Qualified Employees

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

employee. The selection of test instruments and equipment shall be based on its application

and categorization.

The following should apply when working with test instruments and equipment on energized

circuits.

2.13.4.6.1

QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES

Only knowledgeable, qualified workers who have been trained to work safely with test

instruments and equipment on energized circuits shall be permitted to perform testing work on

electrical circuits or equipment where there is danger of injury from accidental contact with

energized parts or improper use of the test instruments and equipment.

2.13.4.6.2

VISUAL INSPECTIONS

Test instruments and equipment and all associated test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and

connectors shall be visually inspected for external defects or damage before being used on any

shift. If there are defects or evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the

defective or damaged item shall not be used until required repairs and tests have been made.

2.13.4.6.3

RATING INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

Test instruments and equipment and their accessories shall be rated for the circuits and

equipment to which they will be connected and shall be suitable for the environment in which

they will be used.

2.13.4.6.4

CALIBRATION OF ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard C39.1 defines the minimum

performance and general requirements level for electrical instruments. ANSI standards also

ensure that an instrument, when calibrated to National Institute of Standards and Technology

(NIST) traceable standards, is capable of transferring that quality of measurement to field

conditions within specified limits, where that level of measurement quality is needed.

A record should be maintained for each instrument, by serial number or equivalent method,

showing dates of inspection, calibration data as received, the date when it should be recalled

from the field and a recalibration check made, and any interim repairs. After a period of time, it

should become obvious what frequency needs to be established for calibrating each instrument.

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