Work in Excess of 600 Volts - hdbk109220040112

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

7.0 WORK IN EXCESS OF 600 VOLTS

Qualified and competent electrical workers are required to perform a variety of tasks with and

around higher voltage electricity, electrical equipment, and apparatus. The nature of such work

necessitates an understanding of applicable safety policies and rules.

Many electrical hazards and work practices are the same regardless of the voltage involved.

However, due to the nature of high voltage work, there are many hazards and work practices

that are specifically related to high voltage. Refer to chapter 2 of this document for more details.

7.1

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SAFETY

This section provides safety guidelines and requirements for carrying out assigned job tasks. It

is essential that each employee exercise sound judgment to perform assigned tasks safely.

Safety is the responsibility of each employee.

7.1.1

WORKERS

The greatest responsibility for a worker's safety lies directly with the worker. This means that all

workers are responsible for performing their work in a manner that does not endanger

themselves, their co-workers, or others in the area and for complying with safety rules and

requirements. Workers should not rely solely on the care exercised by another for their

protection. Workers are encouraged to contribute to the safety program and bring to the

attention of their supervisors or safety representative any condition they believe is unsafe.

Other safety responsibilities of workers include the following:

1. The worker should examine the work area for existing hazards and proceed in a safe

manner.

2. When seen in a dangerous situation, fellow workers should be warned in such a manner as

to avoid confusing, startling, or suddenly alarming them.

3. Before climbing poles, ladders, or other such structures or before working on scaffolds,

workers shall make a careful inspection to determine whether the structures are safe and

are properly supported. Workers should not carry anything in their hands while ascending or

descending ladders. Small objects or tools may be carried in pockets or pouches. Larger

objects, however, should be raised or lowered by use of hand lines or ropes and blocks.

Others working nearby or below should remain out of line of the work area in case anything

should accidentally be dropped.

4. It is the responsibility of each worker to attend safety meetings. Workers should also make a

practice of learning safety information made available to them that will help them perform

their work more safely.

5. The worker shall report to the supervisor any personal injury as defined by the facility as

soon as possible.

6. The worker should exercise care and good judgment when lifting heavy material, obtaining

help if the object is too heavy or awkward for one person to handle.

7-1