Executive Summary - hdbk10920237

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Task Group on Electrical Safety of Department of Energy Facilities, in its January 1993 report,

described a Model Electrical Safety Program. This concept has been expanded from its original

narrative form into more detailed guidelines, drawing upon the electrical safety program of the

Sandia National Laboratory for additional material. This model program is offered to the entire

Department of Energy (DOE) complex as guidance to assist in developing and maintaining an

effective and sound electrical safety program to ensure the safety and well being of all DOE,

including contractor, and subcontractor employees working within any DOE site or facility. The

model program has been designed to address the major areas of concern identified by the Task Group.

In essence, an Electrical Safety Program for protecting DOE and contractor workers and facilities

should be founded firmly on established requirements of OSHA's electrical safety regulations in 29

CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926, National Electrical Code (NEC), DOE Orders and applicable state,

local, mine, and tunnel safety standards. This program should establish an electrically safe

workplace--free from recognized electrical hazards for all employees. Management should commit

to involvement at all levels based on familiarity with the requirements.

Each site should establish an electrical safety committee and designate an Authority Having

Jurisdiction (AHJ) for interpreting the electrical requirements of OSHA, NEC, and other standards

applicable to the site or its facilities. All personnel engaged in electrical work should be trained to

have knowledge and understanding of electrical safe work practices. Appropriate electrical testing

equipment and personal protective equipment should be provided, properly maintained and used.

A proactive preventive maintenance and inspection program for electrical systems and equipment

should be in place and staffed by qualified electricians.

All electrical equipment purchases should meet appropriate codes and electrical safety requirements,

as determined by a nationally recognized testing laboratory or as approved by the AHJ.

Before a site can have a successful electrical safety program, a continuous improvement effort and

commitment must be clearly understood and shared throughout the site.

Each facility must demonstrate continuous improvement for design, construction, operation,

maintenance and revisions at the site. Improvements must be tested against changing codes and

regulations as they are made.

The ten principles of personal safety are as follows:

1. Plan every job--Planning is the key to preventing incidents therefore, eliminating injuries.

2. Anticipate unexpected events--If a person thinks about what can go wrong and does

something about it, then a potential incident can be prevented.

3. Use the right tool for the job--Each employee must make sure that the correct tool is used and

management must make sure the correct tool is available.

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