Personnel in R&D labs may encounter energized parts in a variety of configurations, locations, and under environmental conditions that are not usual for most electrical power personnel. Sometimes the equipment can be designed to incorporate mitigation of the hazards associated with working on such equipment. If not, then safe operating procedures must be developed and used.

10.8.3.3 SAFETY PRACTICES

An analysis of high-voltage circuits should be performed by a qualified person before work begins unless all exposed energized parts are guarded as required for high-voltage work. The analysis must include fault conditions where circuit current could rise above the nominal rated value as explained here and shown graphically in Figure 10-1. Depending on the results of the analysis, any of the following may apply:

1. If the analysis concludes that the current is above 5 mA or energy is above 10 J, then the work is considered to be energized work and should be performed in accordance with Section 2, "General Requirements" and/or Section 7, "Work In Excess of 600 Volts."

2. If the analysis concludes that the current is between 0.5 mA and 5 mA and between 0.25 and 10 J, then the worker may be exposed to a secondary hazard (e.g., startle reaction) that must be mitigated.

3. If the analysis concludes that the current is below 0.5 mA and below 0.25 J, then the worker exposure is minimal and no special precautions are required.

High-voltage supplies that use rated connectors and cables where there are no exposed energized parts are not considered hazards. Connections shall not be made or broken with the power supply energized unless they are designed and rated for this type of duty (e.g., load-break elbows). Inspect cables and connectors for damage and do not use if they are damaged. Exposed high-voltage parts must be guarded to avoid accidental contact.

10.8.4 RADIO-FREQUENCY/ MICROWAVE RADIATION AND FIELDS

The DOE complex conducts R&D programs that involve sources of radio-frequency/microwave (RFMW) nonionizing electromagnetic radiation. Devices that may produce RFMW radiation include telecommunications and radar equipment, industrial equipment such as radio-frequency heaters, and scientific and medical equipment such as magnetic resonance imagers and klystron tubes. The nationally recognized consensus standard for personnel exposure to radio-frequency radiation is ANSI/IEEE C95.1(1991), "Electromagnetic Fields, Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency."