Attachment 6 SAFE PRACTICES FOR WORKING WITH LIVE ELECTRICAL POWER (1).pdf

SAFE PRACTICES FOR WORKING WITH LIVE ELECTRICAL POWER

MCP: 138-19

Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Rescinded Document:

VA Medical Center MCM 138-19 dated, October 2018 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104

Signatory Authority: Effective Date:

Karen Flaherty-Oxler, MSN, R.N. October 13, 2021 Medical Center Director

Responsible Owner: Recertification Date:

Chief of Facilities Management October 31, 2026

1. POLICY: To protect employees and the public from risks of electrical shocks and Arc Flash/Arc/Blast in conjunction with protecting the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (CMCVAMC) from the risk of electrical equipment damage, fire damage and disruption of the normal daily operations ongoing throughout the facility.

2. JUSTIFICATION:

A. Work will not be performed on live circuits of 50 volts or greater.

B. The two exceptions are:

(1) De-energizing introduces additional increased hazards, i.e., interruption of life support equipment, emergency alarm systems or at times, removal of illumination or ventilation, etc.

(2) It is not feasible due to equipment design or operation limits, i.e., performing diagnostics, testing, and troubleshooting, etc.

C. To protect staffing during live power work, National Electric Code (NEC) 70E guidelines will utilized, as described below to minimize risk.

3. RESPONSIBILTIES:

A. Medical Center Director is responsible to provide final approval on Live Work Permits, both during regular operating hours and for emergency call-ins.

B. The Chief, Engineering Service is responsible for the overall safe operation, maintenance and repair of all electrical distribution systems and equipment. In addition, completing the following:

October 13, 2021 MCP: 138-19

(1) Coordinate electrical safety training for all qualified personnel working on or near live electrical circuits and equipment in accordance with section 6 of this program.

(2) Provide appropriate PPE necessary for qualified personnel.

C. The Maintenance and Repair Foreman and Electrical Shop Supervisor are responsible for overseeing any work on energized systems or equipment and ensuring proper PPE and safety procedures are followed when any electrical work is performed. The Electrical Shop Supervisor is also responsible for ensuring that anyone working on energized systems or equipment has the proper training and is aware of the dangers associated with the working being performed.

D. Supervisors are responsible for the following:

(1) Ensure all qualified or affected employees under their direction have received the level of electrical safety training necessary to safely perform their job.

(2) Requiring employees to follow the safe work practices when performing work in your area of supervision.

(3) Coordinate electrical safety training for new and reassigned personnel who may be exposed to electrical hazards and maintains training records of these training sessions.

E. Contracting Officers Representatives (CORs) are responsible for enforcing the requirements of this policy with respect to contracts. This includes construction, maintenance, or other contracts where live electrical wiring above 50 volts is exposed. CORs on construction projects will also follow national and local policy for construction safety.

F. Clinicians and Nursing Staff are responsible for providing the electrical shop the support required to avoid the need for live electrical work whenever possible. This includes relocating patients and supporting required shutdowns.

4. PROCEDURES:

A. Energized work is only to be accomplished by Qualified Persons as defined in NFPA 70E. As noted therein, qualified person shall be trained and knowledgeable of the construction and operation of equipment or a specific work method and be trained to recognize and avoid the electrical hazards that might be present. (Include a list of employees who will work near energized equipment and documented training. This can include Biomedical, HVAC, Electricians, and others.)

B. An Energized Electrical Work Permit must be obtained through Engineering or Safety. The Energized Electrical Work Permit shall include Elements of Work Permit identified in NFPA 70E. (See form Attachment A).

Exceptions for a permit per NFPA 70E for testing and inspection will be allowed but full PPE is required for these exceptions.

C. Any energized electrical work plan must have the prior knowledge and approval of the medical facility Director. However, the Chief Engineer may approve energized electrical work plan for Branch Circuits (i.e., those circuits and components thereof from the final overcurrent protecting devices to the outlets) that do not serve the critical patient care areas, such as Surgery Rooms, Critical Care, Intensive Care, Dialysis Units, Isolation Rooms, Catheterization Laboratories, Emergency Rooms, or Sterile Processing Areas. (See Attachment B).

D. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

(1) The CMCVAMC will provide all necessary protective equipment to ensure a safe working environment for all Facilities Management personnel working on live circuits. This includes by not limited to the following:

a. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved shoes (ANSI 241)

b. OSHA approved clothing

c. Rated personal hand tools

d. Rated shop tools.

e. Rated flash gear (smock, hood, hard hat, gloves, etc.)

f. Testing of all safety gear

g. Safety matting.

(2) All employees who are assigned personal protective equipment will keep their equipment clean and properly maintained at all times. All items of PPE must be inspected and tested, if necessary, before each use. Any defective equipment should be reported to the Supervisor immediately.

Employees who neglect to use PPE as they have been trained are subject to disciplinary actions.

E. TRAINING:

(1) All employees in Facilities Management who have the potential for exposure to the hazards of electrical energy will attend Electrical Safety Training on an annual basis addressing the following:

a. Understanding the hazard

b. Trained in method of release of victims from contact to exposed energized conductors.

c. First Aid, emergency response

d. Precautionary techniques

e. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

f. Distinguish exposed energized parts and take voltage readings

g. Approach distances

h. Decision making process to determine degree and extend of hazard, PPE and job planning required.

(2) Qualified employees training will vary according to their specific responsibility. The basic goal is to ensure that no employee is assigned or allowed to perform work beyond their documented proficiency.

5. DEFINITIONS: None

6. OTHER PARAGRAPHS: None

7. REFERENCES:

A. NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Latest Edition.

B. NFPA 70B, Recommended Practice for Electrical Equipment Maintenance, Latest Edition.

C. NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, Latest Edition.

D. NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, Latest Edition.

E. NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, Latest Edition.

F. NFPA 110, Standard for Emergency and Standby Power Systems, Latest Edition

G. The Joint Commission Accreditation Manual for Hospitals, Latest Edition.

H. OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Requirements Part 1910 Subpart J - The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tag out) (1910.147).

I. OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Requirements Part 1910 Subpart S - Electrical (1910.301 - 1910.399).

J. OSHA - Safety and Health Regulations for Construction Part 1926 Subpart K - Electrical (1926.400 - 1926.449).

K. Statement of Work: Maintenance and Testing of the Electrical Power Distribution System. Contracting Tools on the CEOSH Website at:

http://vaww.ceosh.med.va.gov/01HE/Pages/ST_electrical_distribution.shtml#Con tractin

NOTE: This is an internal web site and is not available to the public.

L. CEOSH. The General Safety Guidebook, Latest Edition at:

http://vaww.ceosh.med.va.gov/01HP/pages/guidebooks.shtml.

NOTE: This is an internal Web- site and is not available to the public.

M. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Std 1584-2002, Guide for Performing Arc-Flash Hazard Calculations.

8. RESCISSION: MCM 138-19 “SAFE PRACTICES FOR WORKING WITH LIVE

ELECTRICAL POWER” dated, October 2018.

9. REVIEW October 2026

10. RECERTIFICATION: October 31, 2026

11. SIGNATORY AUTHORITY:

KAREN FLAHERTY-OXLER, MSN, R.N.

Medical Center Director Date Approved: Month Day, Year

NOTE: The signature remains valid until rescinded by an appropriate administrative action.

http://vaww.ceosh.med.va.gov/01HE/Pages/ST_electrical_distribution.shtml#Contractin http://vaww.ceosh.med.va.gov/01HE/Pages/ST_electrical_distribution.shtml#Contractin

DISTRIBUTION: MCPs are available at:

https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHAPHIcmcvamc/mcpub

Attachment A – Energized Electrical Work Permit and Work Plan

Attachment B – Work Practices https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/VHAPHIcmcvamc/mcpub

Attachment A – Energized Electrical Work Permit and Work Plan

ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT AND WORK PLAN

Section 1 - PROJECT INFORMATION

PVAMC Project No. FMS Work Request No. Phase

Building Room/Location

FME Serial No. Name of Equipment

Fed from/to

Drawing No.

Section 2 - HAZARD ANALYSIS

Safety Hazard Review Checklist:

SAFE ACCESS TO WORKSITE

Ladder Scaffolding Roof Sewer Catwalk/Landing Suspended Ceiling Pit or Tunnel

POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND SAFEGUARDS

Asbestos Biological Hazards Chemicals Compressed Gas Confined space or Permit required Confined Spaces

Electrical Powerline Overhead Electrical: damp/wet environment Heat/cold stress

Energized Equipment Mechanical Hydraulic Pneumatic Steam

Excavation, Trenching, Shoring Fall Hazards (workplan may be required) Fire Hazard Lead Noise

Materials handling (forklift, lift, hoist, etc.) Overhead Hazard (hard hat)

PPE

Ears Eyes Feet Hands Head Respiratory Clothing

Radiation Scaffolding Welding/Cutting

Electrical Energy Source Hazards for This Permit

Check all that apply

120 volts 277 volts Emergency Power 13.2KV

208 volts 480 volts Less than 50 volts (permit may not be required)

240 volts DC Other (describe)

Work To Be Performed (and work practices to be used):

FMS Electrical Work Permit & work Plan (09/14) Page 1.

Justification for Energized work per WAC 296-24-975

EXEMPTION 1

De-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards. Examples include interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment, or removal of illumination for an area.

EXEMPTION 2

De-energizing is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Examples include testing of electrical circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized, and work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous medical process in the facility that would otherwise need to be completely shutdown in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment.

EXEMPTION 3

Live parts that operate at less than 50V to ground need not be de-energized if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.

Explain specifics for this work:

Special Instructions:

FMS Electrical Work Permit & work Plan (09/14) Page 2.

Approach Boundaries to Live Parts for Shock Protections (NFPA 70E, Table 130.2 (c)

System Voltage Limited Approach Restricted Approach Prohibited Approach

(fixed circuit parts) Boundary Boundary

Boundary

Less than 50V not specified not specified not specified

50V to 300V 3’ 6” * avoid contact avoid contact

301V to 750V 3’ 6” * 1’ 0” 0’ 1”

751V to 15 kV 5’ 0” * 2’ 2” 0’ 7”

5.1kV to 35kV 6’ 0” * 2’ 7” 0’ 10”

36.1kV to 46kV 8’ 0” * 2’ 9” 1’ 5”

46.1kV to 72.5kV 8’ 0” * 3’ 2” 2” 1”

72.6kV to 121kV 8’ 0” ** 3’ 3” 2’ 8”

138kV to 145kV 10’ 0” *** 3’ 7” 3’ 1”

*** If any conductors are moveable, the limited approach distance is 11’ 0”.

* If any conductors are moveable, the limited approach distance is 10’.

** If any conductors are moveable, the limited approach distance is 10’ 8”.

Multiply single phase voltages by 1.73 to obtain correct voltage level to be used (NFPA 70E C.2.11)

Limited Approach Boundary

Approach limit at a distance from a live part within which a shock hazard exists.

Restricted Approach Boundary

Approach limit at a distance from an exposed live part within which there is an increased risk of shock, due to electrical arc-over, combined with inadvertent movement, for personnel working close to the live part.

Prohibited Approach Boundary

The approach limit at a distance from a live part within which work is considered the same as making contact with the live part.

Flash Hazard Analysis (NFPA 70E.130.3 [A])

Contact Facilities Services Engineering Services to fill out this section if work does not meet the less than 600V or .1 sec. clearing time.

Flash Protection Boundary (check method used to determine boundary)

4’ 0” (systems less than 600 volts, with 0.1 second clearing time; Ibf<50kA, or 5000 A-sec)

Other (please state the source or attach the work performed to derive the boundary).

Fault Clearing Device (name)

Description

Manufacturer/Model/Type

Clearing time, seconds

The person completing this section must complete the Authorization (Section 6)

FMS Electrical Work Permit & work Plan (09/14) Page 3.

Hazard/Risk Level Determination

Method Used:

Available short circuit fault current is less than 10,000 amps. (Identify source of calculated value)

From NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C) (9) (A)

Other (describe)

Hazard/Risk Level: -1 0 1 2 3 4

At distance of:

Section 3 - PERSONAL AND OTHER PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Personal Protective Equipment

Use NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C) (10) and check all that apply:

CAL RATING CAL RATING

Pants FR Long Sleeve Shirt FR Flash Suit Pants

Natural Fiber Clothing FR Pants FR Hard Hat

Eye Protection FR Coverall FR Safety Goggles

T-shirt (short) FR Jacket Arc-rated Face Shield

Long Sleeve Shirt FR Flash Suit Jacket Flash Suit Hood

Hearing Protection Rubber Gloves Protective Footwear

No jewelry or metal objects can be worn or carried in pockets while completing work requiring an energized work permit. This includes wedding rings, necklaces, watches, earrings, keys, coins, pocket knives, etc.

Other Protective Equipment

Insulated tools and equipment required per NFPA 70E Table 130.7(C) (9) (A)

Insulated Tools Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Rods Rubber Insulating Equipment

Fuse or Fuse Holding Equipment Portable Ladders Voltage Rated Plastic Guard Equipment

Ropes and Hand Lines Protective Shields Physical or Mechanical Barriers

Section 4 - SITE CONTROL AND SUPPORT

Worksite Control

Locked Access Barrier Tapes, Stanchions Other

Electrical Hazard Signs Attendant

Worker Support Required

Safety Watch Required

Means of emergency communication (check all that apply).

Radio Cell Phone Land Line Phone

FMS Electrical Work Permit & work Plan (09/14) Page 4.

Section 5 -WORK SCHEDULE AND PERSONNEL

Schedule

mo. day year mo. day year

Date(s) to Hours

mo. day year

Permit Expiration Date (not to exceed one year from start date).

Personnel

Signatures are not required until the work briefing is complete.

QUALIFIED PERSON

Performing Work Safety Watch

Reviewed Hazard Analysis Yes No

Completed Job Briefing Yes No

Agrees to Requirements Yes No

Name (PRINT LEGIBLY)

Signature Date

QUALIFIED PERSON

Performing Work Safety Watch

Reviewed Hazard Analysis Yes No

Completed Job Briefing Yes No

Agrees to Requirements Yes No

Name (PRINT LEGIBLY)

Signature Date

SUPERVISOR

Reviewed Hazard Analysis Yes No

Completed Job Briefing Yes No

Agrees to Requirements Yes No

Name (PRINT LEGIBLY)

Signature Date

NOTE:

If any unexpected energy is found, or equipment has been modified since the permit was issued, the permit is VOID.

Section 6 -AUTHORIZATION OF ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT

Supervisor, Lead or Electrical Engineer (FMS Engineering Services)

Completed and/or reviewed Flash Hazard Analysis Yes No

Comments:

Name (PRINT LEGIBLY)

Signature Date

FMS Electrical Work Permit & Work Plan (09/14) Page 5.

Responsible Supervisor Authorizing Work

Reviewed Flash Hazard Analysis Yes No

Agreed to Justification Yes No

Comments

Name (PRINT LEGIBLY)

Signature Date

Manager Authorizing Work (Chief Engineer or Medical Center Director)

Reviewed Flash Hazard Analysis Yes No

Agreed to Justification Yes No

Comments

Name (PRINT LEGIBLY)

Signature Date

FMS Electrical Work Permit & Work Plan (09/14) Page 6.

WORK PRACTICES Attachment B

A. Energized Parts

1. If exposed parts are not de-energized, safety-related work practices appropriate for the conditions and conductor voltage shall be used.

2. Only qualified persons are permitted to work on, or near, exposed live electrical components, including machine electrical control panels and components. Exception: for the purposes of confirming circuit activity during routine workplace inspections, the

Safety Officer and Facility Manager are permitted to use properly rated low voltage AC or DC testing devices.

3. Live electrical work will only be permitted after the Director approves an Energized

Electrical Work Permit, unless otherwise specified in VHA 2006 056 or NFPA 70E, section 130.1[B][3].

4. Perform live work in conjunction with a second qualified person possessing equivalent

PPE for the task at hand.

5. Treat all circuits as though they are live unless proven otherwise with a multi-meter/properly rated voltage tester.

6. When normally enclosed live parts are exposed for maintenance or repair, the parts shall be guarded to protect unqualified persons from contact with the live parts.

7. Use non-conductive ladders (not metal ladders) when working on or near live electrical equipment.

8. Employees may NOT enter spaces containing exposed energized parts unless illumination is provided to enable safe work. Persons may not perform tasks near exposed energized parts with a lack of illumination or an obstruction that hinders the observation of work. Employees shall not reach blindly into areas that may contain energized parts.

9. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the hazards encountered and use rubber insulated (and tested) blankets or other insulation to prevent contact with live electrical circuits. Note that switchboard matting is also available for use. Use eye, face, and bodily protection when the possibility of electrical arcs, flashes, or explosions is present. Electrical PPE includes insulated gloves, flame-retardant aprons, face shields, goggles, EH rated footwear, FR coveralls/clothing, and insulated hard hats.

10. Handle all conductive materials and equipment in a manner that prevents them from contacting energized conductors or circuit parts.

11. If long conductive objects (such as metal ducts or pipes) must be handled, techniques such as the use of insulation and guarding will be employed to minimize the hazard.

12. Do NOT wear rings, bracelets, watch bands, or other jewelry or conductive items while working on electrical equipment.

13. Use tools insulated for the circuit voltage whenever working on or around electrical circuits. The insulating material of tools and equipment shall be protected if it is subject to damage during use.

14. Whenever possible, stand on switchboard matting and avoid touching grounded objects.

15. Before working on high-voltage equipment that has been energized and then de-energized, ground the equipment to ensure that no residual voltage remains as a potential shock hazard.

16. Interlock switches may be bypassed by qualified persons ONLY when necessary for troubleshooting, and then only TEMPORARILY. The interlock MUST be restored to normal at the end of troubleshooting.

17. Housekeeping duties shall not be performed close enough for contact with live parts to occur. Electrically conductive cleaning materials, including steel wool, metalized cloth, silicon carbide, and conductive liquid solutions will not be used near energized parts.

B. Personal Protective Equipment

1. Protective equipment will be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and visually inspected prior to each use. Electrically insulated rubber gloves must be tested or replaced every 6 months. Insulated blankets must be tested each year, with hot sticks following suit every 2 years.

2. Employees working in areas with potential electrical hazards will use PPE appropriate for the body parts to be protected and for the hazard to be encountered. ALWAYS REFER

TO THE MOST RECENT EDITION OF THE “FAULT CURRENT STUDY AND

FLASH HAZARD ANALYSIS” FOR DETAILS!!!

3. Protective equipment subject to damage during use will have the insulating material protected by a material such as leather to prevent insulation damage.

4. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the hazards encountered and use rubber insulated (and tested) blankets or other insulation to prevent contact with live electrical circuits. Switchboard matting is also available for use. Use eye, face, and bodily protection when the possibility of electrical arcs, flashes, or explosions is present.

Electrical PPE includes insulated gloves, flame-retardant aprons, face shields, goggles, EH rated footwear, FR coveralls/clothing, and insulated hard hats.

5. Whenever possible, stand on switchboard matting and avoid touching grounded objects.

C. Test Equipment and Instruments

1. Test equipment and their accessories shall be rated for the circuits and equipment to which they will be connected, and shall be designed for the environment in which they will be used.

2. Only qualified persons are permitted to perform testing work on exposed electric circuits or equipment, unless otherwise designated.

3. All test equipment and associated test leads, cables, power cords, and probes shall be visually inspected by the employee for external defects and damage before the equipment is used.

4. If defective or damaged items are discovered that might expose an employee to injury, the items shall be removed from service.

D. Occasional Use of Flammable or Ignitable Materials - Where flammable materials are occasionally present, electrical equipment capable of igniting the flammable materials will NOT be used unless appropriate measures are taken to prevent hazardous conditions from developing. Flammable materials include, but are not limited to: flammable gases, vapors, or liquids; combustible dust; and ignitable fibers or flyings.

E. Alerting Techniques.

1. The following alerting techniques shall be used when necessary to warn and protect employees from electrical shock hazards, burns, or failure of electric equipment parts:

a. Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags will be used where necessary to warn employees about electrical hazards. These devices will meet the requirements of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145, Specifications for Accident

Prevention Signs and Tags.

b. Barricades shall be used in conjunction with safety signs where necessary to prevent/limit access to areas exposing employees to uninsulated energized conductors. Conductive barricades will NOT be used if they could cause an electrical hazard.

c. An attendant shall be stationed as needed to warn and protect employees if signs and barricades do not provide sufficient protection.

F. Minimum Approach Distances

1. Unqualified persons will maintain a minimum clearance of 11 feet from:

a. Overhead lines carrying more than 480 volts

b. Conductors leading to the incoming side of switch gears and transformers

2. This distance shall be measured from the conductor to the person or nearest conductive object with which the employee has contact, including a man lift or scissor lift.

3. Qualified persons will adhere to “approach” distances set forth in Table S-5, below, whether working from the ground or in an elevated position.

APPROACH DISTANCES FOR QUALIFIED PERSONS EXPOSED TO ALTERNATING

CURRENT

Voltage Range (phase to phase) Minimum Approach Distance

300V and less Avoid contact

Over 300V, not over 750V 1 ft. 0 in.

Over 750V, not over 2kV 1 ft. 6 in.

Over 2kV, not over 15 kV 2 ft. 0 in.

Over 15kV, not over 37kV 3 ft. 0 in.

Over 37kV, not over 87.5kV 3 ft. 6 in.

Over 87.5kV, not over 121kV 4 ft. 0 in.

Over 121kV, not over 140kV 4 ft. 6 in.