Friday, July 22, 2011

Process of Achieving an Electrically Safe Work Condition

1-Identify all possible sources of electric supply.
Care should be taken to identify the possible presence of secondary sources.

2-Properly interrupt the load current(s) and open the disconnecting device(s).
Not all disconnecting devices are rated to interrupt load currents; this should only be done with a properly rated device.

2-Verify deenergization through visual inspection of the disconnect contacts.
Disconnecting means may sometimes fail to open all phase conductors when the handle is operated,
so it is necessary to verify physical contact separation. If this requires removing the disconnect
door or cover, appropriate PPE must be used.

3-Apply lockout/tagout devices.
This should be done in accordance with a formally established company policy.

4-Use a voltage detector to test each conductor to which the worker may be exposed in order to verify deenergization.
The voltage detecting device must be functionally tested both before and after taking the measurements in order to ensure that it is working satisfactorily.

5-Circuit parts with induced voltages or stored electrical energy must be grounded.
If the conductors being deenergized could contact other energized conductors or circuit parts, grounding devices rated for the available fault duty should be applied.

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