ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

QUALIFIED PERSON - ELECTRICAL SAFETY

What is a Qualified Person?

A qualified person is one who has received training in and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the operation of electric equipment and installations, and the hazards involved. They must also demonstrate the ability to perform duties safely, including:

• Be knowledgeable of equipment and systems being worked on, recognize and avoid electrical hazards.
• Be familiar with the proper use of PPE, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment.
• Capable, as determined by electrical skills, to work safely on energized circuits.
• Understand and implement the approach distances and the corresponding voltages to which they are exposed.
• Determine the extent of the hazard and implement proper plan to perform the job/task safely.

Safe Work Procedures

• Review the electrical hazards (shock and arc flash) associated with the task.
• Recognize and anticipate potential hazards and plan accordingly to prevent electrical contact risks.
• Know where and how to remove the energy source.
• Determine appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on potential hazards present.
• Ask if there is any other work being done in the immediate physical area or associated with the same electrical circuits.
• NEVER work on energized circuits. The accidental or unexpected starting of electrical equipment can cause severe injury or death.
• To achieve an electrically safe work condition, follow the Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) requirements.
• Voltage testing must be conducted to verify the absence of voltage or residual energy.
• If you must reset a circuit breaker, use your left hand and stand to the right of the panel.
• Use insulated tools and testing equipment to work on electrical equipment.
• NEVER use aluminum ladders while working with electricity.

Energized Work

Live parts must be deenergized (free from any electrical connection) prior to working on or near them. The safest way to avoid the risks of shock, electrical burns, arc flash and electrocution while working on electrical equipment or facility electrical systems is to shut down the electrical power from the energy source. Refer to Lock Out Tag Out.

The only instances where energized work is considered are those scenarios where it can be demonstrated that additional hazards are created by de-energizing equipment. Examples of additional hazards include, but are not limited to, interruption of life-support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, and shutdown of hazardous ventilation equipment.

An Energized Electrical Work Permit must be submitted and approved prior to any energized work being completed for everyone at UVA. Note: Justification should only be approved if de-energizing would interrupt essential life support, emergency alarms or ventilation systems.

Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if it is determined that there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or explosion due to electric arcs. Remember, LOW VOLTAGE DOES NOT MEAN LOW HAZARD!

Approach Boundaries

• Limited Approach Boundary (LAB): An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists. It is the approach limit for unqualified persons.
• Restricted Approach Boundary (RAB): An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which there is an increased likelihood of electric shock due to electrical arc-over combined with inadvertent movement. Shock PPE is required in the restricted approach boundary. Working within the RAB is only acceptable if an Energized Electrical Work Assessment has been completed and approved.
• Arc Flash Boundary (AFB): The distance from exposed, energized electrical components within which a person could receive a second degree burn if an electrical arc flash were to occur. The AFB is determined either through calculation or through the use of the following tables. Personnel must be wearing the appropriate arc-rated protective equipment before crossing this boundary.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The nature of electrical work determines the type of PPE required. For instance, high-voltage work demands more robust PPE, such as arc flash suits. The minimum required PPE (less than 1.2 cal/cm2) worn when exposed to energized conductors is cotton long sleeve shirts and long pants, eye protection, safety footwear, insulating (rubber) gloves along with leather protectors. Voltage-rated gloves with leather protectors must be worn where there is a danger of electric shock due to contact by the hands. Gloves shall be third party, dielectric tested before first issue and every 6 month thereafter.

All other PPE should be selected based on the specific hazards present and the voltage levels involved. Refer to your FM Electrical Training for more specific information.

Required Training

Individuals are required to take electrical safety training prior to the following activities:

• Doing work on or around electrically energized equipment,
• De-energizing equipment in order to perform electrical work, and/or
• Exposed to the risk of electrical shock.

Training focuses on the hazards of electricity, including components specific to arc flash hazards, proper use of PPE, as well as how to identify and prevent possible accidents and/or injuries.

• Pre-requisite: Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) Training
• CPR/AED training: is required when the department has more than one person assigned to carry out electrical work activities.
• Recertification: Every 3 years and is required if new hazards are introduced, procedures change, or deficiencies in safe work operations have occurred.
• Electrical Safey Training is provided by UVA Facilities Management Occupational Health and Safety. EHS can assist you with registering for this class or make arrangements for other suitable training.

WHO TO CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE

Contact EHS at 434.982.4911 for any questions or guidance.