Safe Procedure

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

2.13.1.2 SAFE PROCEDURE

Safe procedures for deenergizing circuits and equipment shall be determined before circuits or

equipment are deenergized. The deenergization procedures shall be included in the lockout/tagout

procedure for the circuit or equipment to be deenergized.

2.13.1.3 CIRCUITS AND EQUIPMENT

Circuits and equipment to be worked on shall be disconnected from all electric energy sources.

Control circuit devices such as push-buttons, selector switches, and interlocks shall not be used as

the sole means for deenergizing circuits or equipment per 29 CFR 1910.147(b) and 1910.333(b)(2).

2.13.1.4 STORED ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Stored electrical energy that might endanger personnel shall be placed in a safe state. Capacitors shall

be discharged and high-capacitance elements shall be short-circuited and grounded if the stored

electrical energy could endanger personnel per 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5) and 1910.333(b)(2).

2.13.1.5 STORED NONELECTRICAL ENERGY

Stored nonelectrical energy in devices that could reenergize electric circuit parts shall be blocked or

relieved to the extent that the circuit parts could not be accidentally energized by the device per 29

CFR 1910.147(d)(5). For example, such specific devices are wound springs and pneumatic-driven

devices.

2.13.1.6 LOCKOUT/TAGOUT PROCEDURE

Each employer shall document and implement lockout/tagout procedures to safeguard employees

from injury while they are working on or near deenergized electric circuits and equipment. The

lockout/tagout procedures shall meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.147(c) to (f), 1910.269(d)

and (m), 1910.333, and 1926.417. (See Figure 2-6.)

2.13.2 VERIFICATION OF DEENERGIZED CONDITION

Verification shall be made that all live circuits, parts, and other sources of electrical energy, including

any mechanical energy, have been disconnected, released, or restrained.

A qualified worker shall operate the equipment operating controls, perform voltage verification,

inspect open switches and draw-out breakers etc. to assure the isolation of energy sources.

2.13.2.1 VOLTAGE VERIFICATION TEST

A qualified worker shall use the appropriate test equipment to test the circuit elements and electrical

parts of equipment to which employees will be exposed and shall verify that the circuit elements and

equipment parts are deenergized. The test shall also determine if a hazardous energized condition

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