Working with Energized Parts

If the exposed live parts are not de-energized (for reasons of increased or additional hazards or infeasibility), other safety-related work practices must be used to protect employees who may be exposed to the electrical hazards involved.

Such work practices must protect employees against contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of their body or indirectly through some other conductive object. The work practices that are used must be suitable for the conditions under which the work is to be performed and for the voltage level of the exposed electric conductors or circuit parts.

Working on or Near Exposed Energized Live Parts

Work performed on exposed live parts (either direct contact or by means of tools or materials) - or near enough to them for employees to be exposed to any hazard - requires special precautions.

Work on Energized Equipment

Only qualified persons may work on electric circuit parts or equipment that have not been de-energized. Such persons must be capable of working safely on energized circuits and must be familiar with the proper use of special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools.

Overhead Lines

If work is to be performed near overhead lines, the lines must be de-energized and grounded, or other protective measures must be provided before work is started.

If the lines are to be de-energized, arrangements must be made with the person or organization that operates or controls the electric circuits involved to de-energize and ground them.

If protective measures, such as guarding, isolating, or insulating, are provided, these precautions must prevent employees from contacting such lines directly with any part of their body or indirectly through conductive materials, tools, or equipment.

Caution: The work practices used by qualified persons installing insulating devices on overhead power transmission or distribution lines are not covered by this standard or in this course. Unqualified persons are prohibited from performing this type of work.

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