Energized Electrical Work Permit

Though de-energizing electrical circuits is the surest way to protect workers, certain circumstances may make this infeasible. Life-support systems, emergency alarms, hazardous location ventilation equipment, and illumination are examples of systems that create additional hazards when de-energized. Work on such systems may need to proceed while the circuits still carry power.

Work on energized equipment is permissible under OSHA regulations if the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing the equipment would produce additional hazards. Work on energized equipment must conform to additional safety precautions and requires an energized electrical work permit.

When energized electrical conductors and circuit parts operating at voltages equal to or greater than 50 volts are not put into an electrically safe work condition, all of the following requirements apply:

• Only qualified persons may work on systems not put into an electrically safe work condition.
• Complete an energized electrical work permit.
• Perform a shock and arc flash risk assessment.

Unqualified persons are prohibited from performing work on energized equipment. Qualified workers must be provided with an energized electrical work permit. This document presents the conditions surrounding the work and the practices needed to maintain safety during its execution.

Energized electrical work permits are specifically required when:

• When work is performed within the restricted approach boundary
• An increased risk of arc flash exists

Work on energized equipment does not require a work permit if a qualified person is provided and uses the appropriate PPE and safe work practices under any of the following conditions:

• Testing, troubleshooting, or voltage measuring
• Thermography, ultrasound, or visual inspections that do not cross the restricted approach boundary
• Access to and egress from an area with energized electrical equipment if no electrical work is performed and the restricted approach boundary is not crossed
• General non-electrical tasks that do not cross the restricted approach boundary

OSHA provides clear regulations on the details this work permit requires. The information contained in a documented energized electrical work permit must include:

• The circuit, equipment, and location involved in the work and their location
• Description of the work being performed
• An explanation of the necessity of working on energized equipment
• Hazard analyses for electric shock and arc flash for the equipment
• Safe work practices to protect the worker
• Approach boundaries for the equipment
• Personal protective equipment and tools required for the work
• Access control
• Proof that the worker has been thoroughly briefed for the work
• Appropriate approval for the energized work

To learn more about Arc Flash Safety visit our OSHA Construction Arc Flash Safety Online Training web page.