Research & Development

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

10.0 RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

The DOE complex engages in a variety of Research & Development (R&D) activities that often

incorporate the design and use of special or unusual apparatus and equipment in its facilities.

10.1

PURPOSE

Requirements of existing electrical codes, recognized industry standards, and DOE Orders do not

specifically address these types of apparatus. Even with these specialized R&D needs, the workplace

must be maintained free of known hazards that cause, or are likely to cause, death or serious injury.

Special efforts must therefore be made to ensure adequate electrical safety beginning with design

and continuing through development, fabrication and construction, modification, installation,

inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of R&D electrical apparatus and facilities. This

section provides guidelines to complement existing electrical codes and recognized industry

standards in conformance with DOE Orders and OSHA requirements.

Because of the differences in R&D program requirements in the DOE complex and the unpredictability

of R&D activities, it is impractical to establish a single set of electrical safety requirements to be

applied uniformly. General electrical safety guidelines, however, apply across the DOE complex.

This section contains safety criteria for the DOE complex in the design, development, fabrication

and construction, modification, installation, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance of R&D

electrical apparatus and facilities. Personnel safety shall be the primary consideration. When

conflicts between electrical codes, recognized industry standards, DOE Orders, or regulations arise,

the requirement that addresses the particular hazard and provides the greater personnel safety

protection shall govern.

10.2

SCOPE

This section addresses R&D electrical systems which are not specifically addressed elsewhere in the

Electrical Safety Handbook. The electrical environment of the DOE complex is extremely varied,

ranging from low-voltage electronic circuits to common office and industrial electrical systems to

large, high-voltage power distribution systems to high-voltage/low-current and low-voltage/high-

current systems associated with R&D programs. Electrical systems of all types are an integral part

of R&D operations and associated support work.

10.3 COMPLIANCE WITH OSHA

It is important to note that special types of work on R&D electrical systems (e.g., electronic circuits)

are considered electrical work, and therefore the work shall follow electrical safety requirements.

Consistent with other sections of this document, electrical systems and equipment and all design,

development, fabrication and construction, modification, installation, inspection, testing, operation,

and maintenance shall be in accordance with applicable electrical requirements. Specific attention

shall be focused on the electrical regulations of OSHA, including:

10-1