Energized Electrical Work Program
Energized electrical work refers to any work performed on or near exposed energized parts of 50 volts or greater, or within the flash protection boundary.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, 3% of all occupational fatalities occurred due to exposure of electricity (159 total). Nearly 63% of those fatalities occurred during constructing, repairing, or cleaning activities (100 total) and 23% while using or operating tools and machinery (36 total).
If the human body has direct contact with an electrically energized source a current will flow from the direct contact point, traverse the body, and exit through another contact point. Currents entering the body, even at levels as low as 3 milliamperes, can cause serious injuries.
The purpose of PSU Energized Electrical Work program is to protect employees and the public from the risk of electrical shock and Arc flash hazards and to protect PSU from the risk of damage to electrical equipment, fire damage, and disruption of essential campus functions.
Regulatory Requirements
This written program was developed to comply with all Oregon OSHA requirements and additionally includes provisions from NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
OR-OSHA Rules and Publications for Electrical Work
Energized Electrical Work
OSHA and NFPA 70E require all energized circuit parts and equipment be de-energized and locked out before any employee or contractor performs any electrical procedure. Energized electrical work should only be performed as a last resort if the required installation can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional or increased hazards, or is infeasible due to equipment design or operations limitations.
PSU’s Signing Electrical Supervisor must approve all energized electrical work (EEW) to be performed by any PSU employee or contractor and requires an EEW Plan (Appendix A of PSU’s EEW Program).
De-Energizing Electrical Parts and Equipment
Please refer to the EHS Lockout/Tagout webpage for more information on de-energizing parts and equipment prior to performing electrical work.