Professional Documents
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Have a documented High Risk Work or Restricted Work Authorization, or a business equivalent
process, approved by your manager
Electricity
Electricity is an invisible force which is all around us, although we are not aware of most
electrical activity because it is below that which our bodies can detect
Electricity, like water, takes or has the potential to take all flow paths, not just the path of
least resistance
Anything or anyone that enters the path of electricity may become part of that path!
Conductors
Conductors
Conductors are materials through which an electric current can readily travel
Good conductors are water, metals such as copper and aluminum, and the human body
The human body is an excellent conductor due to water content and the minerals present
Water with minerals or ions in it. (ex. sweat) is a much better conductor than purified or de-ionized
water.
Insulators
Insulators are materials through which an electric current cannot readily pass
Good insulators are polystyrene, mica, glass, brick, plastic, wood, rubber, and air
220 Volts
Large copper wire: 1.0 ohm
Small copper wire: 2.5 ohms
Dry skin: 100,000 ohms
Wet skin: 1,000 ohms
Arc,
The bright, luminous electrical discharge (sparking) through the air that occurs when high voltages
exist across a gap between conductors. An arc is ionized air (air particles develop a charge from
the high potential). When these ions reach a conductive state, current flows, which is seen as an
arc. This condition is usually caused by equipment failure. Arcs can reach temperatures of
over 35,000F (19,427C).
Blast
The occurrence of a pressure wave caused during the generation of an arc. The
expansion rate of an arc blast is more powerful than dynamite!
Unsafe Work Practices such as:
Failure to de-energize
Improper shielding
Inadequate Wiring
Improper grounding
Loose connections
Defective parts
Faulty insulation
Corrosive atmosphere
Body Resistance
A person's main resistance to current flow is the skin. Dry skin may have a resistance of
100,000 ohms or more, whereas wet skin may have a resistance of only 1,000 ohms. Once
the skin is broken down, current can readily flow throughout the body
A worker who is or has been ill may have a lower threshold to electrical shock than a
healthy worker
The typical internal resistance for a human body is 1000 ohms but this varies according to
path of travel
The "Ear to Ear" pathway in which the current goes through the brain disrupting the natural
electrical discharges of the brain
The "Hand to Foot" or "Hand to Hand" pathway in which the current passes through the
chest cavity disrupting the natural electrical currents of the heart
Ear to Ear 100 ohms
Contact Time
The longer the duration of current through the body, the greater the damage that will occur.
A shock that is short in duration may only be painful and not cause any permanent damage.
A longer duration shock, lasting a few seconds could cause death if the current level is
great enough to cause ventricular fibrillation in the heart
Contact Pressure
Lower contact pressure with an energized circuit results in greater resistance, and therefore
lower current flow to the body. Conversely, the greater the pressure, the greater the current
flow to the body
Contact Area
Lower contact area with an energized circuit results in greater resistance, and therefore
lower current flow to the body. Conversely, the greater the contact area, the greater the
current flow to the body
Voltage
Voltage has a direct relation to current flow in a shock or electrocution situation. The higher the
voltage, the greater the potential injury. As you observed previously in this course, if voltage
changes but resistance doesn't, the current flow will follow the voltage change (ie - voltage
increases, current increases).
Current
As a rule, the higher the current, the greater the damage to the body
Let-Go Current - The maximum current level that will cause involuntary muscle contractions
but may still allow the worker to let go and stop current flow. This current level is generally
accepted to be 15mA AC, but it does vary with muscle mass
Above the Let-Go Current level, the worker may not be able to let go to stop the current
flow through the body
Normally, we are in equilibrium. Electrical signals from your brain travel to their intended
destination as shown at right, and you feel healthy.
Equilibrium includes these positively charged ions:
Iron, Fe++
Manganese, Mn+++
Magnesium, Mg++
Calcium, Ca++
Copper, Cu+
Zinc, Zn++
Silver, Ag+
Nickel, Ni++
Aluminum, Al+++
Lead, Pb++
Physical Effects
Circulatory, nervous and associated system effects due to electrical shock may include:
Physical Effects
Circulatory, nervous and associated system effects due to electrical shock may include:
3. If it is safe to do so, approach the victim and care for life threatening injuries
4. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing and you are trained to do so, begin CPR at
once. If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use as directed
You must comply with your local regulations regarding emergency assistance for victims.
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That is correct!
In this section, you will learn about the proper selection and care of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE).
PPE Overview
Employees shall use PPE appropriate for the work to be performed:
Protective Clothing
Protective Gloves
Safety Shoes
Remember PPE is the last line of defense and MUST be inspected prior to every use. If you do not
have the correct PPE, do not do the job!
GE and country-specific PPE standards may vary. You must be aware of, and comply
with, the most protective requirement. If you have any questions, contact your EHS
manager.
In this section, you will learn about the proper selection and care of Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE).
PPE Overview
Protective Clothing
Protective Gloves
Safety Shoes
Remember PPE is the last line of defense and MUST be inspected prior to every use. If you do not
have the correct PPE, do not do the job!
GE and country-specific PPE standards may vary. You must be aware of, and comply
with, the most protective requirement. If you have any questions, contact your EHS
manager.
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Always use a nonconductive hard hat that is approved for electrical work. Specific hard hat
classifications will be discussed in Country-Specific training.
Metal framed safety glasses shall not be worn when working on or near electrical circuits because
they are conductive.
Face shields must be worn when engaging in activities that could cause severe hazards to the
face. Safety glasses with integrated side shields, or goggles, must be worn under face shields.
Clean and properly store all head, eye and face PPE, and replace when needed.
As a minimum, wear long sleeve shirts and pants made of nonmelting, flammable
materials, such as cotton, wool, and silk
Prohibited items:
Always use a nonconductive hard hat that is approved for electrical work. Specific hard hat
classifications will be discussed in Country-Specific training.
Metal framed safety glasses shall not be worn when working on or near electrical circuits because
they are conductive.
Face shields must be worn when engaging in activities that could cause severe hazards to the
face. Safety glasses with integrated side shields, or goggles, must be worn under face shields.
Clean and properly store all head, eye and face PPE, and replace when needed.
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Wear Arc-Rated (AR) clothing wherever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash above
the incident-energy level for a second-degree burn (5 J/cm 2 or 1.2 cal/cm2). Any protective clothing
selected must meet arc flash protection standards and the protection level must be clearly
indicated. Ensure the protective clothing meets the requirements of Appendices A or B of P2003.
There are many types of Arc-Rated clothing such as Nomex, Kevlar and Kermel. They are
specifically designed to offer the wearer protection from flames and electric arcs. They are
available in several styles and fabric weights. Always wear 100% cotton clothing under these
types of protective clothing.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for maintenance and care of your protective clothing,
as well as any applicable governmental standards. GE has developed additional guidance to assist
GE employees and contractors who perform Projects and Service activities and home launder Arc-
Rated Clothing.
Protection of clothing
As a minimum, wear long sleeve shirts and pants made of nonmelting, flammable
materials, such as cotton, wool, and silk
Prohibited items:
As a minimum, wear long sleeve shirts and pants made of nonmelting, flammable
materials, such as cotton, wool, and silk
Prohibited items:
Synthetic clothing, which may melt and complicate injuries
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Select and wear gloves for the type of protection you will need, based on Appendices A or B of
P2003.
Rubber (dielectric) gloves must extend beyond leather protectors. The overlap must meet country
or company specific requirements.
Visually inspect all components, and field air test the rubber gloves, before each use.
Rubber gloves need to be lab tested and certified on a periodicity specified by Appendix E of
P2003.
Hold the glove cuff with thumb and forefingers of both hands.
Squeeze the gauntlet with one hand, use the other hand to squeeze the palm, fingers and thumb
to check for weakness and defects.
4
Hold the glove near the face to detect air leakage or near the ear to listen for escaping air.
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Select and wear gloves for the type of protection you will need, based on Appendices A or B of
P2003.
Rubber (dielectric) gloves must extend beyond leather protectors. The overlap must meet country
or company specific requirements.
Visually inspect all components, and field air test the rubber gloves, before each use.
Rubber gloves need to be lab tested and certified on a periodicity specified by Appendix E of
P2003.
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CAREFULLY stretch a small area of the glove at a time. Be sure to check between each finger of
the glove as well. Check for:
Cracks
Holes
Tears
Punctures
Embedded objects
Texture changes
Swelling
Softening or hardening
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is the process used to prevent the accidental startup or release of
hazardous energy while maintaining or servicing of equipment is being performed.
Lockout/Tagout must be used whenever you are performing service or maintenance on any
machine where you or someone else could be injured by the unexpected startup or release
of stored energy
Unless ALL Lockout/Tagout steps have been implemented, consider the equipment
energized
PPE must be used and clearance requirements must be maintained throughout the LOTO
process and are of greater concern in the electrical LOTO process
This course does not authorize you to perform Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) to control hazardous energy
while servicing equipment. If your job requires LOTO, you must also complete the Lockout/Tagout
Authorized course
(GE-EHS-CEP-34).
Awareness information on the potential electrical hazards and required safety attitude
Where work will be performed within the Limited Approach Boundary (this will be defined
shortly) on energized electrical conductors or circuit parts at 50 volts or more, there must
be:
If equipment-specific boundary calculations are not available, the use of PPE categories
based on P2003 is allowed, as long as the guidance provided meets or exceeds local
requirements
Emergency Response
Emergency Response
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Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) is the process used to prevent the accidental startup or release of
hazardous energy while maintaining or servicing of equipment is being performed.
Lockout/Tagout must be used whenever you are performing service or maintenance on any
machine where you or someone else could be injured by the unexpected startup or release
of stored energy
Unless ALL Lockout/Tagout steps have been implemented, consider the equipment
energized
PPE must be used and clearance requirements must be maintained throughout the LOTO
process and are of greater concern in the electrical LOTO process
(GE-EHS-CEP-34).
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The "hierarchy of controls" is a prioritized list that is used when deciding what type of defenses will
be used to address a particular EHS hazard.
Least effective
Hierarchy of Controlsontrols
PPE
Physically remove the hazard
For any particular hazard, more than one defense may be needed.
Use of PPE is the last resort, to be used when all other defenses have been ruled out in the short
term, or are unable to completely protect the employee. Where feasible, do not use PPE as the
only defense.
Most effective
Least effective
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Shock
Limited
A Limited Approach Boundary is the limit to which unqualified employees may approach
energized part(s). Where one or more unqualified persons are working at or close to the limited
approach boundary, the designated person in charge of the work space where the electrical
hazard exists shall advise the unqualified persons of the electrical hazard and warn them to stay
outside of the limited approach boundary.
The Restricted Approach Boundary is the Qualified Person's approach limit without the use
of shock protection equipment and insulation.
Qualified employees must not cross or take any conductive object closer to energized electrical
conductors and circuit parts than the Restricted Approach Boundary unless:
The person is insulated or guarded from the energized electrical conductors and circuit
parts
The energized electrical conductors and circuit parts are insulated from the qualified person
and from any other conductive object at a different potential
The Qualified Person is insulated from any other conductive object, such as during live
line work
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Activity
What steps could have been taken during servicing of this de-energized circuit breaker to prevent
this accident?
Choose all that apply, and then click the Submit button.
Choose all that apply, and then tap the Submit button.
The employee should have attached the metal banded brush to a hot stick
The employee should have worn the proper PPE including faceshield and arc-rated clothing
Insulating barriers should have been placed over the adjacent terminal
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x
Safe Work Practices > PPE Selection
The preferred method for determining appropriate PPE is to use the result of an Arc-Flash Risk
Assessment (RA), which will be displayed on labels as shown below. If an Arc-Flash RA has not
been completed, appropriate PPE can be selected by utilizing the tables available in GEs Electrical
Safety Procedure, P2003.
When utilizing the results of an Arc-Flash RA, it is important to account for any circuit/system
changes that may have been made since the Assessment was completed.
The PPE Category for energized work can be determined using this flow chart. First, identify the
task and equipment condition, and use Hazard Identification table, B-1, to determine if Arc Flash
PPE is required. Next, identify the system voltage (AC or DC) and use PPE Category tables, B-2.1 or
B-2.2, to determine the Arc Flash PPE Category.
Note that the specifications of the equipment you will be working on MUST fall within the
parameters listed on the table, otherwise the table does NOT apply, and either an Arc Flash Risk
Assessment must be performed OR the work must be performed with the equipment in an
electrically safe (de-energized) work.
If your country's PPE Categories do not align with those in P2003, you must ensure that the PPE
you use for each task is rated, by cal/cm2 or equivalent, at least as high as the potential exposure
for your task. Contact your Supervisor or EHS for additiPE Category required
and Arc Flash Boundary
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If the Shock and Arc Flash Risk Assessments are not completed, safe work can still be
accomplished by utilizing the tables from GE's Electrical Safety Procedure, P2003.
Approach Boundaries
Required PPE
Can be determined by using the Hazard Identification table, B-1, the PPE Category tables, B-2.1
and B-2.2, and the PPE table, B-3, in Appendix B.
The Approach Boundaries for energized work can be determined using the appropriate Table
provided in Appendix G of P2003.
Using the applicable Table, the nominal voltage range or potential difference will determine the
distance of the boundaries from the conductor.
This will allow you to set up the work area to restrict access for unqualified individuals, and to
identify the distance at which qualified individuals must wear shock insulating PPE.
Next, determine the personal protective equipment required by locating the PPE Category from the
previous step on Table B-3, Simplified PPE Requirements Chart.
The four PPE categories are represented by the numbers 1-4. Click on each number to see the
required PPE for that category of work.
2
3
If your country's PPE Categories do not align with those in P2003, you must ensure that the PPE
you use for each task is rated, by cal/cm2 or equivalent, at least as high as the potential exposure
for your task. Contact your Supervisor or EHS for additional
Work Involving
x
Warning signs notify qualified persons of potential electrical arc-flash hazards, and should be
utilized in accordance with local regulations.
There are generic signs and equipment-specific signs that convey the arc flash risk assessment
results, such as those below. Equipment-specific calculations, if available, are preferable over a
generic application.
WARNING
ARC FLASH HAZARD
Nominal System Voltage 208 VAC
Level of PPE
The four PPE categories are represented by the numbers 1-4. Click on each number to see the
required PPE for that category of work.
3
4
If your country's PPE Categories do not align with those in P2003, you must ensure that the PPE
you use for each task is rated, by cal/cm2 or equivalent, at least as high as the potential exposure
for your task. Contact your Supervisor or EHS for additional information.
When working within the restricted work or arc flash boundary on energized electrical conductors
or circuit parts that are not placed in an electrically safe work condition, work to be performed
must be considered energized electrical work and be performed by written permit only. An
electrically safe work condition is a state in which an electrical conductor or circuit part to be
worked on or near has been disconnected from energized parts, locked/tagged in accordance with
established standards, tested to ensure the absence of voltage, and grounded if determined
necessary.
Certain situations may be exempt from the requirement of an Energized Electrical Work Permit.
Diagnostic Exemptions
Diagnostic work, such as testing, troubleshooting, and voltage measuring, by qualified persons,
does not require an Energized Electrical Work Permit, provided appropriate safe work practices and
PPE are provided and used.
ther Exemptions
Additional exemptions, provided the Restricted Approach Boundary is not crossed, are
Access to and from an area with energized electrical equipment, if no electrical work is
performed
Work
x
Warning signs notify qualified persons of potential electrical arc-flash hazards, and should be
utilized in accordance with local regulations.
There are generic signs and equipment-specific signs that convey the arc flash risk assessment
results, such as those below. Equipment-specific calculations, if available, are preferable over a
generic application.
WARNING
ARC FLASH HAZARD
Nominal System Voltage 208 VAC
Arc Flash Boundary 1' - 6.5" (0.5 m)
Available Incident Energy 1.3 cal/cm2
Working Distance 18" (0.45 m)
Minimum Arc Rating of Clothing 4 cal/cm2
Level of PPE
2015 label example
WARNING
ARC FLASH HAZARD
Nominal System Voltage 208 VAC
Insulated Tool
When you are testing for the presence of elevated voltages, use a hot stick to increase the
distance between you and the conductor.
Advantages:
Inexpensive
Disadvantages:
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Handling requirements
Upper or lower voltage limitations
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Live line devices are commonly used for replacing circuit components, applying grounds, holding
voltage sensing detectors, or for other types of work with the circuit energized.
These are specialized devices and this training alone will not qualify you to use them!
Live line devices are commonly used for replacing circuit components, applying grounds, holding
voltage sensing detectors, or for other types of work with the circuit energized.
These are specialized devices and this training alone will not qualify you to use them!
Hot Stick/Insulating Stick
Choose all that apply, and then click the Submit button.
Choose all that apply, and then tap the Submit button.
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Slam mer