Keep Safe Stay Cool Complete Guide - Importance of safety at workplace | Página 10

Portable electric equipment and flexible cords used in highly conductive work locations or in
job locations where employees are likely to contact water or conductive liquids shall be
approved by the manufacturer for those locations. The hazardous locations that employees
should be aware of include, wet locations and locations where combustible or flammable
atmospheres are present.
For wet locations, employees' hands will not be wet when plugging and unplugging energized
equipment. Energized plug and receptacle connections will be handled only with protective
equipment if the condition could provide a conductive path to the employee's hand (if, for
example, a cord connector is wet from being immersed in water). In addition, ground-fault
circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection is required for some equipment/locations and is also
recommended for use in all wet or highly conductive locations.
For combustible/flammable atmospheres, all electric equipment and wiring systems in
classified locations must meet The National Electric Code requirements for that particular
classification.
Protective Equipment
Employees working in confined areas such as electrical vaults or any other area where there
are potential electrical hazards will be provided with and use protective equipment that is
appropriate for the work to be performed.
Examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that might be needed for protection against
electric shock include but are not limited to:
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Nonconductive hard-hats, gloves, and foot protection or insulating mats

Eye and face protection whenever there is danger from electric arcs or flashes

Insulated tools or handling equipment

Protective shields and barriers to protect against electrical shock and burns
Additionally, other ways of protecting employees from the hazards of electrical shock will be
implemented, including insulation and guarding of live parts. The insulation must be
appropriate for the voltage and the insulating material must be undamaged, clean, and dry.
Guarding prevents the employee from coming too close to energized parts. It can be in the
form of a physical barricade or it can be provided by installing the live parts out of reach from
the working surface.
Conductive Materials and Equipment
Conductive materials and equipment (e.g., hand tools) will be handled to prevent contact with
exposed energized conductors or circuit parts. Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing
(such as watch bands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces, metalized aprons, cloth with
conductive thread, or metal headgear) will not be worn.
De-energized Parts
All electrical parts exceeding 50 volts will be de-energized before an employee works on or
near equipment unless:
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The de-energizing creates a more hazardous situation