A. Risk Assessment

An electrical safety risk assessment is a pre-work process which includes a review of potential electrical hazards, the associated foreseeable tasks, and the protective measures that are required in order to maintain a tolerable level of risk.

1. Safe Work Practices ^{2, 3, 4}

Identify safe work practices with regard to hazards encountered on the job and associated risk with respect to assigned tasks ²

Level 2 technicians are expected to have sufficient knowledge and experience to be qualified for assuring their own safety. A minimum of 40 hours classroom training in safety is required and will cover general construction and electrical safety.

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.145: General Environmental Controls
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.331: Electrical Scope
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332: Electrical Training
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333: Selection and use of work practices
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.334: Use of equipment
• OSHA 29 CFR 1910.335: Safeguards for personnel protection
• OSHA 1910 Subpart D - Walking-Working Surfaces
• OSHA 1910 Subpart J - General Environmental Controls
• OSHA 1926 Subpart L - Scaffolds
• OSHA 1926 Subpart M - Fall Protection
• OSHA 1926 Subpart X - Stairways and Ladders
• OSHA 1910.1200 - Hazard Communication
• What Makes a Qualified Electrical Worker
• Portable and Mobile Ladder Safety
• Globally Harmonized System for Hazard Communication

Identify safe work practices with regard to hazards encountered on the job ^{3, 4}

Level 3 and 4 technicians are responsible for themselves and expected to have sufficient knowledge to protect the safety of others. Level 4 technicians are responsible for supervising large projects and multiple crews.

• OSHA 1926 Subpart C - General Safety and Health Provisions
• See Section 3: Safe Work Environments

2. Protection Boundaries ^{2, 3, 4}

Determine the location and implications of shock and arc-flash protection boundaries

NFPA 70E stipulates two approach boundaries in addition to the arc flash protection boundary that must be known and observed. The shock hazard boundaries are dependent on the system voltage.

• NFPA 70e Arc Flash Assessment and Labeling Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions about Arc Flash
• NFPA 70E Arc Flash and Shock Hazard Boundaries Explained

3. Safe Work Environments ^{3, 4}

Identify requirements to create a safe work environment on the job site

Identifying and mitigating potential job hazards is important to prevent possible injuries or accidents. Before starting each job that involves exposure to electrical hazards, the employee in charge shall complete a job safety plan and conduct a job briefing with the employees involved.

• Key Points of NFPA 70E’s Safe Work Practices
• Communicating Hazards During the Pre-Job Briefing
• Electrical Service Work and Worker Fatigue
• Troubleshooting Human Error to Ensure Safety
• Limiting Arc Flash Exposure on Low-Voltage Systems
• Best Practices for Arc-Flash Mitigation
• Implementing electrical safety programs
• Tips for recognizing alcohol abuse and suicidal thoughts

Last Update: Sep 16, 2023