If no specific instruction is available and the job is beyond the scope of written work rules, the supervisor should issue instructions pertaining to the job to be performed. The instructions should contain the essential safety rules for the job and, when documented, should be signed by the employee, a line supervisor and/or safety representative.

2.11.3 WORK PLANNING

Electrical instructions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Deenergizing circuits, if possible, and a means to prevent reenergization (lockout/tagout)

2. Grounding conductors and all possible conducting parts

3. Controlling associated generating equipment

4. Testing of equipment to ensure safe conditions

5. Provision of rubber-insulated protective equipment rated for the highest voltage present

6. Qualified personnel (see 2.1.2 and 2.1.3)

7. Personal protective equipment and protective clothing (e.g., hard hats, safety shoes, eye/face protection, insulated live-line tools, hot sticks, cotton or fire resistant clothing, and arc protection)

Note: Cotton or wool clothing is acceptable if the employer can show that the clothing worn by the employee will not ignite or melt in the presence of an electrical arc to which the employee could be subjected.

8. Working on experimental equipment.

2.12 ELECTRICAL PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Qualified workers are responsible for avoiding and preventing accidents while performing electrical work, repairs, or troubleshooting electrical equipment. Personnel shall wear or use personal protective equipment (PPE), and protective clothing that is appropriate for safe performance of work. See Table 2-3.

2.12.1 MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITIES

Management shall ensure that appropriate PPE is provided and ensure that employees using PPE are trained in their proper use. Furthermore, management shall ensure that employees use the PPE appropriate for their assigned task.

2.12.2 INSPECTING PPE

Employees shall visually inspect rubber-insulated PPE at the beginning of each workday prior to use and after any work performed that could damage the equipment. Such inspections shall include a field air test of the gloves used. Visual inspection shall be performed on hot sticks, grounds, aerial lift equipment and booms, rope, ladders, insulated tools, etc. Equipment that does not successfully pass visual inspection shall not be used and shall be returned for repair and testing or disposal.

Table 2-3. ANSUASTM standards on PPE and protective clothing.

2.12.3 CLEANING AND ELECTRICAL TESTING OF PPE

Rubber-insulated PPE issued for use shall receive periodic cleaning and electrical testing in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate ANSI/ASTM standards listed in the references of this handbook. The intervals of retest for rubber goods issued for service shall not be more than 6 months for gloves and 12 months for sleeves and blankets. Gloves or sleeves that have been electrically tested but not issued for service shall not be placed into service unless they have been electrically tested within the previous twelve months.

2.12.3.1 TESTING

All testing methods, apparatus, and facilities for such testing shall meet the applicable AN SI/ASTM Standard and 29 CFR 1910.137. The method used and the results of such tests shall be documented and made available for inspection.

2.12.3.2 TESTING APPARATUS

Testing apparatus shall be operated and maintained by personnel trained for such work. Calibration schedules and procedures for calibrating testing apparatus are recommended to be in accordance with ANSI C39.1.

2.12.3.3 RETESTED PPE

Retested rubber-insulated PPE shall be identified to indicate the date of the latest test or date of retest in accordance with the appropriate standard. Manufacturer's recommendations on the type of paint or ink to be used shall be followed.

2.12.4 LIVE-LINE TOOLS

Live-line tools shall be cleaned and inspected before use and receive a dielectric test whenever their insulating value is suspect. A record of the testing of live-line tools shall be maintained.

2.12.4.1 FIBERGLASS-HANDLED TOOLS

Fiberglass-handled tools shall be tested by the manufacturer at 100 kV per ft of length per 29 CFR 1926.951(d)(i) and ASTM F711. The in-service test shall be 75 kV per ft. per 29 CFR 1910.269 (j)(2)(e). Also, see IEEE Std. 978 for further information.

2.12.4.2 WOODEN-HANDLED TOOLS

Wooden-handled tools shall be tested by the manufacturer to 75 kV per ft of length per 29 CFR 1926.951(d)(ii) and ASTM F711. The in-service test shall be 50 kV per ft. per 29 CFR 1910.269 (j)(2)(e). Also, see IEEE Std. 978 for further information.

2.12.5 MAXIMUM USAGE VOLTAGE

Maximum usage voltage phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground for insulating blankets, mats, covers, line hose, sleeves, and gloves shall be as follows:

Note: For further information, reference 29CFR 1910.137 and the ASTM Series.

2.12.6 MAXIMUM USAGE VOLTAGE FOR LIVE-LINE TOOLS

Maximum usage voltage per foot of length and phase-to-phase or phase-to-ground for live-line tools shall be as follows:

1. Tools with wooden handles 69 kV

2. Tools with fiberglass handles 93 kV

2.12.7 RUBBER-INSULATED GLOVES

Whenever rubber-insulated protective gloves are required, approved protective gloves shall also be worn (See Appendix C) except as follows: see 29 CFR 1910.137 and the ANSUASTM series for those conditions where rubber-insulated protective glove can be used without protectors.

2.12.8 STORAGE

Electrical insulating and protective clothing and equipment should be stored flat, undistorted, right side out, and unfolded, as appropriate in protective containers. Blankets may be stored rolled provided the inner diameter of the roll is at least 2 in.

Rubber goods shall be stored in a location as cool, dark, and dry as possible. The location shall be as free as practicable from ozone, chemicals, oils, solvents, damaging vapors and fumes, and away from electrical discharges and sunlight. Rubber gloves should be stored cuff down in a bag, box, or container that is designed for rubber glove storage. Rubber gloves may be kept inside of leather protectors.

2.12.9 SAFETY SHOES, HATS, AND GLASSES

Safety shoes, hard hats, and safety glasses worn by electrical workers shall meet the requirements of ANSI Z41, ANSI Z89.1, and ANSI Z87.1 specifications, respectively.