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What is

“Electrical Work”?

Changing a cartridge fuse (plug-and-play)

Electrical work is any task that exposes a person to a shock or arc flash hazard or that could create potential

shock or arc flash hazards for future users, and therefore requires a Qualified Electrical Worker (QEW).

​

For clarification or special circumstances, always refer to the Electrical Safety Manual (6.3) and/or speak with an Electrical Safety Officer or Electrical Safety Advocate.

ESM Section 6.3

05/13/2020

Source

Includes

Thresholds

AC

50-60 Hz nominal

≥ 50 V and ≥ 5 mA

DC

All

≥ 100 V and ≥ 40 mA

Capacitors

All

≥ 100 V and ≥ 10 J

Batteries

All

≥ 100 V

Sub-RF

1 Hz to 3 kHz

≥ 50 V and ≥ 5 mA

RF

3 kHz to 100 MHz

A func of frequency

Wiring up a new plug

Personnel are not required to be QEWs for electrical work if:

  • A QEW provides direct field supervision, and
  • Personnel are trained and authorized to perform the work on that specific equipment, and
  • (A) Cord-and-plug or (B) hard-wired requirements are followed

No

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

– Do exposed electrical parts (live or dead) normally operate above a hazard threshold?

– Is the work performed under LOTO (or cord-and-plug control)?

– Is the work performed on electrical circuits or parts?

– Are the electrical parts intended to be replaced by the end-user (plug-and-play)?

Electrical Work

Electrical Work

Not Electrical Work

Not Electrical Work

Not Electrical Work

(A) Cord-and-plug:

  • The equipment is unplugged and under continuous and exclusive control.
  • Equipment meets the cord-and-plug exemption to LOTO (no stored energy).

(B) Hard-wired:

  • A QEW establishes an Electrically Safe Work Condition.
  • All persons join the LOTO.
  • QEW performs Test Before Touch every time job continuity is interrupted.

Electrical Hazard Thresholds

Examples

Exceptions Under QEW Supervision

Not Electrical Work

Electrical Work

Field Guide 1

Revision 3.00

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