SEC C
Six-step safety methods for electrical systems include: preparation, shutdown, isolation,
lockout/tagout, stored energy check, and isolation verification. These steps ensure a safe working
environment by de-energizing and isolating electrical equipment before maintenance or repairs.
Here's a more detailed explanation of each step:
1. Preparation:
Before any work begins, assess the risks and hazards involved, including potential electrical
hazards. This involves identifying the equipment, the energy sources involved, and the potential
dangers.
2. Shutdown:
Turn off the power to the equipment by using circuit breakers, switches, or other power
disconnection methods.
3. Isolation:
Ensure the equipment is physically isolated from the power source by removing fuses, disconnecting
lines, or other appropriate methods.
4. Lockout/Tagout:
Apply a lockout device to prevent the equipment from being accidentally energized. This includes
using a physical lock on the power source and tagging it with clear instructions.
5. Stored Energy Check:
Confirm that all stored energy, such as capacitors, springs, or hydraulic systems, has been released
and is no longer a hazard.
6. Isolation Verification:
Verify that the equipment is truly isolated and de-energized by using a voltage tester or other
appropriate methods before beginning work.
Six-Step Electrical Safety Methods
1. Pre-Job Briefings>>Before starting any work, a thorough discussion is held with all involved
personnel to review the work plan, identify potential hazards, and outline safety protocols.
Purpose: To ensure that everyone on the job understands the task, hazards, PPE, and procedures
before starting work.
Key Elements:
• Job scope and location
• Roles and responsibilities
• Identification of electrical hazards
• Required PPE and tools
• Emergency contact procedures
2. Hot Work Decision Tree>> A decision tree is used to determine if hot work (work that involves
the use of heat, flames, or sparks) is necessary, and if so, to assess the risks and implement
appropriate safety measures.
Purpose: Determines whether energized electrical work is necessary and helps decide if it can be
avoided or needs special precautions.
Steps in Decision Tree:
• Can the equipment be de-energized? If yes, do it.
• If not, is the work justified? (E.g., life safety, critical systems)
• If yes, follow energized work permit process.
• Ensure arc flash protection, barriers, and safe work procedures.
3. Safe Switching of Power System>> This involves a controlled and documented process for
isolating and de-energizing electrical equipment to ensure worker safety during maintenance or
repair.
Purpose: Ensures controlled energizing or de-energizing of circuits or equipment to avoid arc flash
or faults.
Includes:
• Proper switching sequence and coordination
• Use of switching procedures and one-line diagrams
• Test-before-touch to verify zero voltage
• Notification to affected personnel before switching
4. Lockout-Tagout (LOTO)>> A standardized procedure to isolate and de-energize electrical
equipment before any work is done, preventing accidental startup.
Purpose: Ensures that equipment cannot be turned on while being serviced or maintained.
LOTO Steps:
1. Identify all energy sources.
2. Isolate and turn off power.
3. Lock and tag all switches and breakers.
4. Verify that energy is discharged.
5. Keep locks/tags until work is 100% complete.
5. Arc Flash Hazard Calculation>> These calculations determine the potential risk of arc flash
injuries and guide the selection of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Purpose: To calculate the incident energy (in cal/cm²) a worker may be exposed to, so correct PPE
and boundaries can be selected.
Based On:
• Equipment type and fault level
• Working distance
• Duration of fault (clearing time)
• Use IEEE 1584 or NFPA 70E formulas/software
Used to determine:
• Required arc-rated PPE
• Arc flash boundary (distance from the hazard)
6. Establishing Approach Distances>> These define the minimum safe distances that workers
must maintain from energized electrical equipment to prevent electrical burns or shock.
Purpose: Sets safe distance limits for workers based on voltage level to prevent shock or arc flash
injuries.
Voltage (AC) Limited Approach Restricted Approach
600 V 3 ft 6 in 1 ft
4.16 kV 5 ft 2 ft 2 in
13.8 kV 6 ft 2 ft 7 in
Types of boundaries:
• Limited Approach Boundary: Minimum safe distance for unqualified persons.
• Restricted Approach Boundary: Requires PPE and shock protection.
• Arc Flash Boundary: Where arc flash exposure = 1.2 cal/cm² or more.
Importance of :
1. Pre-Job Briefing
Purpose: To ensure that everyone involved understands the task, risks, and safety measures before
starting any electrical work.
Importance:
• Improves communication between team members.
• Ensures clear understanding of roles, tools, PPE, and procedures.
• Helps identify electrical hazards in advance.
• Reduces accidents due to misunderstanding or confusion.
• Encourages team accountability and a safety-first mindset.
2. Hot Work Decision Tree
Purpose: To help determine if energized (live) electrical work is truly necessary and guide what
precautions are required.
Importance:
• Promotes a "de-energize first" policy, reducing live work risks.
• Helps managers and engineers justify or reject live work based on clear criteria.
• Leads to proper use of energized work permits and documentation.
• Ensures that arc flash protection and other safeguards are applied if live work must be
done.
3. Safe Switching of Power System
Purpose: To ensure controlled and coordinated energizing or de-energizing of electrical systems to
avoid faults, shocks, or equipment damage.
Importance:
• Prevents arc flashes, short circuits, or equipment failure from improper switching.
• Reduces risk of backfeeding or energizing wrong circuits.
• Ensures safety of personnel working on or near electrical equipment.
• Involves use of one-line diagrams, switching logs, and checklists.
• Critical for substations, generators, transformers, and large control systems.
Electrical Safety Program (ESP)
Definition:
An Electrical Safety Program is a documented set of policies, procedures, responsibilities, and
practices designed to prevent electrical hazards like shock, arc flash, burns, or fire during
installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Structure of an Electrical Safety Program
A well-structured ESP typically consists of the following key components:
1. Policy Statement
• A formal document issued by management declaring the organization’s commitment to
electrical safety.
• Sets the scope, goals, and compliance requirements (e.g., OSHA, NFPA 70E, IEC standards).
2. Roles and Responsibilities
• Defines who is responsible for what:
o Management – Provide resources and enforce the program.
o Supervisors – Ensure workers follow procedures.
o Qualified workers – Use safe work practices.
o Safety officers – Monitor compliance and training.
3. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
• Evaluate:
o Shock risk (live parts, exposed conductors)
o Arc flash risk (fault currents, switchgear)
o Fire hazards (overloaded circuits)
• Use risk matrices and labels on equipment.
4. Safe Work Procedures
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for:
o Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
o Voltage testing
o Working on energized equipment
o Switching and isolating circuits
• Include checklists, signage, and PPE requirements.
5. Training and Qualification
• Ensure workers are:
o Properly trained in electrical safety and equipment.
o Qualified to work on specific voltage levels.
• Training should include:
o Electrical theory
o Arc flash awareness
o Rescue techniques (CPR)
o Refresher courses annually or as needed.
6. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Program
• Guidelines for selection, inspection, and use of:
o Arc-rated clothing
o Insulated gloves and tools
o Safety footwear and eyewear
• Based on arc flash hazard analysis (cal/cm²).
7. Incident Investigation and Reporting
• Procedures to report and investigate:
o Shocks
o Near misses
o Equipment failures
• Root cause analysis and corrective actions.
8. Auditing and Continuous Improvement
• Internal audits to ensure procedures are followed.
• Use audit results to:
o Update training
o Improve SOPs
o Modify risk assessments
Development Process of an Electrical Safety Program
1. Initial Assessment
o Survey all electrical systems and job roles.
o Identify hazards and legal/regulatory requirements.
2. Program Design
o Draft safety policy, procedures, and training needs.
o Consult electrical engineers, safety experts, and technicians.
3. Implementation
o Train employees.
o Distribute PPE.
o Post signage and labels.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation
o Conduct inspections, audits, and drills.
o Encourage feedback from workers.
5. Revision and Improvement
o Update the program based on:
▪ New equipment
▪ Incident reports
▪ Regulation changes
Benefits of an Electrical Safety Program
• Prevents injuries and fatalities
• Reduces downtime and equipment damage
• Ensures compliance with OSHA/NFPA/IEC
• Builds a strong safety culture
• Protects the organization legally and financially
