A qualified worker shall use the appropriate test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and shall verify that the circuit elements and equipment parts are deenergized. The test shall also determine if a hazardous energized condition

Figure 2-6. Employers shall implement and document a lockout-tagout program with procedures to safeguard employees from injury while working on or near deenergized systems.

exists as a result of induced voltage or voltage backfeed after specific parts of the circuit have been deenergized. If the circuit to be tested is over 600 V nominal, the test equipment shall be checked for proper operation immediately before and immediately after this test. This test is also recommended for systems of 600 V or less. Testing shall be performed as if the circuit is energized. The voltage verification device used shall be rated for the application. Proximity testers and solenoid-type devices should not be used to test for the absence of AC voltage. See 2.13.4.7 for further information.

2.13.2.2 APPLICATION OF GROUNDS

Personnel protective grounds shall be applied on circuits 600 V and above or on lesser voltages where residual charges may accumulate. Personal protective grounds shall be selected and installed in accordance with appropriate standards. (See sections 4.6 and 7.5). Consideration shall be given to step and touch potentials in the area of the temporary ground connections.

2.13.3 REENERGIZING EQUIPMENT

The following requirements shall be met before circuits or equipment are reenergized, even temporarily. Reference 29 CFR 1910.147,1910.269,1910.333 and 1926.417 for detailed information.

2.13.3.1 TESTS AND VISUAL INSPECTIONS

A qualified worker shall conduct tests and visual inspections to verify that all personnel are in the clear and that all tools, electrical jumpers, shorts, grounds, and other such devices have been removed so that the circuits and equipment can be safely energized.

2.13.3.2 WARNING EMPLOYEES

Employees exposed to the hazards associated with reenergizing the circuit or equipment shall be warned to stay clear of circuits and equipment.

2.13.3.3 REMOVING LOCK AND TAG

Each lock and tag shall be removed by applying the following:

1. Each lockout or tagout device shall be removed from each energy-isolating device by the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device, or under their direct supervision, or as stated below.

2. Exception: When the authorized employee who applied the lockout or tagout device is not available to remove it, that device maybe removed under the direction of his or her supervisor. Extreme care shall be taken and specific procedures shall be followed. The specific procedure shall include at least the following elements:

a. Verification by the supervisor that the authorized employee who applied the device is not at the affected facility

b. Making all reasonable efforts to contact the authorized employee to inform him or her that the lockout or tagout device has been removed

c. Ensuring that the authorized employee has this knowledge before he or she resumes work at the affected facility.

2.13.4 SAFE ENERGIZED WORK (HOT WORK)

Safety-related work practices shall be used to prevent electrical shock or other electrically induced injuries when employees work on or near electrical conductors or circuit parts that are energized. Only qualified workers who are knowledgeable and have been trained to work safely on energized circuits and to use the appropriate PPE, protective clothing, insulating shielding materials, and insulated tools shall be permitted to work on energized conductors or circuit parts.