) Energized work. Energized work shall be permitted where the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional hazards or increased risk.

(2) Infeasibility. Energized work shall be permitted where USIBWC can demonstrate that the task to be performed is infeasible in a deenergized state due to equipment design or operational limitations.

(3) Less than 50 Volts. Energized electrical conductors and circuit parts that operate at less than 50 volts shall not be required to be de-energized where the capacity of the source and any overcurrent protection between the energy source and the worker are considered and it is determined that there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.

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B. Energized Electrical Work Permit (IBWC Form 062).

(1) When required. When a USIBWC employee or contractor performs work within the limited approach boundary or the arc flash boundary of exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts that are not placed in an electrically safe work condition, work to be performed shall be considered energized electrical work and shall be performed by written permit only.

(2) The USIBWC energized electrical work permit ( IBWC Form 062) shall include, but not limited to the following items:

• A description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and their location;

• Justification for why the work must be performed in an energized condition;

• A description of the safe work practices to be employed;

• Results of the shock hazard analysis;

• Results of shock protection boundaries;

o Limited approach boundary o Restricted approach boundary o Prohibited approach boundary o Necessary shock personal and other protective equipment to safely perform the assigned task.

• Results of the arc flash hazard analysis o Available incident energy or hazard/risk category o Necessary PPE to safely perform the assigned task.

o Arc flash boundary.

• Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified persons from the work area

• Evidence of completion of a job briefing, including a discussion of any job-specific hazards.

• Energized work approval

(3) Exemptions to Energized Electrical Work Permit.

(a) Work performed within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts by qualified persons related to tasks such as testing, troubleshooting, voltage measuring, etc., shall be permitted to be performed without an energized electrical work permit, provided appropriate safe work practices and PPE is provided and used.

(b) If the purpose of crossing the limited approach boundary is only for visual inspection and the restricted approach boundary will not be crossed, then an electrical work permit shall not be required.

(4) Procedure for Obtaining Energized Electrical Work Permit (IBWC Form 062).

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(a) The requester shall fill out Part 1 of IBWC Form 062 describing the work, location and justifying why the work needs to be done in an energized state.

(b) An electrically qualified person who will be doing the work shall fill out Part 2 of IBWC Form 062.

(c) The electrically qualified person and an authorized manager shall sign the permit authorizing the work and attesting that it can be done safely.

9. Approach Boundaries to Energized Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts.

A. Shock Hazard Analysis. A shock hazard analysis shall determine the voltage to which personnel will be exposed, boundary requirements and the PPE necessary in order to minimize the possibility of electric shock to personnel.

B. Shock Protection Boundaries. The shock protection boundaries identified as limited approach, restricted approach, and prohibited approach boundaries shall be applicable where approaching personnel are exposed to energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. See Table H-1 for the distances associated with various ac system voltages. Table H-2 shall be used for the distances associated with dc system voltages.

C. Approach to Exposed Energized Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts Operating at 50 Volts or More. No qualified person shall approach or take any conductive object closer to exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more than the restricted approach boundary set forth in Table H-1 or Table H-2 unless any of the following apply:

(1) The qualified person is insulated or guarded from the energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more.. Insulating gloves or insulating gloves and sleeves are considered insulation only with regard to the energized parts upon which work is being performed. If there is a need for an uninsulated part of the qualified person’s body to cross the prohibited approach boundary, a combination of Sections 9.C, (1),(2) and (3) shall be used to protect the uninsulated parts.

(2) The energized electrical conductors or circuit part operating at 50 volts or more are insulated from the qualified person and from any other conductive object at a different potential.

(3) The qualified person is insulated from any other conductive object as during live-line bare-hand work.

(4) A contractor is following the AC live work minimum approach distances listed in Table 11-3 of the U.S. Army Corp of Engineer’s Safety Manual EM 385 1-1, when required by contract.

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Table H-1 Approach Boundaries to Energized Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts for Shock Protection for Alternating Current Systems

COLUMN 1

Nominal System Voltage Range, Phase to Phase2

COLUMN 2

Limited Approach Boundary1;

Exposed Movable Conductor3

COLUMN 3

Limited Approach Boundary1;

Exposed Fixed Circuit Part

COLUMN 4

Restricted Approach Boundary1;

Includes Inadvertent Movement Adder

COLUMN 5

Prohibited Approach Boundary1

Less than 50 Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified 50 to 300 10 feet 3 feet 6 inches Avoid Contact Avoid Contact 301 to 750 10 feet 3 feet 6 inches 1 foot 1 inch 751 to 15 kV 10 feet 5 feet 2 feet 2 inches 7 inches

15.1 kV to 36 kV 10 feet 6 feet 2 feet 7 inches 10 inches

36.1 kV to 46 kV 10 feet 8 feet 2 feet 9 inches 1 foot 5 inches

46.1 kV to 72.5 kV 10 feet 8 feet 3 feet 3 inches 2 feet 2 inches

72.6 kV to 121 kV 10 feet 8 inches 8 feet 3 feet 4 inches 2 feet 9 inches

121.1 kV to 145 kV 11 feet 10 feet 3 feet 10 inches 3 feet 4 inches

Table H-2 Approach Boundaries1 to Energized Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts for Shock Protection, Direct Current Voltage Systems

COLUMN 1

Nominal Potential Difference

COLUMN 2

Limited Approach Boundary;

Exposed Movable Conductor2

COLUMN 3

Limited Approach Boundary;

Exposed Fixed Circuit Part

COLUMN 4

Restricted Approach Boundary;

Includes Inadvertent Movement Adder

COLUMN 5

Prohibited Approach Boundary

Less than 100V Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified 100 to 300V 10 feet 3 feet 6 inches Avoid Contact Avoid Contact 301 to 1kV 10 feet 3 feet 6 inches 1 foot 1 inch

Notes to Table H-1

1 See definition in Paragraph 20 and NFPA 70E for elaboration

2 For single phase systems, select the range that is equal to the system’s maximum phase-to ground voltage multiplied by 1.732

3 A condition in which the distance between the conductor and a person is not under the control of the person. The term is normally applied to overhead line conductors supported by poles.

Notes to Table H-2

1 All dimensions are distance from exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts to worker.

2 This term describes a condition in which the distance between the conductor and a person is not under the control of the person. The term is normally applied to overhead line conductors supported by poles.

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D. Approach by Unqualified Persons. Unqualified persons shall not be permitted to approach nearer than the limited approach boundary of energized conductors and circuit parts.

(1) Working At or Close to the Limited Approach Boundary. Where one or more unqualified persons are working at or close to the limited approach boundary, the designated person in charge of the work space where the electrical hazard exists shall advise the unqualified persons(s) of the electrical hazard and warn him or her to stay outside of the limited approach boundary.

(2) Unqualified person(s) crossing the Limited Approach Boundary. Where there is a need for an unqualified person(s) to cross the limited approach boundary, a qualified person shall advise him or her of the possible hazards and continuously escort the unqualified person(s) while inside the limited approach boundary. Under no circumstances shall the escorted unqualified person be permitted to cross the restricted approach boundary.

10. Arc Flash Analysis.

An arc hazard analysis shall determine the arc flash boundary, the incident energy at the working distance, and the PPE that people within the arc flash boundary shall use.

The arc flash analysis shall be updated when a major modification or renovation takes place. It shall be reviewed periodically, not to exceed five years, to account for changes in the electrical distribution system that could affect the results of the arc flash hazard analysis.

The arc flash hazard analysis shall take into consideration the design of the overcurrent protective device and its opening time, including its condition of maintenance.

A. Arc Flash Protection Boundary. The arc flash boundary for systems 50 volts and greater shall be the distance at which the incident energy equals 5 J/ cm2 (1.2 cal/cm2).

B. Protective Clothing and Other PPE for Application with an Arc Flash Hazard Analysis.

Where it has been determined that work will be performed within the arc flash boundary, one of the following methods shall be used for the selection of protective clothing and other

PPE.

(1) Incident Energy Analysis. The incident energy analysis shall determine, and USIBWC shall document, the incident energy exposure of the worker (in calories per square centimeter). The incident energy exposure level shall be based on the working distance of the employee’s face and chest areas from a prospective arc source for the specific task to be performed.

Arc-rated clothing and other PPE shall be used by the employee based on the incident energy exposure associated with the specific task. Recognizing that incident energy

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(2) Hazard/Risk Categories. The requirements of paragraph 13.C (9), (10) and (11) shall be permitted to be used for the selection and use of personal and other protective equipment.

C. Equipment Labeling.

(1) Required Field Marking. Electrical equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers that are in other than dwelling units, and are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, shall be field marked with a label containing all of the following information:

(a) At least one of the following:

(i) Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance

(ii) Minimum arc rating of clothing

(iii) Required level of PPE

(iv) Highest hazard/ Risk Category (HRC) for the equipment

(b) Nominal system voltage

(c) Arc flash boundary

(2) Exception. Labels applied prior to September 30, 2011 are acceptable if they contain the available incident energy or required level of PPE.

(3) Documentation of Methodology. The method of calculating and data to support the information for the label shall be documented.

11. Work within the Limited Approach Boundary of Arc Flash Boundary Uninsulated Overhead Lines

A. Uninsulated and Energized. Where work is performed in locations containing uninsulated energized overhead lines that are not guarded or isolated, precautions shall be taken to prevent employees from contacting such lines directly with any unguarded parts of their body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools or equipment. Where the work to be performed is such that contact with uninsulated energized overhead lines is possible, the lines shall be de-energized and visibly grounded at the point of work, or suitably

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B. Determination of Insulation. A qualified person shall determine if the overhead electrical lines are insulated for the line’s operating voltage.

C. De-energizing or Guarding. If the lines are to be de-energized, arrangements shall be made with the person or organization that operates the lines to de-energize them and visibly ground them at the point of work. If arrangements are made to use protective measures, such as guarding, isolating, or insulation, these precautions shall prevent each employee from contacting such lines directly with any part of his or her body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools or equipment.

D. USIBWC Employee Responsibility. USIBWC personnel shall be responsible for ensuring that guards or protective measures are satisfactory for the conditions. Employees shall comply with established work methods and the use of protective equipment.

E. Approach Distances for Unqualified Persons. When unqualified persons are working on the ground or in an elevated position near overhead lines, the location shall be such that the employee and the longest conductive object the employee might contact do not come closer to any unguarded, energized overhead power line than the limited approach boundary in Table H-1, Column 2.

F. Vehicular and Mechanical Equipment.

(1) Elevated Equipment. Where any vehicle or mechanical equipment structure will be elevated near energized overhead lines, they shall be operated so that the Limited Approach Boundary distance of Table H-1, Column 2, is maintained. However, under any of the following conditions, the clearances shall be permitted to be reduced:

• If the vehicle is in transit with its structure lowered, the Limited Approach Boundary to overhead lines in Table H-1, Column 2, shall be permitted to be reduced by 6 feet (1.83m). If insulated barriers, rated for the voltages involved, are installed and they are not part of an attachment to the vehicle, the clearance shall be permitted to be reduced to the design working dimensions of the insulating barrier.

• If the equipment is an aerial lift insulated for the voltage involved, and if the work is performed by a qualified person, the clearance shall be permitted to be reduced to the Restricted Approach Boundary given in Table H-1, Column 4.

(2) Equipment Contact. Employees standing on the ground shall not come in contact with the vehicle or mechanical equipment or any of its attachments, unless either of the following conditions apply:

• The employee is using protective equipment rated for the voltage.

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• The equipment is located so that no uninsulated part of its structure can come closer to the line than permitted in paragraph 11.E.(1).

(3) Equipment Grounding. If any vehicle or mechanical equipment capable of having parts of its structure elevated near energized overhead lines is intentionally grounded, employees working on the ground near the point of grounding shall not stand at the grounding location whenever there is a possibility of overhead line contact. Additional precautions, such as the use of barricades, dielectric overshoe footwear, or insulation, shall be taken to protect employees from hazardous ground potentials (step and touch potential).

(4) Sign Posting. Post all crossings where equipment will be moved under energized high-voltage line(s) with appropriate signs. Place the signs 50 feet from and on both sides of the line(s). They must be large enough to be easily read from moving equipment. The sign must include the following information:

• Warning of the high-voltage line

• Line Voltage

12. Other Precautions for Personal Activities.

A. Alertness.

(1) When Hazardous. Employees shall be alert at all times when they are working within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more and in work situations where electrical hazards might exist.

(2) When Impaired. Employees shall not be permitted to work within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more, or where other electrical hazards exist, while their alertness is recognizably impaired due to illness, fatigue, or other reasons.

(3) Changes in Scope. Employees shall be instructed to be alert for changes in the job or task that may lead the person outside of the electrically safe work condition or expose the person to additional hazards that were not part of the original plan.

B. Blind Reaching. Employees shall be instructed not to reach blindly into areas that might contain exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts where an electrical hazard exists.

C. Illumination.

(1) Employees shall not enter spaces containing electrical hazards unless illumination is provided that enables the employees to perform the work safely.

(2) Where lack of illumination or an obstruction precludes observation of the work to be

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D. Conductive Article being Worn. Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such as watchbands, bracelets. Rings, key chains, necklaces, metalized aprons, cloth with conductive thread, metal headgear or metal frame glasses) shall not be worn where they present an electrical contact hazard with exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts.

E. Conductive Materials, Tools, and Equipment Being Handled.

(1) General. Conductive materials, tools, and equipment that are in contact with any part of an employee’s body shall be handled in a manner that prevents accidental contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Such materials and equipment include, but are not limited to, long conductive objects such as ducts, pipes and tubes, conductive hose and rope, metal-lined rules and scales, steel tapes, pulling lines, metal scaffold parts, structural members, bull floats, and chains.

(2) Approach to Energized Electrical Conductors and Circuit Parts. Means shall be employed to ensure that conductive materials approach exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts no closer than permitted by Section 9 of this appendix, Approach Boundaries to Energized Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts.

F. Confined or Enclosed Work Spaces.

(1) Confined space operations shall be conducted in accordance with USIBWC Safety Manual, SD.I.10061-M-1, Appendix D, Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces.

(2) When a USIBWC or contractor employee works in a confined or enclosed space (such as a manhole or vault) that contains exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more or where an electrical hazard exists, the employer shall provide, and the employee shall use, protective shields, protective barriers, or insulating materials as necessary to avoid inadvertent contact with these parts and the effects of the electrical hazards.

G. Doors and Hinged Panels. Doors, hinged panels, and the like shall be secured to prevent their swinging into an employee and causing the employee to contact exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts rating at 50 volts or more or where an electrical hazard exists.

H. Housekeeping Duties.

(1) Employees shall not perform housekeeping duties inside the limited approach boundary where there is a possibility of contact with energized electrical conductors or

H-18 circuit parts unless adequate safeguards (such as insulating equipment or barriers) are provided to prevent contact.

(2) Electrically conductive cleaning materials (including conductive solids such as steel wool, metalized cloth, and silicone carbide, as well as conductive liquid solutions) shall not be used inside the limited approach boundary unless procedures to prevent electrical contact are followed.

I. Occasional Use of Flammable Materials. Where flammable materials are present only occasionally, electric equipment capable of igniting them may not be used, unless measures are taken to prevent hazardous conditions from developing. Such materials include, but are not limited to, flammable gases, vapors or liquids; combustible dust; and ignitable fibers or flyings.

J. Anticipating Failure. When there is evidence that electric equipment could fail and injure employees, the electric equipment shall be de-energized unless the USIBWC can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional hazards or increased risk or is infeasible because of design or operational limitation. Until the equipment is de-energized or repaired, employees shall be protected from hazards associated with the impending failure of the equipment by suitable barricades and or other alerting techniques necessary for safety of the employees.

K. Routine Opening and Closing of Circuits. Load-rated switches, circuit breakers, or other devices specifically designed as disconnecting means shall be used for the opening, reversing, or closing of circuits under load conditions. Cable connectors not of the load-break type, fuses, terminal lugs, and cable splice connections shall not be permitted to be used for such purposes, except in an emergency.

L. Reclosing Circuits After Protective Device Operation. After a circuit is de-energized by a circuit protective device, the circuit shall not be manually reenergized until it has been determined that the equipment and circuit can be safely energized. The repetitive manual reclosing of circuit breakers or reenergizing circuits through replaced fuses shall be prohibited. When it is determined that the automatic operation of a device was caused by an overload rather than a fault condition, examination of the circuit or connected equipment shall not be required before the circuit is reenergized.

13. Personal and Other Protective Equipment.

A. General.

(1) Employees working in areas where electrical hazards are present shall be provided with, and shall use, protective equipment in accordance with USIBWC Safety Manual, SD.I.10061-M-1, Appendix R, Personal Protective Equipment.

(2) PPE shall be designed and constructed for the specific part of the body to be

H-19 protected and for the work to be performed.

B. Care of Equipment. Protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition. The protective equipment shall be visually inspected before each use. Protective equipment shall be stored in a manner to prevent damage from physically damaging conditions and from moisture, dust or other deteriorating agents.

C. PPE.

(1) General. When an employee is working within the restricted approach boundary, the worker shall wear protective clothing and other PPE in accordance with paragraph 13.C.(10). All parts of the body inside the arc flash boundary shall be protected.

(2) Movement and Visibility. When arc-rated clothing is worn to protect an employee, it shall cover all ignitable clothing and shall allow for movement and visibility.

(3) Head, Face, Neck, and Chin (Head Area) Protection.

(a) Employees shall wear nonconductive head protection wherever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.

(b) Employees shall wear nonconductive protective equipment for the face, neck, and chin whenever there is a danger of injury from exposure to electric arcs or flashes or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion. If employees use hairnets and/or beard nets, these items must be arc-rated.

(4) Eye Protection. Employees shall wear ANSI Z-87 rated protective equipment for the eyes whenever there is danger of injury from electric arcs, flashes, or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.

(5) Hearing Protection. Employees shall wear hearing protection whenever working within the arc flash boundary.

(6) Body Protection. Employees shall wear arc-rated clothing wherever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash above the threshold incident-energy level for a second-degree burn [5 J/cm2 (1.2 cal/ cm2)]

(7) Hand and Arm Protection.

(a) Shock Protection. Employees shall wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors where there is a danger of hand injury from electric shock due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts. Employees shall wear rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors and rubber insulating sleeves where there is a danger of hand and arm injury from electric shock due to contact with energized electrical conductors

H-20 or circuit parts. Rubber insulating gloves shall be rated for the voltage for which the gloves will be exposed.

(b) Arc Flash Protection. Hand and arm protection shall be worn where there is possible exposure to arc flash burn. The apparel described in paragraph 4.C.(13)(c) shall be required for protection of hands from burns. Arm protection shall be accomplished by the apparel described in paragraph 13.C.(5).

(c) Maintenance and Use.

(i) Electrical protective equipment shall be maintained in a safe, reliable condition.

(ii) Insulating equipment shall be inspected for damage before each day’s use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of having caused damage.

(iii) Insulating gloves shall be given an air test, along with the inspection. Electrical protective equipment shall be subjected to periodic electrical tests. Test voltages and the maximum intervals between tests shall comply with Table H-3.

Table H-3 Rubber Insulating Equipment, Maximum Test Intervals Rubber Insulating Equipment

When to Test Governing Standard for Test Voltage

Blankets Before first issue; every 12 months thereafter†

ASTM F 479

Covers If insulating value is suspect

ASTM F 478

Gloves Before first issue; every 6 months thereafter†

ASTM F 496

Line Hose If insulating value is suspect

ASTM F 478

Sleeves Before first issue; every 12 months thereafter†

ASTM F 496

† If the insulating equipment has been electrically tested but not issued for service, it may not placed into service unless it has been electrically tested within the previous 12 months.

(8) Foot Protection. Where insulated footwear is used as protection against step and touch potential, dielectric overshoes shall be required. Insulated soles shall not be used as primary electrical protection.

(9) Factors in Selection of Protective Clothing. Clothing and equipment that provide worker protection from shock and arc flash hazards shall be used.. If arc-rated clothing is required, it shall cover associated parts of the body as well as flammable apparel while allowing movement and visibility. Clothing and equipment required for the degree of exposure shall be permitted to be worn alone or integrated with flammable, non-melting apparel. Garments that are not arc rated shall not be permitted to be used to increase the arc rating of a garment or of a clothing system.

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(a) Layering. Non-melting, flammable fiber garments shall be permitted to be used as underlayers in conjunction with arc-rated garments in a layered system for added protection. If non-melting, flammable fiber garments are used as underlayers, the system arc rating shall be sufficient to prevent break-open of the innermost arc-rated layer at the expected arc exposure incident energy level to prevent ignition of flammable underlayers.

Garments that are not arc-rated shall not be permitted to be used to increase the arc rating of a garment or of a clothing system.

(b) Outer Layers. Garments worn as outer layers over arc-rated clothing, such as jackets or rainwear, shall also be made from arc-rated material.

(c) Underlayers. Meltable fibers such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and spandex shall not be permitted in fabric underlayers (underwear) next to the skin.

(d) Coverage. Clothing shall cover potentially exposed areas as completely as possible. Shirt sleeves shall be fastened at the wrists, and shirts and jackets shall be closed at the neck.

(e) Fit. Tight-fitting clothing shall be avoided. Loose-fitting clothing provides additional thermal insulation because of air spaces. Arc-rated apparel shall fit properly such that it does not interfere with the work task.

(f) Interference. The garment selected shall result in the least interference with the task but still provide the necessary protection. The work method, location, and task could influence the protective equipment selected.

(10) Arc Flash Protective Equipment.

(a) Arc Flash Suits. Arc flash suit design shall permit easy and rapid movement by the wearer. The entire arc flash suit, including the hood’s face shield, shall have an arc rating that is suitable for the arc flash exposure. When exterior air is supplied into the hood, the air hoses and pump housing shall be either covered by arc-rated materials or constructed of non-melting and nonflammable materials.

(b) Head Protection.

(i) An arc-rated balaclava shall be used with an arc-rated faceshield when the back of the head is within the arc flash boundary. An arc-rated hood shall be permitted to be used instead of the arc-rated faceshield and balaclava.

(ii) An arc-rated hood shall be used when the anticipated incident energy exposure exceeds 12 cal/cm2.

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(c) Face Protection. Face shields shall have an arc rating suitable for the arc flash exposure. Face shields with a wrap-around guarding to protect the face, chin, forehead, ears, and neck shall be used. Face shields without an arc rating shall not be used. Eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) shall always be worn under face shields or hoods.

(d) Hand Protection.

(i) Heavy-duty leather or arc-rated gloves shall be worn when required for arc flash protection.

(ii) Where insulating rubber gloves are used for shock protection, leather protectors shall be worn over the rubber gloves.

(e) Foot Protection. Heavy-duty leather work shoes provide some arc flash protection to the feet and shall be used in all exposures greater than 4 cal/cm2.

(11) Clothing Material Characteristics.

(a) Arc-rated clothing shall meet the requirements described in paragraph 10.C.(11) and (12).

(b) Clothing consisting of fabrics, zipper tapes, and findings made from flammable synthetic materials that melt at temperatures below 315°C (600°F), such as acetate, acrylic, nylon, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, and spandex, either alone or in blends, shall not be used.

(12) Required Standards for Clothing and Other Apparel. Clothing and other apparel (such as hand hat liners and hair nets) made from materials that do not meet the standards listed in Table H-4 shall not be used.

Table H-4 Regulations and Standards on Other Protective Equipment Subject Standard Apparel – Arc Rated ASTM F 1506-10a Aprons – Insulated ASTM F 2677-08a Eye and Face Protection – General

ANSI/ASSE Z87.1-2003

Face – Arc Rated ASTM F 2178-08 Fall Protection ASTM F 887-10 Footwear – Dielectric Specification

ASTM F 116-03 (2008)

Footwear – Standard Performance Specification

ASTM F 2413-05

Gloves – Leather Protectors

ASTM F 696-06

Gloves – Rubber Insulating

ASTM D 120-09

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Gloves and Sleeves – In- Service Care

ASTM F 496-08

Head Protection – Hard Hats

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009

Rainwear – Arc Rated ASTM F 1891-06 Rubber Protective Products – Visual Inspection

ASTM F 1236-96 (2007)

Sleeves - Insulating ASTM D 1051-08

(13) Care and Maintenance of Arc-Rated Clothing and Arc Flash Suits.

(a) Inspection. Arc-rated apparel shall be inspected before each use. Work clothing or arc flash suits that are contaminated, or damaged to the extent their protective quantities are impaired shall not be used. Protective items that become contaminated with grease, oil, or flammable liquids or combustible materials shall not be used.

(b) Manufacturer’s Instructions. The garment manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance of arc-rated apparel shall be followed.

(c) Storage. Arc-rated apparel shall be stored in a manner that prevents physical damage; damage from moisture, dust or other deteriorating…