Electrical Safety

The University at Buffalo is committed to providing a safe work environment for its Team Members and contractors performing electrical work on our campus. This program was developed to assure that university Team Members understand and comply with the regulatory requirements related to electrical work; assure safety of Team Members who may work in the vicinity of, or on, electrical systems; and assure that all departments that perform electrical work on campus follow uniform work practices and regulatory requirements.

This program incorporates requirements from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Electrical standard (29 CFR 1910) as well as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70 standards and serves as the Electrical Safety Program in accordance with these standards. The electrical safety program is designed to minimize, and in some instances eliminate, the hazards associated with electrical work. It establishes minimum standards to prevent hazardous electrical exposures to personnel, and to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In order to maximize safety, working on equipment in a de-energized state is required unless de-energizing introduces an increased hazard, or it is not possible to complete critical work due to equipment design or operational limitations.

This program only authorizes work on energized gear in certain situations with a maximum exposed voltage of 600 volts. Authorization for work on energized gear will be given by the shop supervisor. In any case where work on energized gear is required and not specified as authorized by this program, permission must be granted from the shop supervisor, the Electrical Safety Specialist for Environment Health and Safety, and the director of facilities (or his/her designee). Work on electrical equipment must be completed by a qualified worker as described in this program.

This program has been developed to help Team Members and departments comply with recognized safety practices:

• Provide and demonstrate a safety program with defined responsibilities.
• Determine the degree of arc flash hazard by qualified personnel.
• Affix warning labels on equipment.
• Provide PPE for workers.
• Provide and document training.
• Provide appropriate tools for safe work.

The overall effectiveness of this program shall be assessed by Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) at least annually.

This program applies to all University at Buffalo properties and work performed by its Team Members regardless of job site location. All Team Members who face a risk of electrical shock, burns, or related injuries must be trained on the electrical risks that are present in the workplace and the proper work practices and procedures to use to minimize these risks. It is imperative that, at a minimum, these guidelines be met or exceeded to ensure Team Member safety. In addition, Team Members that work around, but not on, electrical systems must be trained in the inherent danger of electricity as well as be trained to be familiar with the lock out tagout program to an extent that workers understand what to do when they are working around locked out equipment.

This electrical safety program describes work practices for both qualified and unqualified persons. This program also covers academic and research activities requiring work on or diagnosis of any energized electrical systems. Safe-work practices beyond the scope of this program must be established for each work area by a responsible qualified person and at a minimum must include the safety concerns and procedures outlined by this program.

This document provides the minimum safety knowledge and procedures that will allow individuals, departments, and facilities to work with, or in proximity to, energized high and low voltage sources. However, each individual department, or facility shall be responsible for the details and activities specific to the affected facility or department.

If there are local government codes, accepted Team Member safety standards, design criteria, etc., that are more stringent than those identified in this program, then those shall be considered more appropriate, and shall be followed. This program is in accordance with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.331 through 1910.335 and has been influenced by the NFPA 70E and 70B standards.

Knowledge of this program alone does not make a person a qualified electrical worker. Guidelines for determination of a qualified Team Member shall be established by management, and shall include factors including informal and formal training, as well as levels of experience needed for workers in the electrical field or other workers whose job function would expose them to a potential electrical hazard.

Admitting close approach; not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means.

Arc Fault Current, the calculated maximum incident amperage available as a result of an arc fault condition.

Any person who works around outlets, electrical panels, or electrical switches, and whose job requires them to be near or around the arc flash boundary when equipment is being serviced or maintained under a locked-out or tagged-out condition. For example, a machine operator who must stay near the machine during a lock out is classified as an affected Team Member. Affected persons must be instructed never to attempt to restart or reactivate equipment that is locked out or tagged out.

An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part within which there is an increased likelihood of electrical shock, due to electrical arc-flash combined with inadvertent movement.

When an arc flash hazard exists, an approach limit from an arc source at which incident energy equals 1.2 cal/square cm.

The value attributed to materials that describe their performance to exposure to an electrical arc discharge. The arc rating is expressed in cal/square cm and is derived from the determined value of the arc thermal performance value (ATPV) or energy of breakopen threshold (EBT). Arc rating is reported as either ATPV or EBT, whichever is the lower value.

The incident energy (cal/cm2) on a material or a multilayer system of materials that results in a 50 percent probability that sufficient heat transfer through the tested specimen is predicted to cause the onset of a second-degree skin burn injury.

The calculated highest fault current as a result of a direct short current

An enclosed space not intended for continuous occupancy which has limited access and egress. It becomes a permit-required confined space if there is an atmospheric hazard and/or other serious safety hazards.

Equipment whose structural and component integrity has been or is suspected to have been compromised due to catastrophic failures such as fire, arc blast, or explosion. THIS EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE TREATED AS IF IT IS ENERGIZED, INCLUDING THE EQUIPMENT HOUSING. PPE and precautions for work on energized equipment shall be taken until the entire system/equipment has been verified to have zero voltage present.

Free from any electrical connection to a source of potential difference and from electrical charge; not having a potential different than that of the earth.

Taking readings or measurements of electrical equipment, conductors or circuit parts with approved test equipment that does not require making any physical change to the electrical equipment, conductors, or circuit parts.

The associated person (or their designee) holding the title of director or Facilities or Residential Facilities based on the location of the work being completed.

A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source or supply.

A dangerous condition such that contact, or equipment failure can result in electrical shock, arc flash burn, thermal burn, or arc blast injury.

The incident energy (cal/cm2) on a material or a material system that results in a 50 percent probability of breakopen. Breakopen is a material response evidenced by the formation of one or more holes of a defined size [an area of 1.6 cm2 (0.5 in.2) or an opening of 2.5 cm (1.0 in.) in any dimension] in the innermost layer of arc-rated material that would allow thermal energy to pass through the material.

Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is applied to electrical conductors that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.

The amount of current delivered at a point on the system during a short-circuit condition.

The property of a material whereby combustion is prevented, terminated, or inhibited following application of a flame or non-flaming source of ignition, with or without subsequent removal of the ignition source.

A study investigating a worker’s potential exposure to arc-flash energy, conducted for the purpose of injury prevention and the determination of safe work practices and the appropriate levels of PPE.

A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a ground-fault current exceeds the values established for a Class A device.

A source of possible injury or damage to health.

Voltages including and above 600 volts.

The amount of thermal energy impressed on a surface, a certain distance from the source, generally during an electrical arc event. Incident energy is typically expressed in calories per square centimeter.

Not readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used.

A mechanical switching device used for isolating a circuit or equipment from a power source.

A boundary around exposed live parts that may not be crossed by an unqualified person unless accompanied by a qualified person.

The placement of a locking device on an energy-isolating device in accordance with the lock-out tagout procedure. Using lockout as a form of hazardous energy control is a positive means of controlling hazardous energy and should be used as a primary form of protection.

Refers to specific practices and procedures to safeguard Team Members from unexpected energization or startup of machinery and equipment, or the release of hazardous energy during service or repair.

Associated electrical conductors and equipment subject or capable of operating under relative low voltage, for the purpose of this program low voltage is less than 50 volts.

A Team Member undergoing training who has demonstrated the ability to perform duties safely at their level of training, and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person, is considered to be a qualified person for the purposes of those duties.

The area near exposed live parts that may be crossed only by qualified persons using the same protection and PPE as if direct contact or work on energized equipment were planned.

One who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to identify the hazards and reduce the associated risk. It is the responsibility of shop/department supervisors to determine if a worker has been properly trained and shows the skills to perform specific tasks.

An approach limit distance from an exposed live part within which there is an increased risk of shock, due to electrical arc-over combined with inadvertent movement, for personnel working in close proximity to the live part. It may only be crossed by qualified persons using appropriate shock prevention techniques and equipment.

The process of following a manufacturer’s set of instructions or applicable industry standards to analyze, adjust, or perform prescribed actions upon equipment with the intention to preserve or restore the operational performance of the equipment.

The prospective symmetrical fault current at a nominal voltage to which an apparatus or system is able to be connected without sustaining damage exceeding defined acceptance criteria.

A device designed to close, open, or both, one or more electrical circuits.

Person not familiar with the constructions and operation of the equipment and hazards involved. Those with little or no training or have not been deemed a qualified person by their supervisor.

The greatest root-mean-square (RMS) difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit.

A nominal value assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class. (e.g., 120/240 volts)

• Promote electrical safety awareness to all Team Members
• Evaluate work being performed and determine compliance with this program
• Ensure Team Members comply with all provisions of the Electrical Safety Program
• Ensure Team Members receive annual training appropriate to their assigned electrical tasks and maintain documentation of such training
• Develop and maintain a listing of all qualified Team Members under their supervision
• Determine requirements for a Team Member to become a qualified person for tasks related to their assigned duties. (Addendum 1)
• Ensure Team Members are provided with, and use, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• On annual basis for every Team Member, supervisor is responsible to observe that Team Member in a job setting to ensure proper PPE and safety requirements are followed.
• Approve all jobs and workers who are required to work on energized or damaged equipment.

• Follow the work practices described in this program, including the use of appropriate PPE and tools.
• Attend all training required by this program and your supervisor.
• Identify all risks present at a worksite prior to beginning work.
• Review this program upon initial hire or prior to performing any work which may expose you to electrical hazards.
• Immediately report any concerns related to electrical safety to your supervisor.
• Do not perform any electrical work without proper training and equipment.
• Team Members are empowered to stop work at any time if a situation poses a danger to life and/or property. All safety concerns should be brought up to the shop supervisor and/or Environment, Health & Safety to ensure that proper safety requirements are being met in the workplace.

• Develop and administer the Electrical Safety Program for the University at Buffalo.
• Evaluate work being performed and determine compliance with this program.
• Periodically review program and update to the most up-to-date standards from OSHA and NFPA.
• Provide or coordinate general training on the content of this program.
• Evaluate overall effectiveness of the program at least annually.
• Assist departments in implementation of this program.

• Complete arc flash analysis and appropriate labeling required by this program during project work.
• Place an emphasis on controlling electrical hazards through the application of engineering and design controls.
• Promote consistency in electrical installations throughout the various facilities.

The training requirements contained in this program shall apply to Team Members exposed to an electrical hazard when the risk associated with that hazard is not reduced to a safe level by the applicable electrical installation requirements. Such Team Members shall be trained to understand the specific hazards associated with electrical energy. They shall be trained in safety-related work practices and procedural requirements, as necessary, to provide protection from electrical hazards associated with their respective job or task assignments. Team Members shall be trained to identify and understand the relationship between electrical hazards and possible injury.

A qualified person shall be trained and knowledgeable in the construction and operation of equipment or a specific work method and be trained to identify and avoid the electrical hazards that might be present with respect to that equipment or work method.

• Such persons shall also be familiar with the proper use of the special precautionary techniques, applicable electrical policies and procedures, PPE, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools and test equipment.
• A person can be considered qualified with respect to certain equipment and tasks but still be unqualified for others.
• Such persons permitted to work within the limited approach boundary shall, at a minimum, be additionally trained in all of the following
  • (1) Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts from other parts of electrical equipment
  • (2) Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts
  • (3) Approach distances specified in NFPA 70E Table 130.4(D)(a) and Table 130.4(D)(b) and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed.
  • (4) Decision-making process necessary to be able to do the following:
    • a. Perform the job safety planning
    • b. Identify electrical hazards
    •  c. Assess the associated risk
    • d. Select the appropriate risk control methods from the hierarchy of controls, including PPE
• Qualified workers must be trained in lockout/tagout procedures contained in this program at least annually.

A Team Member who is undergoing on-the-job training for the purpose of obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary to be considered a qualified person, and who in the course of such training demonstrates an ability to perform specific duties safely at his or her level of training, and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person shall be considered to be a qualified person for the performance of those specific duties.

Team Members shall be trained to select an appropriate test instrument and shall demonstrate how to use a device to verify the presence/absence of voltage, including interpreting indications provided by the device. The training shall include information that enables the Team Member to understand all limitations of each test instrument that might be used.

The employer shall determine through regular supervision or through inspections conducted on at least an annual basis that each Team Member is complying with the safety-related work practices required by this standard.

Unqualified persons shall be trained in, and be familiar with, any electrical safety-related practices necessary for their safety. Awareness of electrical hazards should be part of the onboarding process of new Team Members who may be exposed to electrical hazards in their normal work duties. Unqualified personnel shall NOT be allowed to work on or be exposed to electrical hazards without the presence and oversight of a qualified worker.

Contact Release – Team Members exposed to shock hazards and those responsible for the safe release of a victim from contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts shall be trained in methods of safe release. Refresher training shall occur annually.

First Aid, Emergency Response, and Resuscitation - Team Members responsible for responding to medical emergencies shall be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Training shall occur at a frequency that satisfies the requirements of the certifying body.

Team Members shall be trained on the contents of this program upon initial hire or prior to being exposed to any electrical hazards. Refresher training shall occur at least annually for all qualified workers. Training may be performed in the classroom, on the job, or a combination of both.

The supervisor shall document and maintain records that each Team Member has received the training required by this program. This documentation shall be in accordance with the following.

• Be made when the Team Member demonstrates proficiency in the work practices involved.
• Be retained for the duration of the Team Members’ employment
• Contain the content of the training, each Team Member’s name, and dates of training.

All activities must be conducted in accordance with the applicable parts of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1910 Subpart S and 1926 Subpart K, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70, and NFPA 70B and 70E standards. When regulations conflict with each other, workers shall use the most stringent or restrictive guidelines for safety and operations.

• All electrical gear is considered energized until proven otherwise
• Safety is everyone’s responsibility. All Team Members are empowered to stop work if an unsafe condition exists which could cause harm to personnel or equipment. All safety concerns should be brought up to the shop supervisor and/or the Environment, Health & Safety Electrical Safety Specialist to ensure that proper safety requirements are being met in the workplace.
• De-energizing equipment shall be done whenever possible.
• Work on energized gear should be performed only under the following conditions.
  • 9-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards
  • Workers are performing visual or thermal inspection and not breaking the plane of the enclosure
  • De-energization is not possible due to equipment design or operational limitations
  • Energized equipment is required to diagnose a problem. Once problem is determined, de-energize equipment prior to repair unless another condition in this list exists.
  • The worker is not exposed to ANY voltage exceeding 50 volts
• Damaged equipment shall be considered energized (including the equipment enclosure) until all sections of the work boundary are verified to have zero voltage.
• Identify the hazards. Conduct an electrical hazard risk assessment. Identify steps that could create electrical shock or arc-flash hazards.
• Minimize the hazards. De-energize equipment and insulate or isolate exposed live parts so contact cannot be made. If this is impossible, obtain and wear proper PPE and tools.
• Make sure all involved Team Members understand their abilities and training. No Team Members should be exposed to unnecessary risks or to unfamiliar risks.

ASSUME ALL EQUIPMENT IS ENERGIZED UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE

Personnel are required to conduct IVV checks prior to beginning maintenance on electrical equipment and systems to verify it is deenergized. Equipment is considered energized until IVV checks verify it is deenergized.

A person must have high voltage training to perform IVV’s on systems with a nominal voltage greater than 600 volts. Personnel shall not work alone when verifying circuits with nominal voltages exceeding 50 volts are deenergized. Voltages under 50 volts shall be noted and minimized to the maximum extent possible, however are not considered to be work on energized gear.

When performing IVV checks, ensure that metering and control circuits are checked, as well as power circuits. In many cases, metering and control circuits are connected to the supply side of the circuit breaker or supplied from a separate source. A check only on the load side of a circuit breaker may indicate that power is deenergized after the circuit breaker is open, but such checks give no assurance that associated metering and control circuits are deenergized.

Make sure that removable test leads connections on portable meters are tight. Shock, arc flash, and fire hazards are created if the meter end of an energized test lead is allowed to come loose during a check of energized circuits. Only the portion of the test leads necessary to make contact with the electric circuit or meter should be bare conductors, all other portions must be insulated.

The electrical charge retained by secured electrical equipment may be great enough to cause a shock. This danger must be considered before touching the terminals to apparently deenergized equipment. Components such as capacitors can maintain stored energy and should be discharged to ground through the use of a grounding probe. By creating a path to ground, touching the terminals of the capacitor should release the stored energy in a safe manner. This should be done after the circuit is verified deenergized but while PPE is still being worn during the IVV checks.

Stray or induced voltages can occur in isolated equipment due to electromagnetic coupling from another energized AC source. This can occur when energized wiring and non-energized wiring are located in close proximity to each other such as in the same conduit or cableway. This condition can form a simple transformer and allows inductive coupling between the energized wiring and adjacent electrically isolated wiring, resulting in a voltage being present in the isolated wiring. Generated voltage from an un-powered rotating induction motor, such as a windmilling fan, can also induce a voltage into the circuit as the motor acts like a generator, inducting voltage to a secured circuit.

To determine if voltage is considered to be stray voltage, use an analog meter to measure the circuit. As you change the meter scale, the voltage readout will change. (i.e. may read 30 volts on a 1-50V scale but will read 60 volts on 1-100V scale). The magnitude of the voltage will decrease as the meter scale decreases due to the lowering input impedance of the meter.

Note: If induced or capacitive voltage cannot be lowered to less than 50V, the circuit must be treated as energized

• Ensure all involved personnel are properly briefed, understanding the work to be conducted, the voltages expected or possible in the work space, the proper PPE required to perform the task, and are aware of the associated hazards that may be present within and around the workspace. Workers must remove any conductive materials such as watches, belt buckles, and jewelry which could create an additional risk to the worker for electrical shock.
• Check properly rated multi-meter and leads are in good condition and read less than 1 ohm when connected together.
• Identify a proper ground to be used for checking for voltage.
• To verify a circuit is deenergized, first connect the leads of a multimeter to a known energized circuit to ensure the device is working properly. When testing AC voltage, it is recommended to use a standard 120-volt AC outlet for tester verification. If testing for DC voltage, a standard 9-volt DC battery is sufficient to verify operation of the multimeter. No PPE is required for verifying the multimeter is done as described above. • While verifying a circuit deenergized, put on the applicable PPE in accordance with the University’s Arc Flash policy.
• Verify equipment deenergized starting with internal components on the door/cover and working inwards.
• Connect the leads of the meter across the power source phases (if three phase system) and from each power source phase to ground to verify deenergized. Be sure to also verify control and metering circuits are deenergized testing phase to ground.
• If unexpected voltage is found during the IVV, STOP WORK IMMEDIATELY AND NOTIFY SUPERVISORS. If induced voltage is suspected, determine as discussed in section 6.2.
• Recheck multimeter on the same known energized circuit to ensure that device is still working properly.
• Maintenance may now begin. PPE is no longer required and electrical safety boundaries can be relaxed.
• If maintenance has been secured (workers have left the worksite unattended) and is to restart, perform safe to work checks per section 6.2.2 prior to commencing work.

The purpose of safe to work checks are to re-verify a work boundary is still de-energized after the work area has been left unattended. This includes returning to a worksite after a shift change or in cases where a lockout was left overnight. It is possible that the work boundary could have been compromised by other work occurring while the area has been left unattended, therefore safe work boundaries shall be re-verified prior to restarting work.

• Re-verify the lock out tagout requirements are still present on isolations.
• Verify the work documents are still applicable and have not been altered since work stopped.
• If the physical work boundary has been changed, IVV’s must be performed for the new work boundary.
• Wear the properly rated gloves to perform STW checks. These gloves must be the same rated gloves that were worn during the IVV checks
• Use a properly rated multimeter to perform a check for voltages. Ensure the multimeter has been verified on a known live source as described in the IVV procedure.
• Once the work area has been re-verified deenergized, it is safe to work.
• If all circuits involved are 50 volts or less, STW checks are not required.

• For Arc Flash PPE requirements refer to University Facilities Health & Safety Policy and Procedures: Arc Flash
• For Arc flash PPE requirements NFPA 70E section 130.7 tables may also be referred to for guidance.

The following requirements apply to potable electric tools and equipment, both cord, and plug connected and temporarily hard-wired. This also includes the use and inspection of extension cords.

Portable electrical tools and equipment shall be visually inspected before each use for the following conditions:

• Pinched, crushed, nicked, or frayed cord jacket
• Damaged plug or missing pins
• Damage to grounding means, such as terminals, straps, or pins.
• Signs of loosening, fraying, or overheating of the plug, cord, or tool
• External casing defects, such as cracks, damaged, or loose components, or missing screws
• Damaged or missing guards
• Damaged wheels or blades
• Signs of leaking fluids
• Missing cover plate
• Loose or Frayed conductors at terminal points
• Damaged strain relief cord connectors

Portable equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) that remain connected once they are put in place and are not exposed to damage shall not be required to be visually inspected until they are relocated. Any defective or damaged component must be removed from service immediately and disposed of or repaired by a qualified person.

Additional Requirements:

• All extension cords MUST be three wire type and of the proper rating to handle the current of the load.
• Personnel performing work in damp or wet locations must use GFCI protected power sources or have a built in GFCI protector.
• All work being performed on a construction site must use GFCI protected power sources of have built in GFCI protection.
• Cords must be covered by a protector, mat, or tape when extending into or across a walkway or other path of travel to minimize trip hazards and damage from foot or cart traffic.
• Temporary lights and equipment must not be suspended by their cords
• Power strips must be plugged directly into a power outlet. You may not connect power strips into an extension cord. You also may not use more than one extension cord in series.

Electrical work in areas where standing or spraying water creates additional safety risks should not be performed unless it is absolutely critical. Electrical work should be postponed until the liquid can be cleaned up or redirected. If work must be performed under these conditions the following additional steps should be taken.

• Permission must be received by the department director (or their designee) and the EH&S Electrical Safety Specialist prior to beginning work
• Only use electrical cords that are protected by GFCI
• Deenergize local equipment to the maximum extent possible within the arc flash boundary.
• Place a dry barrier over any wet or damp work surfaces
• Do not work in areas of standing water
• Keep all electrical cords away from standing water
• Arc flash PPE must be worn for the entirety of the work, even after IVV’s have been performed due to the additional risks the wet areas create for the workers.

Each disconnecting means – the switch or device used to disconnect the circuit from power source must be clearly labeled to indicate the circuit’s function, unless it is located and arranged so the purpose is evident. Identification should be specific rather than general. For example, a branch circuit should be labeled “Main Office North Wall Receptacles”, not simply labeled “Receptacles”.

Switches and disconnects used to run equipment or machinery must be labeled with the supplying breaker identification to allow for quick isolation of the equipment.

For all newly added or renovated electrical distribution panels, arc flash calculations and labels shall be applied directly to the equipment enclosure.

If a piece of equipment has an isolation that is not readily apparent or located in a different space, the equipment must be labeled with the proper lockout/tagout isolation and location of the isolation.

Hardwired equipment that can be accessed for maintenance and distribution panels shall be labeled with the voltages present within the equipment as well as the power supplies for that equipment.

All labels must be visible from the access area of the equipment without the need to touch or open the equipment.

Refer to NFPA 70E section 130.9 for work requirements and precautions

NFPA 70E table 130.4(E)(a) defines the limited approach boundary for overhead lines

When considering the limited approach boundary, assume that the line extends to the ground. This means that if the line is 20 feet in the air, we are NOT allowed to work directly under the line up to 10 feet assuming a 10-foot limited approach boundary. The ten foot is from the ground directly under the line extending outwards.

When working within two times the limited approach boundary (between 10 and 20 feet from the overhead lines) a spotter must be used at all times to ensure the limited approach boundary is not impeded upon.

This does not apply to work being performed on the ground under lines, only if elevated work is being done where a person is not standing directly at ground level.

Prior to any excavations (digging, drilling, placing stakes in the ground, etc.) being performed on campus, a ticket must be submitted and completed through UDIGNY. During normal business hours, Bruce Stisser in Design & Construction shall be notified at 716-645-2612 ext. 352 or by email at bstisser@buffalo.edu prior to submitting a dig ticket for work on campus. For after hours or for emergency repairs, Bruce Stisser should be notified as soon as possible, however, direct contact to UDIGNY for an emergency dig ticket may be necessary based on the work required to be completed.

Whenever burial of electrical lines takes place, detectable underground warning tape shall be buried above the electric line to provide easy detection and proximity warning for future excavations.

Whenever energized or potentially energized lines are exposed in excavation, qualified persons shall establish and mark boundaries as a first priority to prevent unqualified persons from entering the restricted area.

If during excavation, an electric line is found unexpectedly, damaged, or cut, excavation work shall stop immediately and a qualified person shall be called to the site to secure the line and determine if the excavation can safely continue.

Before cutting or drilling into equipment, floors, walls, or structural elements where a likelihood of contacting energized lines or parts exists, a risk assessment shall be performed to:

• Identify and mark the location of conductors, cables, raceways, or equipment
• Create an electrically safe work condition
• Identify safe work practices and PPE to be used

Thermal imaging cameras can be a useful tool for monitoring and troubleshooting electrical equipment. However, operating these cameras can be cumbersome with the arc flash PPE requirements. In order for the conditions of this section to apply, work MUST be performed by at least two people where one person is performing the visual/thermal inspection and the other person is opening access to the energized equipment. The relaxed PPE requirements are only a minimum PPE requirement. At any time, a worker may choose to use additional PPE/safety precautions for their personal comfort.

In order to open any enclosure to expose energized equipment >50 volts the proper arc flash PPE MUST be worn.

According to the NFPA 70E, if the person removing the panel covers must wear full arc-rated clothing and PPE, the thermographer/visual inspector could elect to not wear arc-rated clothing and PPE if:

• They did not cross the restricted approach boundary per NFPA 130.4(E)(a),
• Break the plane of the enclosure; and
• Did not interact with the equipment in any way.
• They are not wearing any metal or conductive materials that are exposed outside of their clothing (i.e. rings, earrings, watches, etc.)
• NFPA 70E represents minimum arc flash safety practices, not best safe work practices. Any qualified person about to perform a task that exposes them to electrical hazards must perform a full risk assessment, including a shock risk assessment and an arc flash risk assessment.
• Once the panel covers are off and the area secured and inspected for additional possible hazards, then the thermographer can enter and perform the scan, wearing appropriate PPE for that level risk.

Equipment condition is a critical part of arc flash PPE assessment. As an example, see the table below, which is a partial table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a).

Also, be aware that even where the task of infrared thermography in Table 130.7 (C)(15)(A)(a) states “No PPE Required” in any condition, technicians cannot knowingly put themselves at risk, which is why the risk assessment is so critical.

Safety from electrical hazards during work can best be ensured by completely deenergizing equipment. Any evolution (maintenance, testing, or operation) being performed where energized circuits are Readily Accessible by incidental contact with tools or personnel is considered work on energized gear. The term work in the vicinity of energized gear should not be used, because it may confuse workers and supervisors to the risks present. This section cannot address every situation and circumstance where work on energized gear might be required. All energized work shall be approved by the shop supervisor. Electrical workers and their supervisors must evaluate the hazards that may exist and take the appropriate precautions to mitigate these risks. Every job must be approached with a focus on what could go wrong and careful consideration of the worst-case risk inherent in what is being planned. No electrical work, no matter how frequently performed, should be considered routine; steps should always be taken to remove dangers and keep personnel safe. Energized work, in particular, should always be viewed and planned as abnormal.

• Ensure a safety brief is conducted prior to commencing work. Ensure all affected personnel are properly briefed, understand the work that is being conducted, and qualified to perform the work, and are aware of the associated hazards.
• Never work on energized gear alone. A person trained in first aid for electrical shock shall be present as a safety observer. The safety observer shall know which circuits and switches deenergize the equipment, and must be given instructions to operate those immediately if needed due to shock or arc flash. The safety observer shall not become involved in activities that would distract from the responsibilities discussed above.
• Minimize work on energized equipment. Work on energized equipment should only be done when absolutely necessary based on the nature of the work or the criticality of the systems involved. Equipment shall be deenergized to the maximum extent possible. Remotely controlled circuit breakers and metering circuits shall be disabled by removing control power fuses.
• • Workers shall be electrically safe. Workers inside the electrical safety boundary shall not wear watches, rings, chains, metal articles, or loose clothing that might accidentally contact energized parts or cause some part of their bodies to come into contact with mechanical/electrical active components.
• Use only one hand to do work if practical.
• PPE shall be based on the arc flash category of the equipment being worked on.
• Use only electrically insulated tools with an insulating material that covers exposed metals.
• The risk of heart failure from an electrical shock is elevated when working on energized gear. If possible, having a certified person in CPR/AED as the safety observer can help reduce this risk. All workers shall be instructed on proper procedures to follow should an electrical shock occur including actions to take should emergency services be required for assistance.

Article 110.16 of the National Electric Code states “Electrical equipment, such as switchboards, switchgear, enclosed panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures, and motor control centers, that is in other than dwelling units, and is likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, shall be field or factory marked to warn qualified persons of potential arc flash hazards.”

Table 9.2.2 of the NFPA 70B states that all equipment must undergo infrared thermography at least annually unless otherwise specified by manufacturers recommendations. Since infrared thermography is considered maintenance, all electrical equipment falls under the labeling requirements of the NEC.

NFPA 70E 130.5 (H) States that the equipment shall be labeled with the nominal system voltage, arc flash boundary and at least one of the following. Available incident energy and the corresponding work distance, or the arc flash PPE category required, the minimum arc rating of clothing required, or site-specific levels of PPE required to be worn by personnel working on the equipment.

All arc flash calculations required for these labels shall be documented and updated either when there is a change to the system which would change the arc flash calculation or every five years, whichever is less.

For further applications of the arc flash program refer to the University at Buffalo Arc Flash Health & Safety Policy and Procedures.

Electrical repairs and modifications must be performed by a qualified Facilities person or a licensed electrician. Unauthorized modifications are not permitted. Unqualified personnel are only authorized to reset GFCIs or disconnect switches that can be operated without opening an enclosure on campus. If a breaker were to trip, a qualified person would be required to investigate the cause and reset the tripped breaker. This is to ensure that equipment damage or fire does not occur due to resetting power circuits.

If a lab or facility on campus hires a licensed electrician to work on campus. The electrical shop must be notified of the scope of work being completed as well as the person(s) completing the work. No electrical contract work may occur on campus without notification to Facilities and their authorization. Electrical contractors may only be allowed to work on equipment owned or operated by the lab. Alteration of any University at Buffalo electrical systems is not authorized to be performed by outside contractors without express permission from University at Buffalo Facilities.

The following are requirements specific to electrical safety in the laboratory. This section applies to all staff and students conducting work in labs at the University at Buffalo.

Safe work practices

• Keep corrosive chemicals and organic solvents away from electrical cords, these can easily erode the insulation from wires.
• Minimize the use of electrical equipment in cold rooms or other areas where condensation is likely. If equipment must be used in such areas, mount the equipment on a wall or vertical panel.
• If water or a chemical is spilled onto equipment, shut off power at the main switch or circuit breaker and unplug the equipment.
• Permanent electrical outlets must be installed for all stationary electrical equipment and appliances (freezers, heaters, refrigerators, etc.).
• Any equipment requiring bonding or grounding must be electrically connected to the permanent grounding receptacles in the lab. University at Buffalo policy doesn’t allow for bonding to copper piping or other structural grounds.
• The grounding prong on an electrical plug must never be removed.
• Three prong to two prong adapters are not authorized for use on campus.
• GFCI outlets shall be used in all new or remodeled lab spaces.

Housekeeping duties may not be performed close to live parts unless adequate safeguards, such as insulating equipment or barriers are provided. Electrically conductive materials including steel wool, metalized cloth and silicon carbide, as well as conductive liquid solutions may not be used near energized parts unless procedures are followed which prevent electrical contact typically through de-energization.

Illumination shall be provided for all working spaces with service equipment, switchboards, panel boards, or motor control centers installed indoors. Team Members shall not enter these spaces containing electrical hazards unless illumination is provided that enables the Team Members to perform work safely. Additional lighting outlets shall not be required where work space is illuminated by an adjacent light source. In electrical equipment rooms, the illumination shall not be controlled by automatic means only.

Where lack of illumination or an obstruction precludes the observation of the work to be performed, Team Members shall not perform any task within the Limited Approach Boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more or where an electrical hazard exists.

Fuses are safety devices installed in power and lighting circuits and in control circuits to protect the equipment and circuits from damage due to excessive current. When a fuse is removed from a circuit, it shall be replaced with a fuse of the proper type (A, B, C, etc.). Never replace with a higher fuse rating or different fuse type. Never short out a blown fuse.

Only use properly rated and sized fuse pullers to install and remove fuses. Use of tools such as a screwdriver can damage fuse clips leading to future risk of fire or malfunction. Internal fuses may never be replaced while the equipment is energized. This will cause arcing and has a chance or arc flash and fuse explosion.

• Team Members working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards must use PPE that is appropriate for the specific work to be performed. The electrical tools and protective equipment must be specifically approved, rated, and tested for the levels of voltage to which a Team Member may be exposed.
• The University shall determine the required PPE to meet the NFPA 70E standard and provide, as needed, electrical protective equipment (e.g. Arc Flash Gear) required by this program. Such equipment may include Arc Flash apparel, eye protection, head protection, hand protection, insulated footwear, and face shield where necessary. It is the responsibility of each individual team member to ensure that all materials on their person or in their work area are appropriate for the use. Only the PPE that is provided by the university may be worn as improper combinations of equipment can lead to loss of arc flash protection.
• Team Members shall wear nonconductive head protection whenever there is a danger of head injury from electric shock or burns due to contact with live parts (working on ladder or in ceiling), or from flying objects resulting from electrical explosion.
• Team Members shall wear protective equipment for the eyes whenever there is a danger of injury from electric arcs, flashes, or from flying objects resulting from an electrical explosion.
• Team Members shall wear rubber insulating gloves where there is danger of hand or arm contact with live parts or possible exposure to arc flash burn. Gloves shall be tested for leaks and within expiration date or recertified prior to use.
• Where insulated footwear is used as protection against step or touch potential, dielectric overshoes shall be required. Insulated soles shall not be used as primary electrical protection.
• Face shields must have arc rating for electrical work. Safety glasses or goggles must always be worn underneath face shields.
• Additional illumination may be needed when using tinted face shields as protection during electrical work.
• Electrical Protective Equipment must be selected to meet the criteria established by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) and by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• Insulating equipment made of material other than rubber shall provide electrical and mechanical protection at least equal to that of rubber.
• PPE must be maintained in a safe, reliable condition and be inspected for damage prior to each use and immediately following any incident that can reasonably be suspected of having caused damage.
• Team Members must use insulated tools and handling equipment that are rated for the voltages to be encountered when working near exposed energized conductors or circuits. Tools and handling equipment should be replaced if the insulating capacity is decreased due to damage. All tools' ratings must be defaced prior to disposal to prevent future use.
• Fuse handling equipment (insulated for circuit voltage) must be used to remove or install fuses.
• Ropes and hand lines used near exposed energized parts must be non-conductive.
• Protective shields, barriers, or insulating materials must be used to protect each Team Member from shock, burns, or other electrical injuries that might result from that person’s accidental contacting energized equipment, or where dangerous electric heating or arcing may occur.

The properly rated FR clothing must be worn based on the arc flash category of the equipment being worked on. NFPA 70E annex H provides guidance on selection of protective clothing, and other PPE required for work. NFPA 70E Annex M also provides guidance on layering of protective clothing if a higher protection level is required than the rating of the supplied FR gear. The University at Buffalo will provide the necessary properly rated FR gear to team members who are part of this program and whose work activities require them to be in areas where they may be exposed to arc flash hazards in the workplace. Workers are not authorized to work on electrical equipment without the proper PPE being worn.

General Principals:

• FR apparel shall be visually inspected before each use. FR apparel that is contaminated or damaged shall not be used. Protective items that become contaminated with grease, oil, flammable liquids, or combustible liquids shall not be used.
• The garment manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance of FR apparel shall be followed.
• When the apparel is worn to protect a Team Member, it shall cover all ignitable clothing and allow for movement and visibility.
• FR apparel must cover potentially exposed areas as completely as possible. FR shirt sleeves must be fastened and down to the wrist, and FR shirts/jackets must be closed at the neck.
• Non-melting, flammable garment (I.e. cotton, wool, and silk) may be used as underlayers next to the skin. An incidental amount of elastic used on non-melting fabric shall be permitted.
• Fibers that can melt, such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and spandex shall not be permitted in fabric underlayers next to the skin.
• Garments worn as outer layers over FR apparel (I.e. jackets and rainwear) must also be made from FR material.
• Flash suits must permit easy and rapid removal by the user.
• Apparel shall be inspected prior to and following each use and not used if damaged.

• Rubber insulating equipment includes protective devices such as gloves, sleeves, blankets, and matting.
• Insulating equipment must be inspected for damage prior to each use and immediately following any incident that could have caused damage.
• An air test must be performed on rubber-insulating gloves before each use.
• Insulating equipment found to have defects that might affect its insulating properties must be removed from service until testing indicates that it is acceptable for continued use.
• Where the insulating capability of protective equipment is subject to damage during use, the insulating material shall be protected by an outer covering of leather or other appropriate materials.
• Rubber insulating equipment must be tested according to the schedule supplied by the manufacturer.
• Rubber-insulating material must be stored in an area protected from light, temperature extremes, excessive humidity, ozone, and other substances and conditions that may cause damage.
• Repairs to rubber insulating equipment are not allowed; damaged equipment shall be defaced, disposed of and new equipment acquired.

• Only insulated tools and equipment shall be used within the limited approach boundary of exposed or potentially energized parts.
• Insulated tools shall be rated for voltages on which they are used.
• Insulated tools shall be designed and constructed for the environment to which they are exposed and the manner which they are used.
• Fuse pullers or fuse handling tools shall be used when installing or removing fuses at all times.
• Ropes and hand lines used near energized parts shall be non-conductive
• Portable ladders used for electrical work shall have nonconductive side rails and be maintained per manufacturer specifications.

• Barricades shall be used in conjunction with safety signs to prevent or limit access to work areas containing potentially live parts. Conductive barricades shall not be used where they might cause an electrical hazard. Barricades shall be placed no closer than the limited approach boundary.
• If signs and barricades to not provide sufficient protection, an attendant will be assigned to warn and protect pedestrians. The primary duty of the attendant shall be to keep an unqualified person out of the work area where an electrical hazard exists. The attendant shall remain in the area as long as there is a potential exposure to electric hazards.
  

The goal of this program is to eliminate to the maximum extent possible electrical shocks on campus, and the health and safety of our Team Members are of the upmost importance.

All electrical shocks pose a risk to the worker no matter how small the shock may be. If a worker receives an electrical shock, immediately call University Police at 716-645-2222 and then inform Environment Health and Safety as well as the worker’s shop supervisor. If possible, deenergize the electrical equipment completely to create a safe space for first responders. If de-energization isn’t possible, ensure responders are aware of the electrical hazards in the area and take steps to minimize hazards to the maximum extent possible

If a person receives any electrical shock, it is mandatory that they are taken to a medical facility to be evaluated or receive an evaluation by a qualified medical professional, as even minor shocks can disrupt the body’s electrical system and can cause cardiac abnormalities up to 24 hours after the initial shock. All electrical shocks and close calls must be reported via the proper reporting procedures for your department.

Most electrical fires can be extinguished by securing power to the equipment. If power can be secured in a safe manner, immediately turn off power to the malfunctioning equipment. Call University Police at 716-645-2222 to report the fire, even if the fire has appeared to have gone out.

All electrical equipment that has or may have been damaged by an arc blast or fire must be treated as energized until proven otherwise. This includes the electrical housing which could be energized due to damage within the enclosure. The equipment shall not be restored to service until relevant shop supervisor or repairing contractor has verified acceptable repairs have been made to the equipment and it is safe to restore to service.

Justin Miller MBA, CESCP, CPSI
Safety Engineer
Environment, Health and Safety

Training is a combination of classroom, hands on, and on the job training to become a qualified electrical worker. The shop supervisor ultimately determines if a worker is qualified to perform a certain task based on training, experience, and technical abilities.

All training records must be documented and retained for the duration of the team members employment at the University at Buffalo.

• Fluke offers a free online “Digital Multimeter Basics” online course at https://www.fluke.com/en-us/learn/online-courses/digital-multimeter-basics-online-course
• All Team members that will be issued or work with electrical test equipment should complete this course.
• Following the course, team members will complete a hands-on training showing proper use of the electrical testing gear used by their shop.

• All team members shall be familiar with and trained on the safety requirements of this program and the NFPA 70E standard.
• Training must be conducted at a minimum every three years on the NFPA 70E with annual refresher trainings occurring for overall electrical safety.
• All team members must be trained and familiar with emergency procedures and response to an electrical shock.
• All team members shall be familiar with and trained annually on the University lock out/tag out program including an annual verification of each employee performing a lock out/tag out on electrical equipment.

Each shop supervisor shall determine the extent of on the job training a team member should have prior to performing tasks.

The image compares three categories of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) based on minimum arc ratings, which measure the protection needed when working with electrical arcs. Here's a summary:

PPE Category 1

• Minimum Arc Rating: 4 cal/cm²
• Arc Rated Clothing:
  • AR long-sleeve shirt and pants or AR coverall
  • AR face shield or AR flash suit hood
  • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
• Protective Equipment:
  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Hearing protection (with inserts)
  • Heavy-duty leather gloves
  • Leather footwear (as needed)

PPE Category 2

• Minimum Arc Rating: 8 cal/cm²
• Arc Rated Clothing:
  • AR long-sleeve shirt and pants or AR coverall
  • AR flash suit hood, AR face shield, or AR balaclava
  • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
• Protective Equipment:
  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Hearing protection (with inserts)
  • Heavy-duty leather gloves
  • Leather footwear (as needed)

PPE Category 3

• Minimum Arc Rating: 25 cal/cm²
• Arc Rated Clothing:
  • AR long-sleeve shirt and pants, AR coverall, AR flash suit jacket, and/or AR flash suit pants (as required)
  • AR flash suit hood
  • AR gloves
  • AR jacket, parka, rainwear, or hard hat liner (as needed)
• Protective Equipment:
  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses or goggles
  • Hearing protection (with inserts)
  • Leather footwear (as needed)

This chart outlines the different PPE levels required for different arc ratings, highlighting the increasing complexity and protection required as arc ratings increase.