Electrical Safety for Construction
   
     
      Electrical Safety
      Overview of Topic
      OSHA’s electrical standards address concerns that electricity has long 
      been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such 
      dangers as electric shock, electrocution, burns fires, and explosions. The 
      OSHA electrical rules help minimize these potential hazards by specifying 
      safety aspects in the design and use of electrical equipment and systems.
      The regulations distinguish between "qualified" and "unqualified" persons. 
      Only "qualified" persons can work directly with exposed energized parts. 
      While it may seem that only "qualified" persons would need to be trained 
      to meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.332, training is required for any 
      employees who work on, near, or with electrical hazards. The regulation 
      covers all workers who are, or could be, exposed to the hazards of 
      electricity.
      Depending on the job, an employee could be considered to be "qualified" 
      for one type of task and "unqualified" for others.
      Deenergizing electrical equipment and lockout/tagout
      The accidental or unexpected sudden start-up of electrical equipment can 
      cause severe injury or death. Before ANY inspections or repairs are made, 
      the current must be turned off at the switch box and the switch padlocked 
      in the OFF position (lockout). At the same time, the switch or controls of 
      the machine or other equipment being locked out of service must be 
      securely tagged (tagout) to show which equipment or circuits are being 
      worked on.
      Maintenance employees should be qualified electricians who have been 
      instructed in lockout procedures. No two locks should be alike; each key 
      should fit only one lock, and only one key should be issued to each 
      maintenance employee. If more than one employee is repairing a piece of 
      equipment, each should lock out the switch with his or her own lock and 
      never permit anyone else to remove it. The maintenance worker should at 
      all times be certain that he or she is not exposing other employees to 
      danger.
      Overhead lines
      If work is to be performed near overhead power lines, the lines must be 
      deenergized and grounded by the owner or operator of the lines, or other 
      protective measures must be provided before work is started. Protective 
      measures (such as guarding or insulating the lines) must be designed to 
      prevent employees from contacting the lines.
      Unqualified employees and mechanical equipment must stay at least 10 feet 
      away from overhead power lines. If the voltage is more than 50,000 volts, 
      the clearance must be increased by 4 inches for each additional 10,000 
      volts.
      When mechanical equipment is being operated near overhead lines, employees 
      standing on the ground may not contact the equipment unless it is located 
      so that the required clearance cannot be violated even at the maximum 
      reach of the equipment.
      Personal protective equipment
      Employees whose occupations require them to work directly with electricity 
      must use the personal protective equipment required for the jobs they 
      perform. This equipment may consist of rubber insulating gloves, hoods, 
      sleeves, matting, blankets, line hose, and industrial protective helmets.
      Tools
      To maximize his or her own safety, an employee should always use tools 
      that work properly. Tools must be inspected before use, and those found 
      questionable, removed from service and properly tagged. Tools and other 
      equipment should be regularly maintained. Inadequate maintenance can cause 
      equipment to deteriorate, resulting in an unsafe condition.
      Tools that are used by employees to handle energized conductors must be 
      designed and constructed to withstand the voltages and stresses to which 
      they are exposed.
      Good Judgement
      Perhaps the single most successful defense against electrical accidents is 
      the continuous exercising of good judgement or common sense. All employees 
      should be thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures for their 
      particular jobs. When work is performed on electrical equipment, for 
      example, some basic procedures are: (1) have equipment deenergized, (2) 
      ensure that the equipment remains deenergized by using some type of 
      lockout and tag procedure, (3) use insulating protective equipment, and 
      (4) keep a safe distance from energized parts. 
      Employee training
      Training requirements for employees working with or around electricity are 
      at 29 CFR §1910.332—Electrical Training. The training requirements cover: 
      (1) general requirements (safety-related work practices required by 
      §1910.331 through 1910.335) that pertain to an employees respective job 
      assignment, (2) additional requirements for unqualified persons, and (3) 
      additional training for qualified employees.
      Training tips
      Review the requirements for a qualified person and an unqualified person 
      (§1910.331). Appoint those by name that are qualified persons in your 
      company.
      Where to go for more information
      For general industry—29 CFR 1910, Subpart S—Electrical.
      For construction—29 CFR 1926, Subpart K—Electrical.