Qualified and competent electrical workers are required to perform a variety of tasks with and around higher voltage electricity, electrical equipment, and apparatus. The nature of such work necessitates an understanding of applicable safety policies and rules.

Many electrical hazards and work practices are the same regardless of the voltage involved. However, due to the nature of high voltage work, there are many hazards and work practices that are specifically related to high voltage.

The following standards and sections provide information for repairing, servicing, construction, and maintaining electrical circuits and equipment that are supplied by systems of 600 V or more.

1. 29 CFR 1910

2. 29 CFR 1926

3. ANSI/IEEE C-2, National Electrical Safety Code. 4. NFPA 70E

7.1 RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SAFETY

This section provides safety guidelines and requirements for carrying out assigned job tasks. It is essential that each employee exercise sound judgment to perform assigned tasks safely. Safety is the responsibility of each employee.

7.1.1 WORKERS

The greatest responsibility for a worker's safety lies directly with the worker. This means that all workers are responsible for performing their work in a manner that does not endanger themselves, their co-workers, or others in the area and for complying with safety rules and requirements. Workers should not rely solely on the care exercised by another for their protection. Workers are encouraged to contribute to the safety program and bring to the attention of their supervisors or safety representative any condition they believe is unsafe.

Other safety responsibilities of workers include the following:

1. The worker should examine the work area for existing hazards and proceed in a safe manner.

2. When seen in a dangerous situation, fellow workers should be warned in such a manner as to avoid confusing, startling, or suddenly alarming them.

3. Before climbing poles, ladders, or other such structures or before working on scaffolds, workers shall make a careful inspection to determine whether the structures are safe and are properly supported. Workers should not carry anything in their hands while ascending or descending ladders. Small objects or tools may be carried in pockets or pouches. Larger objects, however, should be raised or lowered by use of handlines or ropes and blocks. Others working nearby or below should remain out of line of the work area in case anything should accidentally be dropped.

4. It is the responsibility of each worker to attend safety meetings. Workers should also make a practice of learning safety information made available to them that will help them perform their work more safely.

5. The worker shall report to the supervisor any personal injury as defined by the facility as soon as possible.

6. The worker should exercise care and good judgment when lifting heavy material, obtaining help if the object is too heavy or awkward for one person to handle.

7.1.2 SUPERVISORS

Supervisors are responsible for knowing and implementing applicable safety policies and directives and taking action as required to provide for the safety of the personnel and operations they supervise. This includes; taking positive action to determine and reduce, as necessary, the hazards associated with their operations; instructing employees in safe work methods and associated safety requirements; allowing only those employees that are qualified for the work to perform the work; and ensuring that employees perform their work safely.

Supervisors shall be responsible for the safety of all employees under their supervision. They shall enforce the rules that apply to the hazards involved.

Supervisors shall make certain that each new or transferred employee is instructed in the safe practices pertaining to his or her work.

Supervisors shall ensure that the appropriate employees receive instruction in appropriate emergency techniques, such as CPR, first aid, pole top and confined space rescue, warranted by the employee's duties.

Other duties of supervisors include the following:

1. Provide instructions on safe practices for the crew and see that they are followed.

2. Periodically examine supervised employees on their knowledge of the safety rules and approved emergency techniques.

3. Not allow a worker to perform any task that cannot be performed safely or for which the worker is not qualified.

4. Report every injury in the established manner prescribed for the facility.

5. Be responsible for the care and proper use of all protective devices.

6. Be responsible for proper posting of hazardous work areas as a safeguard to those supervised. Under no circumstances shall the supervisor allow work to continue if safety precautions are ignored.

7. Designate a qualified worker to be in charge of work during the supervisor's absence. The supervisor should not leave the job while dangerous work is in progress.

8. Coach and direct employees who are working near exposed, energized wires, equipment, or apparatus.

9. Prescribe, along with employees, the appropriate PPE when establishing safety related work practices.