Safety Watch Responsibilities and Qualifications

DOE-HDBK-1092-98

2.1.3. SAFETY WATCH RESPONSIBILITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

The responsibilities and qualifications of personnel for sites that require the use of a safety watch are

as follows:

1. Trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR);

2. Thorough knowledge of the locations of emergency-shutdown push buttons and power

disconnects in their operations;

3. Thorough knowledge of the specific working procedures to be followed and the work to be

done;

4. Specific responsibilities include monitoring the work area for unsafe conditions or work

practices and taking necessary action to ensure abatement of the unsafe condition or work

practice, deenergizing equipment and alerting emergency-rescue personnel as conditions

warrant, maintaining visual and audible contact with personnel performing the work, and

removal of injured personnel, if possible; and

5. The safety watch should have no other duties that preclude observing and rendering aid if

necessary.

2.2 BASIC SAFEGUARDS

To protect employees from some of the electrical hazards at industrial sites, Federal regulations limit

the performance of electrical work to qualified and competent personnel. Specifically, the law

requires that only a qualified person or someone working under the direct supervision of a qualified

person may perform any repair, installation, or testing of electrical equipment. See Section 2.8 and

the definitions of "Qualified Employee" or "Qualified Person" in Appendix B.

One of the best ways to prevent electrical accidents at industrial sites is to be aware of electrical

dangers in the workplace. Once hazards have been identified, they must be pointed out and proper

steps taken by a qualified person.

The following, where used, will improve the safety of the workplace:

1. Maintain good housekeeping and cleanliness.

2. Identify and diminish potential hazards.

3. Anticipate problems.

4. Resist pressure to "hurry up."

5. Plan and analyze for safety in each step of a project.

6. Document work.

7. Use properly rated test equipment and verify its condition and operation before and after use.

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