Energized work permits

Responding is Arthur Boggess, field engineering manager – electrical safety, Brady Corp., Milwaukee.

You may have asked yourself, “Does this task require any paperwork? What do I need to fill out?”

According to NFPA 70E, an energized work permit is required any time energized work is allowed and performed within the restricted approach boundary. It’s also required when interacting with equipment in normal operating conditions and an increased likelihood of an arc flash hazard exists. These tasks can be found in NFPA 70E table 130.5(C).

When is energized work allowed?

The three justifications to perform energized work:
Additional hazards or increased risk: Permitted where the employer can demonstrate that de-energizing introduces additional hazards or increased risk.
Infeasibility: Permitted where the employer can demonstrate that the task to be performed is infeasible in a de-energized state because of equipment design or operational limitations.
Equipment is operating at less than 50 volts: Not be required to be de-energized where the capacity of the source and any overcurrent protection between the energy source and the worker are considered and it’s determined that there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or explosion because of electric arcs.

What is the restricted approach boundary?

The restricted approach boundary is the distance at which an increased likelihood of electric shock is present. For equipment operating from 151 VAC to 750 VAC, this distance is 12 inches from the exposed energized part.

Are there any exemptions?

Yes. You may be concerned that you’ve never filled out an EWP for the energized work you’ve been doing. Fear not! Most of the energized work performed falls under one of the four exemptions for filling out an EWP. An exemption applies if a qualified person is provided with and uses appropriate safe work practices and personal protective equipment under any of the following conditions:

1. Testing, troubleshooting and voltage measuring
2. Thermography, ultrasound and visual inspections if restricted approach boundary isn’t crossed
3. Access to and egress from an area with energized electrical equipment if no electrical work is performed and restricted approach boundary isn’t crossed
4. General housekeeping and miscellaneous, nonelectrical tasks if the restricted approach boundary isn’t crossed

Even if the task you’re performing falls under one of these exemptions, it doesn’t mean hazards aren’t present. You’ll still need to wear proper PPE, as well as fill out and conduct job safety planning and a job briefing for all workers involved in the task.

Editor's note: This article represents the independent views of the author and should not be considered a National Safety Council endorsement.