Document xdjL5pyjw6KN2OZ9Q4b9Z9qe6

TO: Interoffice Communication FROM: DATE: SUBJ: Distribution TGG: JCL ERT: MJH: AJO: RF T. G. Grumbles November 2, 1990 XF: VISTA OSHA STANDARD ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY RELATED OWRK PRACTICES This final rule was distributed to you on August 23. Attached is a good summary of the rule that may assist you in developing compliance activities. Initial compliance is required by December 4. T. G. Grumbles dlj .205 Attachment Distribution: SAFETY DIRECTORS Bruce Trego-Aber, J. D. Harris-Balt, Harry Peirce-Blane, Kathy Perez-Hmd, K. L. Fogg-LCCP, R. V. Gantz-LCLAB, G. M. Shirley-LCVCM, Brent White-Okc, R. B. Martin-Austin, J. R. Drumwright, Rick Quy cc: PLANT MANAGERS R. W. Seymour-Aber, L. R. Bauer-Balt, G. D. Williams-Blane, J. Pavao-Hrad, J. Friend-LCCP, J. W. Ware-LCLAB, R. A. Conrad-LCVCM, H. D. Garrison-Okc, P. L. Foote-Prem, V. W. Weiss-Austin VVV 000011413 ALERT Compliance Assistance Program October 1,1990 ALERT -t. - THE soam OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, INC. 127S K ST., N. W. WASHINGTON D.C. 2000S (202)371-3200 FAX (202)371-1022 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ELECTRICAL SAFETY-RELATED WORK PRACTICES -FINAL RULE- This electrical safety-related work practice standard is a general industry standard. It includes requirements for work performed on or near exposed energized and de energized parts of electrical equipment. AFFECTED SPI FACILITIES All SFI member facilities who have employees who work on, near or with electrical equipment will be covered by this standard. COMPLIANCE DEADLINES December 4, 1990 except for the training requirements, which become effective on August 6, 1991. REGULATORY SUMMARY This rule is directed toward workers in the manufacturing and transportation sectors who face a high risk of injury through electrical shock. The performance-oriented standard differentiates between workers such as electricians and linemen who have received extensive training in working with electrical equipment, and others, such as painters and crane operators, who might encounter electrical hazards occasionally. The standard requires employers to de-energize electrical equipment, if possible, to protect employees. It sets forth lockout and tagging procedures to prevent re-energizing the equipment and thus exposing employees to the hazard. Where de-energizing is impractical, protective guarding methods may be used. The performance-oriented approach gives employers maximum flexibility in choosing the most appropriate protection for workers to fit the specific circumstances of their workplace. Beyond guarding employees working near electrical hazards, the standard requires employers to alert employees to danger by the use of signs, barricades, and, if necessary, an attendant stationed near the hazard. vvv 1- - Prohibits the use of portable metal ladders around exposed energized parts. Requires removing or covering conductive articles that may contact live parts. Requires employees cleaning up near exposed energized parts to use appropriate safeguards to prevent contact. USING ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT PORTABLE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT Requires special protective measures for portable electrical equipment Sets forth criteria for handling to prevent damage to equipment and cords. Requires visual inspection on each shift for damage, correction before use, and proper connection between plugs and electrical outlet before use. -Mandates mounding conductors on extension cords used with grounding-type equipment, forbids altering plugs or outlets to prevent proper grounding, prohunts use of adapters that interrupt the grounding conductor. Requires portable equipment and cords u^ed in highly conductive work locations (such as flood areas) to be approved for these locations. -Specifies employees are to have dry hands when connecting equipment and plugs and to secure locking-type connectors properly. ELECTRIC POWER AND LIGHTING CIRCUITS. Provides guidelines for electric power and lighting circuits. -Requires load-rated switches, circuit breakers or the equivalent to be used if load current is to be interrupted; prohibits nonloadbreak cable connectors, fuses, terminal lugs and cable splice connections under load conditions. -Mandates that circuits automatically de-energized by circuit breaker be checked for safety before re-energizing. -Forbids modification of overcurrent protection of circuit conductors. TEST EQUIPMENT Details handling of test equipment Permits only qualified persons to perform testing on electrical circuits or equipment -Mandates visual inspection of test equipment and cords before use and correction of any problems. Provides requirements for the use of equipment in the presence of flammable or ignitible materials. -Prohibits use of electrical testing equipment in the presence of flammable or ignitible materials unless special precautions are taken to prevent hazardous conditions from developing. SAFEGUARDS FOR PERSONNEL Requires appropriate protective equipment for employees for job and anticipated exposure. -Calls for appropriate maintenance of protective gear. -Requires outer covering for insulating equipment if necessary to avoid damage. -Specifies head, eye, and face protection when risks are present. Mandates use of insulated tools and materials near exposed energized parts including: fuse handling equipment, conductive ropes and handlines, and protective shields and barriers, Specifies warning system to alert employees to electrical hazards. -Requires safety signs and tags. -Calls for barricades in addition to signs under certain conditions. Requires an attendant stationed to warn employees if signs and barriers are insufficient. VVV 000011415 4- - ELEMENTS OF THE STANDARD (This ALERT generally summarizes the requirements of the standard and should not be relied on in lieu of the standard) APPROACH Based on Part II of the National Fire Protection Association's 'Electrical Safety Requirements for Employees Workplaces" (NFFA 70E voluntary consensus standard). SCOPE Covers most "qualified" and all "unqualified" employees working on/near/with electrical circuits and equipment. Does opt apply, however, to "qualified persons" - those "familiar with construction fund operation of the equipment and the hazards involved" performing work on installations and equipment used exduavmy for electric power generation, transmission and distribution or for telecommunications. TRAINING (Compliance deadline- August 6, 15)91) Required in 1) safety-related work practices prescribed by the standard and 2) safety-related elements of tne work environment May be in the classroom or on the job. Limits training to employees who mqy reasonably be expected to face a risk of injury froiq electric shock, such as: electricians, mechanics and repairers, and electrical and electronic technicians. Spells out requirements for "qualified persons.' PRESCRIBED WORK PRACTICES Calls for de-energizing equipment as a primary method to protect employees. Requires lockout and tawing at electrical source to prevent re-energizing equipment where employees may be exposed to electric shock. -requires both lock and tag, except for: * Tags may be used alone if locks cannot be used or employer demonstrates tagging alone is equally safe. Tags must be supplemented by an additional safety measure, such as the opening of an extra disconnecting device.* * Lock$ may be used alone for a simple circuit when Uie lockout period is no more than one workshift provided employees are trained m and familiar with this procedure. -mandates verification by a qualified person that circuits have indeed been de-energized. -Sets forth requirements for re-energizing the circuits: 9 A qualified person must verify that it is safe to re-energtze. 9 Employees notified to stay clear. Permits only qualified persons to defeat interlocks. Limits work on energized equipment to qualified persons. measures to be taken. Requires qualified persons working closer than minimum distances to be protected through iiwnlaHnn Specifies minimum distances for vehicles operating near energized overhead lines and prescribes additional sate work practices tor workers near the equipment. Prohibits employees from working near exposed energized parts without illumination. Details protective measures for employees working in confined or enclosed spaces containing exposea live parts. Requires work practices, such as carrying conduits horizontally, to prevent employees from inadvertently contacting energizing parts with long conductive objects. OOOOU^6 3- - This standard is the second in a planned four-part standard covering electrical hazards. The remaining two parts are to cover safety-related maintenance and safety requirements for special equipment. As it did this time, OSHA plans to base these two parts on standards developed by the National Fire Protection Association. SUGGESTED COMPLIANCE APPROACH Attached with this ALERT is a summary of the requirements of the standard. Because electrical work is a universal activity, SPI recommends that you obtain a copy of the complete standard and to review your facility against them. STATE AND LOCAL CONCERNS Twenty-three states and two territories have their own OSHA-approved job safety and health plans. They are: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut*, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York*, North Carolina, Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, the Virgin Islands, Washington and Wyoming. These plans cover only state and municipal employees. It is recommended that those facilities required to implement this standard review their current and pending State compliance program(s) for additional requirements prior to designing their own programs. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE FROM SPI o Final Rule: Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices (55 FedReg 31984 August 6, 1990) o OSHA NEWS*. Secretary Dole Announces Final Electrical Safe Work-Practice Rules That Are Expected To Save 78 Lives Annually USDL: 90-404 ___ CITATIONS Statutory: Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970 Regulatory: 55 FedReg 31984 (August 6,1990) CFR Code: 29CFR 1910 Subpart S Should you need any assistance regarding your compliance obligations relative to the above or have any comments or questions, please address them to Richard H. LaLumondier, Associate Technical Director, Compliance and Regulatory Assistance (202-371-5223). ALSRTJOS-901001.000P 00oX 2- -