Research and Development

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

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/highcurrent 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.

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