Safe Work Permits Blog Series– Part 4: Live Electrical

Regulation 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S documents specific provisions to ensure safe work practices when working with live electrical components. These procedures serve to prevent electric shock and other injuries.

Key Requirements

The employer is responsible for keeping a copy of the procedures for working with live electrical systems, along with ensuring the procedures are readily available for review by employees or other authorized personnel. Your procedures should include the following:

• Live electrical parts should be deenergized before the employee can perform work on the parts
  
  
• If exposed live electrical parts are not de-energized, other safety precautions must be followed to prevent hazards from causing injuries
  
  
• Verify de-energization prior to beginning work on a part
  
  
• De-energized components that have not been locked out or tagged out should be treated as energized
  
  
• When working with de-energized parts, the circuits energizing those parts should be locked out or tagged out
  
  
• Indicate how to properly use lockout and tagout devices and procedures
  
  
• Warn exposed employees of the potential hazards
  
  
• Allow only qualified workers to perform work on parts that have not been de-energized
  
  
• Document special circumstances, such as confined spaces, conductive materials and equipment, conductive apparel, and portable ladders

For an in-depth look regarding work permits and safety procedures for live electrical work, you can read the full text of OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S here.

Final Comments

You may have heard the saying, “Behind every sign, there’s a story.” Oftentimes, regulations and safety practices evolve from real incidents that occurred on the job. And though some regulations may seem overbearing, remember there’s no such thing as being too careful.

Understanding when you need a work permit and what those permits should entail is crucial to your company’s entire safety program, and not following regulations could incur costs much greater than a fine. When in doubt, it’s never a waste of time to do a little research.

Whether you plan to improve the way you manage work permits or safety compliance, Permit to Work Software can help your team manage, track, and report on all permits and obligations. 

You can find the full Work Permits blog series here:

• Part 1: Working in Confined Spaces
• Part 2: Welding, Cutting and Brazing (Hot Work)
• Part 3: Lockout/Tagout and the Control of Hazardous Energy
• Part 4: Live Electrical Work Permit