Safe Energized Work (Hot Work)

DOE-HDBK-1092-2004

2.13.4 SAFE ENERGIZED WORK (HOT WORK)

Safety-related work practices shall be used to prevent electrical shock or other electrically

induced injuries when employees work on or near electrical conductors or circuit parts that are

energized. Only qualified workers who are knowledgeable and have been trained to work safely

on energized circuits and to use the appropriate PPE, protective clothing, insulating shielding

materials, and insulated tools shall be permitted to work on energized conductors or circuit

parts.

2.13.4.1

APPROACH DISTANCE

No unqualified employee shall be permitted to approach or take any conductive object closer to

exposed, energized lines or parts than the distance listed in NFPA 70E 130.26, Approach

Boundaries to Live Parts for Shock Protection.

2.13.4.2

TWO WORKERS

Because of the potential for exposure to energized parts, electrical work, independent of

voltage, that presents a significant shock or arc blast hazard to employees, needs to be

evaluated as to the number of employees involved.

2.13.4.4

ILLUMINATION

Adequate illumination shall be provided before workers are allowed to enter spaces containing

exposed energized parts.

2.13.4.5

SYSTEMS UNDER LOAD

Electrical equipment intended to switch current shall have a rating sufficient for the current.

Manual switches and disconnects, taps, terminators, and nonenclosed switches shall not be

operated while under load, unless the devices are rated as load-break type and are so marked.

2.13.4.6

WORKING WITH TEST INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT

Sometimes it becomes necessary to check the continuity of power circuits, control circuits, etc.,

by using a particular testing instrument (volt, ohm, and/or amp meter) designed for the testing

involved. The voltage device used shall be rated for the application. Proximity testers and

solenoid-type devices should not be used to test for the absence of voltage because they do not

accurately detect and/or measure voltage. Also, proximity testers will not detect direct current

(DC) or AC voltage in a cable that is shielded. Proximity testers are very useful in certain

applications; for example, for finding cables that go through a panel but that do not terminate in

the panel. However, it should be noted that a proximity tester's failure to detect voltage does not

guarantee that the equipment or device is deenergized. The absence of voltage can only be

verified with a voltmeter rated for the application.

Voltmeters, both analog and digital, are designed for a number of applications from appliance

troubleshooting to power system testing. The type of voltmeter used depends on where in the

power system you are using the meter. The user must read and understand the manufacturer's

instructions on the use and application of the voltmeter. When a multi-function, multi-scale

meter is used, it is important for the user to select the function and scale necessary for the task

being performed in order to avoid damage or destruction of the meter and injury to the

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