Electrical Safety Procedure
Introduction
Purpose of the Procedure
Scope and Applicability
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Definitions and Abbreviations
Roles and Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Electrical Safety Officer
Employees and Contractors
Authorized Personnel
Emergency Response Team
Electrical Safety Guidelines
Identification of Electrical Hazards
Risk Assessment for Electrical Work
General Safety Rules
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
Electrical Isolation and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Purpose of LOTO
LOTO Procedures
Verification of Isolation
Re-energizing Electrical Systems
Workplace Electrical Safety Standards
Installation Safety Standards
Maintenance Safety Standards
Inspection and Testing Procedures
Portable and Fixed Electrical Equipment Safety
Emergency Response
Procedures for Electrical Accidents
First Aid for Electric Shock
Reporting and Documentation
Coordination with Emergency Services
Training and Competency
Training Requirements for Electrical Safety
Certification and Refresher Training
Mock Drills and Emergency Simulations
Specific Electrical Hazards and Control Measures
Working Near Live Electrical Equipment
Overhead Power Line Safety
High Voltage Systems
Static Electricity and Grounding
Arc Flash Protection
Inspection and Maintenance
Routine Inspection Schedules
Maintenance of Electrical Safety Equipment
Calibration of Testing Devices
Reporting and Tracking Maintenance Issues
Contractor and Third-Party Management
Contractor Selection Criteria
Compliance with Electrical Safety Standards
Monitoring Contractor Activities
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Incident Investigation and Analysis
Safety Performance Indicators
Procedure Review and Updates
Feedback from Stakeholders
References
Legal and Regulatory References
Industry Standards and Guidelines
Recommended Best Practices
Appendices
Glossary of Electrical Safety Terms
Risk Assessment Checklist
Electrical Equipment Inspection Form
Lockout/Tagout Checklist
Emergency Contact Numbers
Approval and Revision History
Document Approvals
Revision Log and Version Control
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Procedure
The procedure ensures the safety of employees, contractors,
and visitors when working with or near electrical systems.
It minimizes risks of electrical hazards, such as shocks, burns,
or arc flashes, by implementing safe work practices.
The document also aims to ensure compliance with legal and
regulatory standards, safeguarding both personnel and
property.
1.2 Scope and Applicability
Applicable to all personnel involved in electrical work or
operating in environments where electrical hazards exist.
Covers installation, maintenance, inspection, testing, and
emergency response for electrical systems and equipment.
Includes portable and fixed equipment, high-voltage systems,
and low-voltage circuits.
Excludes non-electrical systems unless they interact with
electrical equipment.
1.3 Legal and Regulatory Compliance
References applicable regulations such as:
o OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
electrical safety standards.
o NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the
Workplace.
o IEC standards for electrical installations.
Emphasizes the organization's commitment to adhering to
national and international safety standards.
1.4 Definitions and Abbreviations
Key terms and abbreviations include:
o PPE: Personal Protective Equipment.
o LOTO: Lockout/Tagout.
o Arc Flash: A release of energy caused by an electric arc.
o Isolation: Disconnecting electrical systems to ensure no
energy is present.
2. Roles and Responsibilities
2.1 Management Responsibilities
Provide necessary resources, such as PPE, tools, and training.
Ensure regular audits and reviews of the procedure.
Enforce compliance and take corrective actions when
violations occur.
2.2 Electrical Safety Officer
Monitor the implementation of electrical safety standards.
Conduct regular inspections and risk assessments.
Lead training programs and oversee incident investigations.
2.3 Employees and Contractors
Adhere to all safety guidelines outlined in the procedure.
Report any identified hazards or unsafe practices.
Participate in training programs and wear appropriate PPE.
2.4 Authorized Personnel
Perform work on electrical systems only if trained and
authorized.
Ensure isolation and LOTO procedures are followed.
Maintain certification in electrical safety practices.
2.5 Emergency Response Team
Respond promptly to electrical accidents and incidents.
Provide first aid for electric shock and burns.
Coordinate evacuation and communicate with emergency
services.
3. Electrical Safety Guidelines
3.1 Identification of Electrical Hazards
Hazards may include:
o Exposed live wires.
o Overloaded circuits.
o Faulty equipment.
o Wet environments near electrical systems.
3.2 Risk Assessment for Electrical Work
Assess the level of risk based on:
o Voltage level.
o Proximity to live equipment.
o Environmental conditions (e.g., water, heat).
Document risks and implement control measures.
3.3 General Safety Rules
Never work on live equipment unless absolutely necessary.
Always isolate and test equipment before working.
Keep unauthorized personnel away from work areas.
3.4 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Essential PPE includes:
o Insulated gloves.
o Safety goggles.
o Arc flash-rated clothing.
o Rubber-soled boots.
3.5 Safe Use of Tools and Equipment
Ensure all tools are insulated and in good condition.
Use tools designed for specific electrical tasks (e.g., voltage
testers, insulated screwdrivers).
Regularly inspect and maintain tools.
4. Electrical Isolation and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
4.1 Purpose of LOTO
Prevent accidental re-energization of equipment during
servicing or maintenance.
Protect personnel from electrical shocks and energy release.
4.2 LOTO Procedures
1. Notify affected personnel about shutdown.
2. Turn off the power and isolate the system.
3. Apply lockout and tagout devices to prevent re-energization.
4. Test the system to confirm the absence of energy.
4.3 Verification of Isolation
Use a voltage detector or multimeter to ensure the equipment
is de-energized.
Follow the "Test Before Touch" principle.
4.4 Re-energizing Electrical Systems
Ensure all tools are removed, and the area is clear.
Notify all personnel before restoring power.
Remove LOTO devices and turn the system back on.
5. Workplace Electrical Safety Standards
5.1 Installation Safety Standards
Ensure installations comply with industry standards (e.g.,
NFPA, IEC).
Use certified electricians for installations.
5.2 Maintenance Safety Standards
Conduct regular maintenance to prevent equipment failures.
Use preventive measures to identify and address wear and
tear.
5.3 Inspection and Testing Procedures
Inspect equipment for damage, wear, or loose connections.
Test protective devices such as circuit breakers and fuses
regularly.
5.4 Portable and Fixed Electrical Equipment Safety
Ensure portable equipment is tested and tagged periodically.
Fixed equipment must be securely mounted and regularly
serviced.
6. Emergency Response
6.1 Procedures for Electrical Accidents
Shut off power immediately if safe to do so.
Avoid direct contact with the victim until power is isolated.
Administer first aid and call emergency services.
6.2 First Aid for Electric Shock
If unconscious, check for breathing and perform CPR if
necessary.
Treat burns with sterile dressings.
Keep the victim calm and still.
6.3 Reporting and Documentation
Document the incident with details of the cause, injuries, and
response actions.
Submit reports to safety officers and management for review.
6.4 Coordination with Emergency Services
Provide clear information to emergency responders, including
the nature of the incident and potential hazards.
7. Training and Competency
7.1 Training Requirements for Electrical Safety
All personnel must complete basic electrical safety training.
Specialized training for authorized personnel and electricians.
7.2 Certification and Refresher Training
Ensure certifications are up to date.
Conduct refresher training every 2–3 years or as needed.
7.3 Mock Drills and Emergency Simulations
Conduct regular drills to test preparedness and response
times.
8. Specific Electrical Hazards and Control Measures
8.1 Working Near Live Electrical Equipment
Maintain safe distances and use barriers where necessary.
8.2 Overhead Power Line Safety
Use caution when working near power lines, maintaining a safe
clearance distance.
8.3 High Voltage Systems
Only trained personnel should work on high-voltage systems.
Use specialized tools and PPE.
8.4 Static Electricity and Grounding
Ground equipment to prevent static discharge.
Use anti-static mats and wrist straps where applicable.
8.5 Arc Flash Protection
Conduct arc flash risk assessments.
Use arc-rated PPE and shields to minimize exposure.
9. Inspection and Maintenance
9.1 Routine Inspection Schedules
Set regular intervals for inspecting electrical systems and
equipment.
9.2 Maintenance of Electrical Safety Equipment
Ensure all PPE and safety devices are functional and in good
condition.
9.3 Calibration of Testing Devices
Regularly calibrate tools like multimeters and voltage
detectors.
9.4 Reporting and Tracking Maintenance Issues
Maintain logs of maintenance activities and follow up on
unresolved issues.
10. Contractor and Third-Party Management
10.1 Contractor Selection Criteria
Select contractors based on their safety records and
certifications.
10.2 Compliance with Electrical Safety Standards
Require contractors to adhere to the organization's safety
procedures.
10.3 Monitoring Contractor Activities
Supervise contractor work to ensure compliance and safety.
11. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
11.1 Incident Investigation and Analysis
Investigate all incidents to identify root causes and implement
corrective actions.
11.2 Safety Performance Indicators
Track key metrics such as near-misses, incidents, and training
completion rates.
11.3 Procedure Review and Updates
Regularly review procedures to incorporate new regulations or
lessons learned.
11.4 Feedback from Stakeholders
Collect feedback from employees, contractors, and safety
officers to improve practices.
12. References
Include references to:
o OSHA regulations.
o NFPA and IEC standards.
o Industry best practices.
13. Appendices
Templates and tools for easy implementation:
o Glossary of Terms.
o Risk Assessment Checklist.
o Equipment Inspection Form.
o Lockout/Tagout Checklist.
o Emergency Contact Numbers.
14. Approval and Revision History
Maintain records of document approval and version updates to
ensure accountability and traceability.