One critical element of protection during LOTO procedures is the use of arc-rated flame resistant (AR/FR) clothing.
In the electrical industry, you have probably heard the phrase “we don’t work energized.” But is this statement accurate? The answer is almost always no, due to a common misunderstanding of what qualifies as energized work. Lockout Tagout Tags
Both OSHA and NFPA 70E have rules to address this issue, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) for OSHA and Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC) for 70E. Simply turning off a breaker is not enough, since all but one step in the process is considered energized work according to both standards.
To create a de-energized work condition, a qualified person must follow a multi-step process that includes physically locking out the system with a signed tag, testing for absence of voltage and testing the voltmeter in a live system to confirm it works.
All these steps require arc-rated flame resistant (AR/FR) clothing and other PPE since they are considered energized work. Reversing the process by removing the lock, restoring power and confirming the presence of voltage are also considered energized work. Depending on how you count the steps, six out of the seven steps required by OSHA and 70E are considered energized work.
Do you still think you do not work energized? Here is our favorite question: Do you own a voltmeter? If you said yes, you work energized.
What Qualifies as de-Energized Work?
From both a standards and practical/PPE perspective, little of what is called “de-energized work” qualifies as such. Unless you are pulling wire in new construction that is not connected to the grid and has no temporary power, most of every job you perform is energized work. Therefore, according to NFPA 70E, it is critical to establish an ESWC before performing work on electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at voltages equal to or greater than 50 volts.
Unfortunately, many people misunderstand the standards and hazards or choose to ignore them, resulting in a fatality rate of about one person each week in the United States, and a significant injury rate much higher.
However, there is good news in the face of these tragedies: They are entirely preventable by taking necessary precautions. Establishing an electrically safe work environment whenever possible and wearing AR/FR clothing as daily wear are two key precautions.
During the LOTO process, it is not just the process itself that is important—it is also essential to ensure that all personnel involved in the LOTO process are protected from the hazards they may encounter.
This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2023 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
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