![]() There are two methods to determine required PPE. It is important to understand the types of PPE you need to wear when working on or near energized equipment.You get a cross connection causing an arc flash. The equipment gets loose due to vibration, and the tool handle accidently touches the energized equipment. Here is another example of what can happen: You’re tightening a component with an adjustable wrench. If it is not insulated, it will cause an arc flash, blowing up the equipment and yourself. When you are really close to energized equipment while working, say within six inches, anything in your hands within this restricted boundary, a tool in your hand, may come in contact with the equipment. You must use insulated tools in the restricted approach boundary if you are working on energized equipment.The person working on the equipment cannot distinguish breakers 20 from 21: this is why you verify that there is no voltage on the right breaker or switch. For example, someone working on equipment may ask a co-worker to flip breaker 20 to de-energize it, but the co-worker flips breaker 21. To determine if electrical equipment is energized after lockout tagout, you need to use a voltage meter to test it.You need this documentation if someone is injured while working on energized equipment and OSHA, for example, is contacted. Several signatures (by a qualified person and managers) are required on the form. ![]() One section of the permit is called “justification.” Here you explain why you are doing work on energized equipment and why it cannot be de-energized. In cases such as this you must fill out the permit. An Energized Electrical Work Permit (EEWP) is required by every company when work on or near energized equipment is deemed necessary by the company because power cannot be turned off.Īn example is not being able to turn off a ventilation system in a hospital critical care unit, or perhaps an alarm system.The equipment label will tell you the voltage, the arc flash boundary and necessary level of PPE. That is why you get an incident energy analysis completed. This is an extremely important assessment, telling you how dangerous the hazard is.ĭoes every piece of electrical equipment have arc flash potential? No. He/she then calculates the incident energy number. That information is compiled and sent to an electrical engineer. Qualified workers are physically removing covers, looking inside, conducting visual inspection, looking at types of breakers, wire size, and logging that information. Completing an incident energy analysis is “boots on the ground” territory. An arc flash boundary can range from six, ten, twenty feet, or more. The arc flash boundary is decided by NFPA 70E calculation, or a qualified person comes out and does the calculation. With the limited approach boundary, you’re a couple steps back from the equipment, approximately 36 to 42 inches. Within the restricted boundary you need to use insulated tools. The restricted boundary is for shock protection, where you can contact the equipment. around whichever boundary is furthest from the equipment. To give a visual warning of the boundary’s parameters, put cones, tapes, etc. There are specifically designated types of boundaries, per 70E - the limited approach boundary, the restricted boundary, the arc flash boundary. ![]() Two, set up an approach boundary surrounding the equipment that is exposed, such as when the cover is off a panel. What can be done while equipment is energized, such as when troubleshooting, voltage testing, visual inspection? One, wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while doing this work, per 70E requirements. But energy can be fed from multiple sources or there can be a delayed stoppage. Try to turn the motor on, if it doesn’t turn on, you assume it is off. This is the only official way to determine a zero-energy state. Check with a voltage meter if any energy is still live. You may think you have de-energized the equipment, but importantly, you need to verify. Turn off the power and perform lockout tagout (LOTO). The second important step is to de-energize upstream, where the energy is fed from. ![]() There are steps when replacing a component, such as a circuit breaker or fuse. Make sure it is in electrically safe condition before working on the equipment. The first priority for any company is to de-energize any electrical equipment. NFPA 70E 2021 requirements must be followed, starting with electrical safety work practices involving 50V or more.
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