Cal / OSHA Electrical Hi / Lo Voltage Safety

About This Course

Course Objectives

Introduction to Electrical Safety Regulations

• Electrical Safety Regulations
• Cal/OSHA Safety Orders
• NFPA 70E
• Definitions of Key Terms
• The Importance of Electrical Safety
• Who Is At Risk for Electrical Accidents?
• General Employer Responsibilities
• Employee Responsibilities

Electrical Hazards

• Effects of Electrical Current
• Electrical Shock Hazard
• Physical Reactions to Electrical Shock
• Fall Hazard
• Electrical Burn Hazard
• Arc Flash Hazard
• “People” Hazards

Cal/OSHA Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders

• Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders (ESO-LV)
• Who May Perform Electrical Work
• Work on Energized Equipment or Systems
• Work on De-Energized Equipment or Systems
• Re-Energizing of Equipment or Systems
• Safety Precautions
• Electrical Installation Requirements
• Working Space
• Marking and Identification
• Grounding
• Branch Circuits and Receptacles
• Outlet Devices
• Outdoor Wiring and Services
• Overcurrent Protection and Circuit Breakers
• General and Temporary Wiring
• Open Wiring
• Cabinets, Boxes, and Fittings
• Switches and Switchboards
• Flexible Cords and Cables
• Motors and Disconnections
• Hazardous Locations
• Specialized Regulations

Cal/OSHA High-Voltage Electrical Safety Orders

• General Regulations
• Service and Service Entrance Equipment
• Feeders and Branch Circuits
• Wiring
• Pull Boxes
• Conduit
• Continuous Rigid Cable Supports
• Suspension of Cables
• Enclosures for Electrical Installations
• Conductors
• Other Elements of High-Voltage Installations
• Regulations for Special Situations and Locations
• Outdoor Wiring
• Working near Overhead Lines
• Work Around High-Voltage Lines

Summary

Additional Resources

Exam

Nearly every occupation exposes workers to the hazards of electrical energy. These hazards include electrical shock, electrocution, burns, and arc flash incidents. In many instances in which workers have suffered permanent injury or died due to electrical hazards, faulty installation, careless maintenance, or other preventable situations have been present. The Cal/OSHA Electrical Safety Orders mandate that California employers address such situations so that employees may work safely under all conditions.

Employee training must be provided in four situations:

1. Before the employee is first assigned duties under this regulation
2. Before there is a change in assigned duties
3. Whenever there is a change in working conditions that presents a hazard for which an employee has not previously been trained
4. Whenever the employer has reason to believe either that there are deviations or that there are inadequacies in the employee’s knowledge or use of these procedures

Cal/OSHA covers all private sector workplaces, state government, and local government workplaces in the state. Only employees of the federal government and offshore maritime workers are exempted from Cal/OSHA. These workers are covered under the federal OSHA plan.

Employers and individuals working with electricity should also be aware of the electrical safety requirements issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA publication 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace,” referred to as NFPA 70E, outlines work practices designed to protect workers from exposure to electrical hazards. This NFPA standard provides guidance for identifying hazards, assessing risks, choosing the correct protective equipment, and training employees. NFPA 70E can be a useful resource for procedures and practices necessary for ensuring employee safety.