Chapter 8
ELECTRICAL SAFETY

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8.1 Introduction

In the United States, 4,000 non-disabling and 3,600 disabling electrical contact injuries occur in the workplace annually. 2,000 workers are sent to burn centers with electric burns each year. Most of the burn victims become permanently disabled from their injuries. Typically, the victim’s lives are forever restricted due to sensitivity to cold weather, mobility, or other physical barriers. Every day one person dies from electrical incidents.

This chapter contains general requirements and information for all electrical work at LBNL. All employees of the lab, participating guests, students and all subcontractors working at the lab must comply with the requirements in this chapter.

8.2 Definitions and Acronyms

Definitions of terms used in this chapter are included as Appendix D. Many terms used in this Chapter have meanings unique to ELECTRICAL SAFETY. All such terms will be printed in CAPITALS. Acronyms used are:

AHJ: Authority Having Jurisdiction
ANSI: American National Standards Institute
BSO: Berkeley Site Office
DOE: Department of Energy
EH&S: Environment, Health & Safety
ESC: Electrical Safety Committee
J: Joules (watt-seconds)
LBNL: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
JHQ: Job Hazards Questionnaire
LOTO: Lockout/Tagout
mA: Milliamperes
NEC: National Electrical Code. See also NFPA 70
NESC: National Electrical Safety Code
NFPA: National Fire Protection Association
NFPA 70: National Electrical Code. See also NEC
NFPA 70E: Standard For Electrical Safety in the Workplace
NRTL: Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory
OSHA or Fed OSHA: Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration
PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
SRC: Safety Review Committee
V: Volts
W: Watts

8.3 Scope

The purpose of this chapter is to ensure the ELECTRICAL SAFETY of every employee, visiting guest and contractor at the lab by:

1. Defining safe work practices and use requirements for all people who work with electrically ENERGIZED equipment as part of their normal job duties.
2. Establishing training requirements for qualifying and authorizing LBNL employees who work on or near ENERGIZED electrical circuits and components.
3. Establishing a process for evaluating the shock and arc FLASH HAZARDS of every ENERGIZED electrical work task and for providing commensurate hazard controls.
4. Establishing a formal process for controlling ENERGIZED electrical work through an approval process.

This Chapter applies to:

• Contractors and subcontractors
• Facilities Electricians who work on or near electrical distribution and hard-wired equipment connections, and
• Researchers, students and participating guests who build, modify, test or repair electric or electronic equipment and apparatus, and
• Engineers, designers and technicians who design, build, modify or repair electric or electronic equipment and apparatus.

Note: There is no training required to plug or unplug a typical appliance into a wall socket or to switch on an appliance. However, every employee at the Lab is responsible to ensure that any electrical device they use is in good working condition and the power cords are not frayed or damaged.

The electrical safety program is intended to provide LBNL employees, contractors and participating guests who may come into proximity with ENERGIZED electrical parts in their work the minimum knowledge of safety and laboratory practices necessary to protect themselves and others against electrical shock or burns.

Reading this chapter does not qualify the reader to perform electrical work. Guidelines that are beyond the scope of this document must be established at each work area. They should include, as a minimum, the safety concerns outlined herein.

This chapter is in no way to be construed as a synopsis of all electrical requirements, nor as a substitute for formal study, training, and experience in electrical design, construction, and maintenance.

8.4 Policy

It is the policy of LBNL that:

1. LBNL shall comply with DOE and Fed OSHA regulations, the California Electric Code (includes the National Electrical Code), Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E), National Electrical Safety Code ANSI C2 (NESC) and other established safety standards to reduce or eliminate the dangers associated with the use of electrical energy. Go here to download a PDF of Work Smart Standards for LBNL.
2. All electrically ENERGIZED equipment will be used in a safe manner as intended by the manufacturer and within the equipment NRTL listing.
3. All electrical wiring and equipment will comply with the National Electrical Code, OSHA regulations, and other consensus industry standards for ELECTRICAL SAFETY and engineering.
4. All employees have a responsibility to ensure they and others around them are working in a safe manner with the proper equipment. LBNL has, and supports a Stop Work Policy, (PUB-3000, Section 1.5) It is the responsibility of everyone to exercise this policy when observing unsafe work conditions or practices.
5. All research or test devices operating at a VOLTAGE greater than 50 volts or storing more than 1000 watt/seconds (joules) must be protected by an enclosure with secured or interlocked covers, or isolated in a manner (such as by elevation) that will prevent inadvertent contact with EXPOSED live parts.
6. Fabrication of research and test equipment will be done following prescribed LBNL design and engineering requirements.
7. Work on or near equipment operating within the ELECTRICAL HAZARD conditions identified in Section 8.7.3 and Section 8.7.4 of this Chapter will be performed in an electrically safe state (verified DE-ENERGIZED).
8. Work will only be performed on ENERGIZED electrical circuits or components operating at greater than 50 volts and capable of an electrical current greater than 5 milliamperes or power greater than 1000 watts when it can be demonstrated that deenergization introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. ENERGIZED parts that operate at less than 50 volts and less than 1000 watts shall not be required to be DEENERGIZED if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion blast due to electric arcs. Approval is required per Section 8.7.7 before WORKING ON or near hazardous ENERGIZED electrical circuits or components.
9. When work on ENERGIZED electrical circuits or components operating at VOLTAGES greater than 50 volts to ground and capable of an electrical current greater than 5 milliamperes is justified and APPROVED, engineering controls (guards, covers, shields, INSULATED tools & probes, remote methods) must be used to reduce the potential for contact with ENERGIZED components.
10. All employees who work on or near hazardous ENERGIZED electrical circuits or components must be qualified and authorized prior to performing such work.
11. Safety related work practices and procedures for employees who work on or near EXPOSED hazardous ENERGIZED circuits or components will be done in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.

8.5 Electrical Hazards

8.5.1 Electrical Shock

Accidental contact with EXPOSED electrical parts operating at a VOLTAGE greater than 50 volts to ground, and having a current greater than 5 milliamperes, can cause serious injury or death. Fatal ventricular fibrillation of the heart can be triggered by a current flow of as little as several milliamperes. Severe injuries, such as deep internal burns, can occur even if the current does not pass through the vital organs or nerves.

8.5.2 Delayed Effects

Damage to the internal tissues may not be apparent immediately after contact with the current. Delayed internal tissue swelling and irritation are possible. Prompt medical attention can help minimize these effects and avoid death or long-term injury.

8.5.3 Arc-Flash

When an electric current passes through the air between two conductors, the temperature can reach 35,000°F. Exposure to these extreme temperatures can result in life threatening burns. The majority of hospital admissions due to electrical accidents are from arc-flash burns, not electrical shocks. Arc-flashes can and do kill at distances in excess of 10 ft.

8.5.4 Arc Blast

The tremendous temperatures of the arc cause an explosive expansion of both metal and the surrounding air in the arc path. For example, copper expands by a factor of 67,000 times when changed from a solid into a vapor. The dangers of this explosion are of high blast pressure wave, high decibel levels of sound and high velocity shrapnel. Finally the material and molten metal is expelled away from the arc at speeds exceeding 700 miles per hour. Arc blasts often cause severe injuries and death.

8.5.5 Other Burns

Other burns suffered in electrical accidents are of two basic types: electrical burns and thermal contact burns. In electrical burns, tissue damage (whether skin deep or deeper) occurs because the body is unable to dissipate the heat caused by the current flow. Typically, electrical burns are slow to heal. Thermal contact burns are those normally experienced from skin contact with the hot surfaces of overheated electric conductors.

8.6 Hazard Control

The following hazard control hierarchy will be used to mitigate ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:

1. Engineering controls, such as panels, shields or barriers, to isolate employees from the ENERGIZED components.
2. Administrative controls, such as the Energized Electrical Work Permit, assignment of a Safety Watch, and qualification training.
3. Personal protective equipment (PPE) to isolate workers from EXPOSED hazardous electrical conductors.
4. Safe work practices (safe work rules, electrical safety considerations) to support the development of safe working habits.

8.6.1 Engineering Controls

Engineering controls should be the primary control measure used to reduce the potential for direct contact with EXPOSED and ENERGIZED electrical components. Engineering controls may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Opaque or transparent non-conductive panels used as barriers. These barriers can have small openings for tool access to allow troubleshooting, measurement, and/or calibration of equipment with access panels open. This arrangement may also allow the safety interlocks to be closed without installation of bypass circuitry.
• Rated non-conductive insulating shields or barriers for ENERGIZED components that do not need to be manipulated during the work.
• Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s) to supply temporary power during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition of buildings, structures, equipment or similar activities. As required by the NEC, GFCI’s will be used for all portable power tools, outdoor work, work on or near conductive surfaces, for resistive heating elements such as heater tapes, wet locations, rooftops, within 6 feet of any wet sink, bathrooms, kitchens and other areas that could present an electrical SHOCK HAZARD should the worker come in contact with the ENERGIZED conductor of a tool or instrument.
• Rated INSULATED barriers mats or gratings to isolate the worker from conductive ground paths while WORKING ON EXPOSED and ENERGIZED electrical components.

8.6.2 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Qualified workers who are potentially EXPOSED to ELECTRICAL HAZARDs that cannot be controlled through some engineering means must be provided with and use personal protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific work to be performed and the associated hazard level. NFPA 70E defines PPE requirements.

8.6.3 Safe Work Practices

Electrical safe work practices must be applied during analysis, diagnostic, and troubleshooting, and manipulative work on ENERGIZED equipment by a qualified person who has been trained and briefed by a knowledgeable supervisor for the specific tasks the supervisor authorizes.

8.6.4 Safe Work Rules

Note: A summary of the LBNL electrical safe work rules is provided below. For a more thorough description of the safe work rules see Appendix O.

1. Positively ensure the correct circuit is identified before lockout and tagout.
2. Whenever possible DEENERGIZE the equipment before testing.
3. The employee in charge must conduct a briefing before all ENERGIZED electrical work.
4. Identify hazards and anticipate problems.
5. Resist “hurry-up” pressure.
6. Don’t hesitate to use the Stop Work Policy (PUB-3000, Section 1.5).
7. Always consider electrical equipment ENERGIZED until positively proven otherwise.
8. Use suitably rated electrical devices only as intended.
9. Remove or cover all jewelry before performing ENERGIZED electrical work.
10. Know how to shut down equipment in an emergency.
11. Know LBNL emergency procedures.
12. Design for safety.
13. Reset circuit breakers only after the trip problem has been corrected.
14. Maintain the protection of covers, barriers and shielding.
15. Never drill into a wall or floor slab without Facilities approval. See Admin 053 Facilities penetration Policy.
16. Never modify or penetrate premises wiring conduit or ENCLOSED wireways. Only qualified and authorized Facilities Department personnel are allowed to work on premises wiring, conduits or ENCLOSED wiring. See Section 8.8.4.

Note: For a listing and description of other ELECTRICAL SAFETY considerations, see Section 8.13.

8.7 Energized Electrical Work Requirements

LBNL has adopted National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. All employees at LBNL shall comply with this standard’s ELECTRICAL SAFETY work practices in addition to following all the requirements of this Chapter.

It is LBNL policy to DEENERGIZE live parts, whenever possible, before an employee works on or near them (see PUB-3000, Chapter 18, Lockout/Tagout). This is the preferred method for protecting workers from ELECTRICAL HAZARDs. Workers are permitted to work on or near EXPOSED LIVE PARTS only if it can be demonstrated that deenergization introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. ENERGIZED parts that operate at less than 50 volts need not be DEENERGIZED if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion blast due to electric arcs.

8.7.1 Job Briefing and Job Planning Checklist

Before starting any diagnostics & test ENERGIZED electrical work having a Hazard Class greater than 1A or 1B, the workers, must complete a Job Planning Checklist (Appendix C) and the person in charge must conduct a job briefing with the qualified person(s) who will do the work. The briefing may be very simple and verbal, or quite detailed and fully documented, depending on the complexity and hazard level of the job and the background and knowledge of the worker performing the work. The Energized Diagnostic & Test Job Briefing Form (Appendix A1) is used for the purpose of documenting the briefing. Regardless of whether the briefing is verbal or documented, all elements of the briefing form, Appendix A1: Energized Diagnostic & Test Job Briefing Form, must be included in the briefing. Especially important for all employees involved is to look for Stop Work Conditions (PUB-3000, Section 1.5) during the briefing, and when filling out the checklist. For repetitive work, the briefing may be conducted once each shift before work begins.

8.7.2 Energized Electrical Work Procedural Steps

It is not feasible to develop a single set of hazard controls for ENERGIZED work that covers every electrical task. The nature and complexity of these controls is dependent upon the combination of the Hazard Class (VOLTAGE and power levels) and the Hazard Mode (risk level) of the ENERGIZED electrical task to be performed. In general, electrical work at LBNL can be organized into eight hazard classifications, according to the degree of energy present, and three hazard modes, according to the operational status of the equipment or system.

There are 7 procedural steps that must be completed before any ENERGIZED electrical work is performed:

8.7.3 Hazard Classes

The Hazard Class is a function of the potential exposure presented by the VOLTAGE, current, power and stored power or energy available while performing the task. Because premises wiring usually presents extremely high fault currents, a separate category is used for Facilities equipment. Experimental or R&D equipment is a second hazard category. Finally, batteries appear in a third hazard category. The four Facilities category Hazard Classes are 1A, 2A, 3A, & 4A, and the four R&D Hazard category Classes are 1B, 2B, 3B, & 4B.

These three categories and their associated Hazard Classes are characterized in the following charts:

8.7.3.1 R&D Energized Hazard Classes

Figure 8.1. R&D Energized Hazard Classes

Note: VOLTAGE is line-to-ground or line-to-line, whichever is higher.

8.7.3.2 Facilities Hazard Classes

Figure 8.2. Facilities Energized Hazard Classes

Note: VOLTAGE is line-to-ground or line-to-line, whichever is higher.

8.7.3.3 Battery Hazard Control Requirements

Figure 8.3. Battery Hazard Control Requirements

Further information is pending engineering review. Contact the ESC for guidance.
Further OSHA and NFPA requirements apply to work on battery installations. Contact EH&S for help.
This chart does not release the worker from understanding and following these requirements.

8.7.4 Hazard Modes

The Hazard Mode is determined by what work procedure will be performed. The three task hazard Modes, in order of increasing danger, are:

1. WORKING ON or near DEENERGIZED circuits or components. In this mode all operations are conducted in a verified DEENERGIZED state. All external sources of electrical energy are disconnected or controlled by some positive action (for example, with a locked and tagged out circuit breaker), and all internal energy sources are rendered safe. See PUB-3000 Chapter 18, Lockout/Tagout.
2. Performing ENERGIZED Diagnostic and Test procedures on circuits or components. This mode includes measurements and observation of equipment functions, without manipulation, which are conducted with the equipment ENERGIZED and with some or all protective barriers removed and interlocks bypassed. Such work requires completion of a Job Planning Checklist (Appendix C) and job briefing, which may require completion of an Energized Diagnostics & Test Job Briefing Form (see Appendix A1). See Section 8.7.7 for additional information. If the briefing is verbal, all the requirements of Appendix A1 must be met. Some examples are:
   
   • LOTO verification
   • Troubleshooting or diagnostics.
   • Normal expected operation of premises wiring connected isolation devices, such as bank switching, rolling out breakers, and disconnecting a load via a switch.
   • WORKING ON or near ENERGIZED EXPOSED components. The definition of “Near” in this instance means working within the limited or arc flash boundary, whichever is larger.

3. Performing ENERGIZED Manipulative work on circuits or components is the highest hazard work mode. Manipulative operations are defined as physically manipulating any ENERGIZED components or any time the worker physically enters the PROHIBITED APPROACH BOUNDARY. Probing ENERGIZED circuitry with test equipment is not manipulation unless the workers body passes into the PROHIBITED APPROACH BOUNDARY. Such work in excess of 50 volts is a high-risk situation and is permitted only when formally justified and APPROVED. ENERGIZED manipulative work must be conducted under close supervision and control. This requires completion of a Job Planning Checklist (Appendix C) and an Energized Manipulative Electrical Work Permit (Appendix B).

Some ENERGIZED work activities, while are not by definition manipulative work, require similar formal authorization, approval and hazard controls. For example, in Facilities switching operations, a “Switching Tag” procedure is followed.

8.7.5 R&D Energized Electrical Work Requirements

8.7.6 Facilities Energized Electrical Work Requirements (Building Distribution)

8.7.7 Energized Electrical Work Approval

Lab Supervision must formally approve all ENERGIZED electrical work. This approval may be in the form of:

1. A Job Planning Checklist (Appendix C), and
2. An Energized Diagnostics & Test Job Briefing Form (Appendix A1) completed and approved prior to the work.
   
   Note: A Contractor Energized Diagnostics & Test Job Briefing Form (Appendix A2) is used for contractors, if required.
   
3. Standing Energized Diagnostics & Test Job Briefing Forms (Appendix A1) are allowed for anticipated diagnostics and test repetitive work. However, the Supervisor must provide a daily briefing before any ENERGIZED electrical work is performed. Standing Job Briefing Forms must be renewed annually.
4. An Energized Manipulative Electrical Work Permit (Appendix B) approved prior to the work, or
5. A Facilities Switching Tag approved and in place for Facilities switching tasks, or
6. A System or Equipment Specific Testing Procedure approved by Division Management.
   

8.7.7.1 Energized Electrical Work Approval Table

8.7.8 Energized Electrical Permit Process Flowchart

8.8 Qualifying and Authorizing Personnel

Only those persons who are both qualified and authorized may install, fabricate, repair, test, calibrate, or modify electrical or electronics wiring, devices, systems, or equipment.

A qualified and authorized person is an individual formally recognized by Laboratory Management as:

• Having completed the required LBNL classroom training, and
• Having sufficient understanding of a device, system, piece of equipment, or facility to be able to recognize and positively control any hazards it may present, and
• Who have completed site, area, facility, equipment and apparatus specific training, and
• Who possesses the work experience and formal training necessary to execute the work according to recognized and accepted technical standards, and
• Whose qualifications are documented by his supervisor

A person can be considered qualified and authorized with respect to certain equipment and methods but not authorized for others.

8.8.1 General Guidelines for Qualification

Qualification for electrical or electronics work is determined by the employee’s Supervisor, and is based on a combination of LBNL classroom training (including required periodic retraining), formal electrical trade, military, college or other training, work experience, and on-the-job training. Formal training can be the completion of apprenticeship or comparable training. Experience may be a combination of, or include, formal technical related education courses, hand-on field or classroom lab work that may or may not result in licenses or certifications.

On-going electrical and electronics training must include an annual review of this Chapter and all Appendices pertinent to the employee’s work assignment, Chapter 18, Lockout/Tagout, annual update of the employee’s JHQ and a biannual review of the EH&S ELECTRICAL SAFETY classes identified in the employee’s (JHQ) or by the respective supervisor. For specific work requirements the supervisor may add classes to the employee’s training course list not required by the JHQ, but deemed important by the supervisor.

8.8.2 General Guidelines For Authorization

Authorization to perform electrical or electronics work by an employee is determined by the employee’s Line Management and Supervision, and is based on the ability of the employee to perform a specific task safely.

8.8.3 Specific Qualification And Authorization Criteria

8.8.3.1 On-The-Job Training

On-the-job training for specified equipment or classes of equipment must be documented to ensure that training is adequate and consistent for all employees with similar tasks. This documentation must be reviewed and approved by a person who is knowledgeable in safe electrical work practices, and is familiar with the hazards involved in the apparatus. This training shall cover:

• Features of the equipment, including any specialized configuration
  
• Location of all energy sources to, and within, the equipment
  
• Location of all energy-isolating devices
  
• Techniques, tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) including arc-flash PPE used for the specific equipment
  
• Relevant documents such as wiring diagrams, schematics, service manuals, and operating, testing, and calibration procedures
  
• The system's energy control procedures, including energy-isolating devices, grounding and shorting procedures, and other energy-control procedures
  
• Specific operations in which ENERGIZED work is anticipated (if any), and the process to obtain a valid Energized Work Permit, at the appropriate level.

8.8.3.2 Task-Specific Training Criteria

Supervisors shall use the following guidelines to determine whether an individual is qualified to perform specific electrical work. Different subsets of these criteria shall be selected according to the exact nature of the task; however, some analysis must always be performed, no matter how minor the job.

The supervisor shall authorize the employee to perform the work task only if he/she is satisfied that all relevant criteria are met. If the supervisor cannot verify an employee's qualifications, assistance from the Engineering Division or EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer should be obtained. As a minimum, the documentation of an employee’s qualifications should consider:

• A description, in detail of the scope of the work task being considered.
  
• The employee’s ability to identify all possible hazards associated with this task.
  
• The employee’s experience in the selection and use of test equipment for this task.
  
• The individual’s ability to locate and read the appropriate engineering documents for the equipment.
  
• The employee’s knowledge of how to check the equipment calibration, condition, and operation.
  
• The employee’s knowledge of how to shut down, isolate, and verify all sources of hazardous energy.
  
• The employee’s awareness of LBNL LOTO requirements, and training in LOTO.
  
• The employee’s ability to identify, interpret, and implement all applicable codes and standards pertaining to the task.
  
• The employee’s experience and training to independently distinguish correct construction techniques from incorrect techniques.
  
• The employee’s experience and training to select the correct materials and components, and to use them in a manner consistent with their manufacture and/or listing.
  
• The employee’s ability to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate equipment-grounding techniques.
  
• The employee’s thorough familiarity with specific equipment-grounding requirements for this apparatus.
  
• The employee’s experience and training and ability to predict all likely failure modes of a particular construction, and to properly mitigate the effects of such failures.
  
• The employee’s familiarity with the proper use of the special precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, including arc-flash, insulating and shielding materials, and INSULATED tools and test equipment.
  
• The employee’s knowledge of the nearest location of a telephone and how to alert the lab’s emergency rescue personnel.

If the individual will be permitted to work within the LIMITED APPROACH BOUNDARY of EXPOSED ENERGIZED parts operating at 50 volts or more the individual shall at a minimum be additionally trained in all the following:

• The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish EXPOSED ENERGIZED parts from other parts of electrical equipment.
  
• The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal VOLTAGE of EXPOSED ENERGIZED parts.
  
• The approach distances specified in NFPA 70E and the corresponding VOLTAGES to which the QUALIFIED PERSON will be exposed.
  
• The decision-making process necessary to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and the personal protective equipment (PPE) and job planning necessary to perform the task safely.

8.8.4 Electrical Distribution Systems (Premises Wiring)

Only qualified and authorized Facilities Department personnel are allowed to perform electrical wiring or other work directly connected to any facility electrical distribution system (premises wiring as defined by the NEC). Premises wiring includes that portion of utilization equipment (see 8.8.5, below) that is permanently connected (hard-wired) to the facility electrical distribution system, viewed from the utilization equipment’s first disconnect (or circuit breaker) looking backward into the premises wiring.

Connection to and diagnosis and repair of, circuit breakers in building electrical panels may only be done by specified qualified electrical workers.

If there is a question about what differentiates a facility system versus utilization equipment, consult the LBNL Electrical Safety Committee, Electrical Safety Engineer or Facilities Electrical Shop Supervision.

8.8.5 Research Apparatus (Utilization Equipment)

Only QUALIFIED PERSONs may fabricate, modify, install or repair electronic or electrical equipment used at LBNL. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that only qualified persons under their supervision are assigned to work on electronic or electrical equipment at LBNL. The supervisor shall ensure the qualifications of these employees are documented. Any Laboratory worker or researcher who performs any electrical work must complete the EHS course Basic Electrical Hazard Awareness (EHS 260) as a prerequisite to further specific qualifications.

Laboratory employees, including researchers, may operate or reset circuit breakers under the following conditions:

• A circuit breaker may only be reset one time for a given event. If the breaker trips a second time, contact Facilities.
• A hazard assessment has been done to determine the cause of the tripped breaker.

8.8.6 Electrical Two-Person Rule

Certain work requires two QUALIFIED PERSONS. This occurs when work is considered electrically hazardous, as established by the conditions in Section 8.7.5 (R&D Energized Electrical Work Requirements) and Section 8.7.6 (Facilities Energized Electrical Work Requirements (Building Distribution)) of this Chapter, or by the work supervisor. When the "Two-Person Rule" is required, both workers must be present at the work site, and each worker must be aware of the other worker's tasks and must:

• Be a qualified person.
• Be able to de-energize equipment.
• Know the location of nearest telephones, and how to alert emergency rescue personnel.
• Be able to free an injured worker from the hazard.
• Be trained and current in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Be trained and current in First Aid.
• Remain in visual and audible contact with the workers performing the work.

Note: Both workers may perform separate work tasks so long as safety is not compromised.

8.8.6.1 Exemption to Two Qualified Persons

Under limited conditions, the Electrical Two-Person Rule may allow for a second person that is not a qualified persons. All of the remaining requirements of Section 8.8.6 apply, and in addition the following must be met:

1. Management must approve this exemption.
2. During the briefing process the QUALIFIED PERSON will assess the qualifications of the second person to determine that the work may proceed safely.
3. The second person must be First Aid and CPR trained.
4. The second person may not enter the LIMITED APPROACH BOUNDARY or the FLASH PROTECTION BOUNDARY.
5. The electrical disconnecting means must be located outside of the LIMITED APPROACH BOUNDARY and the FLASH PROTECTION BOUNDARY.
6. The electrical disconnect must be located within 50 feet of the second person.
7. The second person must be briefed in emergency procedures and the electrical work being performed.

Note: This exemption only applies to the Two Person Rule, and shall not be used when a Safety Watch is required.

8.8.7 Electrical Safety Watch

A Safety Watch is a more stringent hazard control measure than the Two-Person Rule and must be implemented when there are grave consequences from a failure to follow safe-work procedures. This occurs when work is considered high-hazard electrical work, as established by the conditions in Section 8.7.5 (R&D Work) and Section 8.7.6 (Facilities Work) of this Chapter, or by the work supervisor. When a Safety Watch is required, the Safety Watch must be a qualified person who is responsible for monitoring the qualified person(s) doing the work. A Safety Watch must:

• Be a qualified person.
• Have no other duties that preclude continually observing, coaching, and monitoring for potential hazards and mistakes
• Have a thorough knowledge of the specific working procedures to be followed and the work to be done; and
• Be close enough to the work in progress to safely monitor the progress and methods of the qualified person doing the work: the Safety Watch must use clothing and PPE appropriate to the hazard and the distance from the work in progress. In no case should the Safety Watch be more than 50 feet from the worker(s) performing the work.
• Ensure only qualified persons are allowed to enter the LIMITED APPROACH BOUNDARY.
• Ensure that the Limited Approach Boundaries are properly barricaded and controlled. If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning and protection for the LIMITED APPROACH BOUNDARY, an attendant, (third person), shall be stationed to warn and prevent unqualified persons from entering.

8.8.8 Service or Maintenance Contracts (Equipment Subcontractors)

Third-party service companies or individuals may provide installation or maintenance of commercial equipment under purchase orders, service contracts or blanket purchase orders for service. The LBNL property custodian of the equipment needing service must be aware of the hazards, nature and extent of maintenance to be done on the equipment when engaging non-LBNL workers. Non-LBNL workers must follow the safety requirements and procedures of their employers and NFPA 70E, which must provide a level of ELECTRICAL SAFETY consistent with this Chapter. The equipment custodian may impose additional safety requirements on the work to ensure that the work can be done safely and not present an unexpected hazard to the contract worker, to LBNL employees or other workers. This may include providing additional safeguards such as protective barriers, posting an LBNL qualified person at the work site to control access, or other safety measures as may be required to ensure safe working conditions for LBNL employees and contract workers. The contractor may fill out the Appendix A2 Contractor Energized Diagnostics & Test Job Briefing Form if the Custodian requires it.

8.9 Roles and Responsibilities

8.9.1 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY decisions are made by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). NFPA 70 defines the AHJ as “an organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard, or for approving equipment, materials, an installation or a procedure.”  In a R&D environment, there are frequent situations where facilities, equipment and work practices are developed that are not specifically addressed by codes or standards and interpretations are necessary for work to proceed safely.  DOE has delegated electrical AHJ authority to the lab as follows:

Facilities and Premises Wiring
The AHJ responsibility for the infrastructure power distribution and premises wiring of the Laboratory is delegated to the Facilities Division Director.  It is implemented by the Appointed Facilities Electrical Engineer and two alternates.  The AHJ for the facilities and premises wiring interprets the NEC (National Electrical Code, NFPA 70) and other codes and approves electrical installations, and installed facilities electrical equipment for compliance.

Research and Scientific Equipment
The Engineering Division Director is delegated the responsibility as AHJ to assure compliance with appropriate ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements for the design, installation, maintenance, and repair of research and development (R&D) and scientific equipment and apparatus. The Engineering Division Director will appoint an Electrical Engineer, which will be delegated with this authority. The Engineering Director will apply criteria from ANSI, UL, NFPA and other standards as appropriate to establish the safety of equipment.  LBNL specific criteria may also be developed based on established engineering principles.

Electrical Safety--Work Practices & Workplace Conditions
The Environment, Health and Safety Division Director is delegated the responsibility for assuring compliance with all ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements that pertain to maintaining safe electrical work practices and workplace conditions and thereby for protecting Laboratory employees, contractors and subcontract personnel from injury or death as a result of electrical hazards.

The AHJ for ELECTRICAL SAFETY is the Electrical Safety Engineer in the EH&S Division, or a qualified alternate designated by EH&S Management.  The AHJ for ELECTRICAL SAFETY provides interpretations to ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart S and 29 CFR 1926 Subparts K and V, NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace,” and other standards and codes for worker electrical safety.  The AHJ for Electrical Safety will additionally apply the requirements fo NFPA 70 in evaluating workplace conditions.  The AHJ for Electrical Safety is responsible for coordinating the electrical equipment acceptance process.

8.9.2 Appeals

All appeals regarding electrical and ELECTRICAL SAFETY questions must be submitted to the SRC via the Electrical Safety Committee. These groups review the appeal and make recommendations to the Deputy Laboratory Director for Operations for a final decision.

8.9.3 Responsibilities

8.9.3.1 Individual Employees

Individual Employees are responsible for their own and their coworkers’ safety. Each employee will:

• Perform electrical work only when the ELECTRICAL HAZARDs are identified, known to the employee, adequately controlled, and when the employee is properly trained to perform the task.
• Stop any activity believed to be hazardous, using your STOP WORK AUTHORITY (PUB-3000, Section 1.5) if necessary. Everyone working at the lab has this authority and obligation to stop unsafe work.
• Attend training as required to achieve understanding of how to work safely and to respond to abnormal or emergency situations. No work requiring specialized training shall be performed by employees who are not current in their required training without Division and ESC approval.
• Notify a supervisor of any condition or behavior that poses a potential hazard.
• Wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Never perform any electrical work without the proper PPE.
• Immediately report any occupational injury or illness to the Medical Department and the appropriate supervisor. This will include any electrical shock, regardless of how minor the shock is perceived.

8.9.3.2 Supervisors

Supervisors of electrical workers have the primary responsibility of ensuring a safe working environment. They must;

• Assess the need for establishing, implementing, and maintaining procedures and/or work practices that will ensure the safe conduct of electrical work.
• Maintain a safe work environment and take corrective action on any potentially hazardous operation or condition.
• Ensure that APPROVED, maintained, and tested personnel protective equipment and clothing is provided, available, and used properly.
• Assign only trained and qualified employees to electrical work and personally ensure that employees understand how to work safely by conducting a pre-job briefing as necessary.
• Ensure that shift routines, inspections, or surveillances that require working within the Limited, Restricted, or Prohibited approach boundaries are conducted by personnel qualified to work within those spaces.
• Ensure that all injuries are treated promptly and reported appropriately.

8.9.3.3 Division Directors

Division Directors, by virtue of the delegation of responsibility for all aspects of occupational health and safety through line management, are responsible to the Laboratory Director for assuring compliance with all ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements as defined in the procedure and pertaining to all programs, activities, and facilities within their respective divisions or areas of responsibility.

8.9.3.4 Facilities Division Director

The Facilities Division Director is responsible for interpretations of NFPA 70, The National Electrical Code. The Facilities Division Director will appoint a Facilities Chief Electrical Engineer, which will be delegated with this authority. The Facilities Chief Electrical Engineer will:

• Ensure the designs of electrical equipment installations are compliant with the requirements of this procedure.
• Provide testing and evaluation, as needed, for unique equipment.
• Provide SHOCK HAZARD analysis and arc FLASH HAZARD analysis for electrical work as requested by organizations performing electrical work.

8.9.3.5 Engineering Division

The Engineering Division Director will nominate, from the Engineering Division, a chair for the Electrical Safety Committee. Engineering Division electrical engineers will:

• Provide for the testing and evaluations, as needed, of unique non-NRTL equipment.
• Provide SHOCK HAZARD analysis and arc FLASH HAZARD analysis for electrical work activities as requested by organizations performing electrical R&D work.
• Ensure manufacturing, installation, testing and maintenance of R&D electrical equipment are compliant with electrical industry consensus standards.

8.9.3.6 Environment, Health and Safety Division Director

The Environment, Health and Safety Division Director is delegated the responsibility by the Deputy Laboratory Director for Operations for applying the Electrical Safety Program and assuring compliance with all ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements that pertain to maintaining a safe working environment and protecting Laboratory employees and contract and subcontract personnel from injury or death as a result of ELECTRICAL HAZARDs.

The EH&S Division, is responsible for the documentation of Lab-wide electrical safety policies and procedures, site wide training, and field support for the implementation of the LBNL electrical safety program. EH&S will:

• Perform periodic assessments of ELECTRICAL SAFETY compliance at LBNL and provide feedback, incident reports and recommendations to the Electrical Safety Committee.
• Appoint a qualified Electrical Safety Engineer and an alternate.
• Maintain documentation of Lab-wide electrical policies and procedures.

As the authorized representative of the EH&S Director, the Electrical Safety Engineer has the responsibility to ensure the acceptability of experimental electrical wiring and apparatus. In this capacity the Electrical Safety Engineer will:

• Provide coordination for the LBNL electrical safety program, working in close cooperation with the LNBL Electrical Safety Committee of the Safety Review Committee.
• Evaluate existing workplace safety by inspecting or assisting in the inspections of the workplace for National Electrical Code (NEC) and NFPA 70E compliance. The Electrical Safety Engineer shall have access and provide inspection services for all LBNL workplaces, including construction and leased operations.
• Serve as the primary reviewer for Energized Manipulative Electrical Work Permits for manipulative electrical work (Appendix B). These work permits require the approval of the Electrical Safety Engineer (or in his absence his alternate).
• Provide assistance to research divisions by evaluating the acceptability of experimental electrical wiring and apparatus. In this capacity, the Electrical Safety Engineer will, as needed:
  • Ensure ELECTRICAL SAFETY training course content complies with this Chapter, and ensure qualified trainers are available if needed. Develop and revise ELECTRICAL SAFETY training as necessary.
  • Review drawings, tests, and other documentation provided by the project engineers, principal investigators (PIs), or other responsible parties for compliance with accepted safety criteria and code intent.
  • Consult with the appropriate specialists to verify that engineering, design, and construction requirements have been correctly applied.
  • Inspect power systems and incidental wiring related to the experiment.
  • Conduct other inspections and analyses as necessary to verify the acceptability of the apparatus involved.

• Serve as the first contact AHJ within LBNL, which will provide formal interpretations of Fed OSHA ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements and NFPA 70E, “Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace” and NFPA 70E.
• Assist the Facilities Chief Electrical Engineer for interpretations of the NFPA 70, “The National Electrical Code.”
• Sits as an ex officio member of the Electrical Safety Committee and provide administrative and technical support as necessary and requested by the Chair to ensure the effective operation of this Committee.

8.9.3.7 Electrical Safety Committee

The Electrical Safety Committee (ESC) is a subcommittee of the LBNL Safety Review Committee (SRC). The Electrical Safety Committee has the responsibility to develop and maintain the LBNL Electrical Safety Program. The ESC will:

• Provide the SRC with recommendations for training and requirements to implement the program.
• Provide the SRC with recommendations for funding of ELECTRICAL SAFETY initiatives.
• Develop and review technical material related to the electrical safety program.
• Maintain through review and revision, this Chapter and the technical electrical information in Chapter 18, Lockout/Tagout.
• Assist line management in the interpretations of ELECTRICAL SAFETY requirements.
• Assist in employee training and safety awareness for electrical hazards.
• Assess the performance of the Electrical Safety Program, including assessments, audits, inspections, and reviews of electrical accidents and near misses.
• The ESC may be requested to review electrical and electronic equipment and their installations at LBNL.

8.9.3.7.1 Composition

The ESC should be comprised of members who are knowledgeable in ELECTRICAL SAFETY, electrical systems, electrical equipment, and electrical requirements and standards (Fed OSHA, NFPA, NEC, and ANSI as appropriate).

8.10 Training

8.10.1 LBNL Training Courses

• LBNL course Lockout /Tagout-OSHA (EHS 256) is required for anyone who for any reason needs to remove shielding or barriers on electrically powered equipment.
• LBNL course Adult Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (EHS 123) is required for all persons working in electrically hazard areas, and for persons serving as a Required Safety Watch.
• LBNL course First Aid Safety (EHS 116) is required for all persons working in electrically hazard areas, and for persons serving as a Required Safety Watch.
• Some level of ELECTRICAL SAFETY training such as EHS 260, EHS 249, and EHS 250 as determined by JHQ and one’s supervisor and ESC.
• Various levels of ELECTRICAL SAFETY training are offered by the Laboratory on an as-needed basis. Contact the LBNL Electrical Safety Engineer for classes or refresher training.

8.10.2 LBNL Training Matrix By Job Task

8.11 Recordkeeping

• Energized Electrical Work Approvals (Briefings, Permits, Switching Tag, Specific Procedures) shall be maintained by the supervisor of the person(s) performing the work for at least three years.
• Energized Electrical Work Approvals shall be made available to EH&S personnel.
• Training records shall be kept on file for a period in accordance with LBNL records retention policies.
• Qualification determination records (resumes, job applications, military training records, on-the-job training records, etc.) shall be kept on file for a period in accordance with LBNL records retention policies.

8.12 Standards

• 29 CFR Part 1910, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Department of Labor
• 29 CFR Part 1926, Safety and Health Regulations for Construction, Department of Labor
• California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 3, California Electrical Code
• California Code of Regulations, Title 8
• NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, 2005
• NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical safety in the Workplace
• NFPA 101, Life Safety Code
  

8.13 Electrical Safety Considerations

8.13.1 General Considerations

• Extension cords are for temporary use: In general, roll-up the cord at the end of the day. If an extension cord is required for the same work at the same location on a continual basis, you should call Facilities to install an additional receptacle where you actually need the power, or move the equipment. Do not daisy-chain extension cords. Check the cord for damage each time you use it. Electricians can repair damaged cords.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Treat it well. Keep it clean and oil free. Perform an air leakage test of rated gloves before every use. Flame Retardant (FR) clothing requires special laundering to maintain its protection.
• Joining a job in progress: When you are assigned to a job in progress with lockout and tagout devices applied, you have an obligation to yourself to understand exactly what has been locked out and verified.
• Practice proper housekeeping and cleanliness: Poor housekeeping is a major factor in many accidents. A cluttered area is likely to be both unsafe and inefficient. Every employee is responsible for keeping a clean area, and every supervisor is responsible for ensuring that his or her areas of responsibility remain clean.
• Maintain for safety: Good maintenance is essential to safe operations. Establish maintenance procedures and schedules for servicing and maintaining equipment and facilities, including documentation of repairs, removals, replacements, and disposals.
• Document your work: An up-to-date set of documentation adequate for operation, maintenance, testing, and safety should be available to anyone WORKING ON potentially hazardous equipment. Keep drawings and prints up to date: Obsolete drawings should be marked as obsolete and if maintained, kept in a ‘Dead File”. Be certain that active file drawings have the latest corrections. All facilities drawings are to be archived with the Facilities Records Analyst and Control Specialist.
• Have designs reviewed: All systems and modifications to systems performing a safety function or controlling a potentially hazardous operation must be reviewed and APPROVED at the level of project engineer or above.
• Have designs and operation verified: All systems performing safety functions or controlling a potentially hazardous operation must be validated by actual test procedures before being placed in service, at least once a year, and anytime the system is suspected of malfunction. Both the procedures and actual tests must be documented.
• Beware of wet areas: While working with liquids (e.g., washing, mopping, and spraying), exercise extra care to avoid contact with electrical outlets or devices. Cover electrical openings if liquids can penetrate them. If the openings cannot be covered, the power must be disconnected and locked. (See Chapter 18, Lockout/Tagout.)
• Choose safe test equipment: The test equipment you use is considered personal protective equipment (PPE). Each instrument will have the words “CAT I - 500V” (or the actual category and maximum working VOLTAGE) marked near the input terminals. Category I for lowest VOLTAGE work, up through Category IV for substation and power distribution work. When you use such a meter, its rating requires that you use approved test leads to ensure the Category Rating the manufacturer has earned. Use of “after market” test probes and leads may void the Category Rating. The categories and ratings for intended service are:
  • Category I: Protected electronic equipment
    
  • Category II: Appliances, portable tools, etc.
    
  • Category III: Fixed switchgear, motors
    
  • Category IV: Utility (premises wiring)

If the test equipment is used for any kind of certification, it must be calibrated regularly, according to the manufacturers’ maintenance instructions. This may vary from meter to meter, but generally, recalibration once a year is typical.

• Keep manuals, read them: Read the manuals before assembling or operating the equipment. These manuals are part of your safety system.
• Set meter range switches before powering-up: Decide in advance that you will not change ranges with a probe on a live test point. There are two reasons for this: First, remember, it’s easy for a probe tip to slip off a live test point while you are looking at the range switch. Second, it may be possible to switch through a current measurement range effectively putting a dead short between the meter leads.
• Drawings are safety equipment: We have a special obligation to ensure all our drawings and wire lists are accurate. We have to rely on engineering drawings and schematic diagrams of experimental equipment to identify sources of electrical power, diagnose operational problems, and begin logical troubleshooting. If the drawings are not truly “as built” (i.e., actually representative of the equipment we’re asked to work on) we could be working in equipment with power present -- and not know it. When you discover a discrepancy between an engineering drawing and the actual equipment, stop and back out. If in your judgment it is safe to continue with the existing drawings under that judgment, do so with great caution, and on completion of the work mark-up the drawings with the corrections needed, and advise your supervisor.
• Proximity sensors: Proximity detectors may not be used in the final verification step for LOTO. Before probing a circuit with voltmeter leads (a direct contact), use every non-contact method at your disposal to check for zero-energy-state. You can almost always use a proximity sensor safely, before actual probing. Proximity sensors don’t work on DC and, sometimes not on AC. They cannot guarantee that a circuit is in a zero-energy state, but they might disclose a source of AC power that is still ENERGIZED and of which you were not aware. The rule-of-thumb is, if it indicates there is AC power present, believe it: if it indicates there is no AC power, don’t believe it! As with your voltmeter, check the proximity sensor immediately before using it, then check it again, immediately after using it to ensure it is still actually working.
• Keep proper spare fuses handy: Check the manual for the proper fuse information. When replacing fuses, the replacement fuse must be an exact replacement. Using any other value or type fuse compromises the integrity and safety of the equipment.
• Inspect your meter and meter leads for damage before each use.
• Beware UPS Systems: Aside from internal battery VOLTAGES, Uninterruptible Power Sources (UPS’s) are designed to provide 120-volt AC power to a computer or other critical equipment when its plug is removed from the wall receptacle. You should expect to encounter 120-V AC when you open it.
• Equipment on metal carts: Provide grounding for metal carts used for test equipment or other electrical equipment, each time they are moved to a new location. A plug strip with GFCI protection, bonded to the cart, with proper ground connections, will achieve this when power is supplied by a GROUNDED receptacle.

8.13.2 Clearance Around Electrical Equipment

For all new construction and installations, maintain access and working clearance space around power and lighting circuit breaker panels, motor controllers, and other electrical equipment in accordance with OSHA or the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC), whichever is most stringent. This clearance space ensures safe access for personnel who inspect, adjust, maintain, or modify ENERGIZED equipment.

Clearance space must not be used for storage or occupied by bookcases, desks, workbenches, or similar items. Not even a wastebasket.

8.13.3 Flexible Cords

Because cord and plug connections are generally well understood, this instruction does not cover portable hand-operated power tools, small kitchen appliances, office equipment, electronic instruments, personal computers, and other similar equipment.

Allowed Uses: Flexible cords and cables may be used for:

1. Pendants
2. Wiring of fixtures
3. Connections of portable lamps or appliances
4. Elevator cables
5. Crane and hoist wiring
6. Connecting stationary equipment that requires frequent interchange
7. Preventing transmission of noise or vibration
8. An appliance or equipment with fastenings and mechanical connections specifically designed to permit removal for maintenance and repair, and intended or identified for flexible cord connection
9. Power cables (ac) for data-processing equipment
10. Connecting moving parts

When flexible cords and cables are used in conditions 3, 6, or 8 above, they must be equipped with an APPROVED attachment plug and ENERGIZED from a receptacle outlet. Only QUALIFIED PERSONs may install cord caps, (the attachment plug), on cords.

Flexible cord and cable, attachment plugs, and receptacles must be of the proper type, size, and VOLTAGE and current rating for the intended application.

Branch circuits that feed cord-and-plug connected equipment must be designed, have overcurrent protection and be GROUNDED in accordance with the NEC.

All cord-and plug-connected equipment must be GROUNDED with a correctly sized and identified equipment-grounding conductor that is an integral part of the ac power cord or cable. Exception: LISTED equipment that is protected by a double insulation system or its equivalent.

It is LBNL policy to allow cord and plug connection of equipment that operates at 250V or less and has a maximum circuit rating of 30 A. Any equipment operating at higher VOLTAGES or currents should be permanently connected. (exception; portable arc welders) If a higher VOLTAGE or current cord-and-plug connection is desired, contact the EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer (ext. 4314) for requirements and guidelines.

Forbidden Uses of Flexible Cables:

1. Substituted for the fixed wiring of a structure
2. Run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors
3. Run through doorways, windows, or similar openings
4. Attached to building surfaces
5. Concealed behind building walls, ceilings, or floors
6. Installed in electrical raceways, unless specifically allowed by NEC provisions covering electrical raceways

Except for the temporary wiring provisions of NEC, the NEC does not allow the cord-and-plug connection of equipment to be ENERGIZED from extension cords. Extension cords are not legal substitutes for the fixed wiring of a structure such as a receptacle outlet.

In industrial locations, a suitable guard or cover must protect the interface between attachment plug and receptacle from intrusion of process waste or other foreign material, such as cutting oils and machining chips.

8.13.4 Extension Cords

Extension cords provide a convenient method of bringing ac power to a device that is not located near a power source. They are used as temporary power sources. Extension cords are probably involved in more electrical-code and safety violations than any other device at the Laboratory. They are stepped on, stretched, cut, OVERLOADED, and, in general, used improperly.

Guidelines for the Safe Use of Extension Cords:

• Use only APPROVED and properly maintained extension cords that have no EXPOSED live parts, exposed ungrounded metal parts, damage, or splices.
• Use only heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty rated cable.
• Use extension cords that are protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) around construction sites, in damp areas, or in an area where a person may be in direct contact with a solidly GROUNDED conductive object (e.g., working in a vacuum tank). The GFCI can consist of a special circuit breaker, a GFCI outlet, or an extension cord with a built-in GFCI.
• Ensure that the extension cord is of sufficient current-carrying capacity to power the device. Use of an undersized cord results in an overheated cord and insufficient VOLTAGE delivered to the device, thus causing device or cord failure and a fire hazard. Undersized cords also constitute a serious SHOCK HAZARD as it may not allow the breaker feeding it to trip.
• Always use three-conductor (GROUNDED) extension cords—even if the device has a two-conductor cord. Never use two-conductor extension cords at the Laboratory.

Avoiding Misuse of Extension Cords: Observe the following restrictions to avoid misuse of extension cords:

• Do not use extension cords in place of permanent facility wiring.
• Avoid running extension cords through doors, ceilings, windows, or holes in the walls. If it is necessary to run a cord through a doorway for short term use, ensure that the cord is:
  • Protected from damage.
    
  • Removed immediately when no longer in use.
    
  • Not a tripping hazard.
    

• Do not daisy chain extension cords (i.e., plug one extension cord into another extension cord).
• Do not OVERLOAD extension cords. Make sure that the wire size is sufficient for the current required.
• Do not cut off the ground pin of an extension cord or compromise the ground protection in any way.
• Do not use extension cords with a ground conductor that has less current-carrying capacity than the other conductors.
• Do not use frayed or damaged extension cords.
• Never splice extension cords, even for a repair. If an extension cord is damaged, it may be made into two cords, provided the proper connectors are used in a proper manner. Only QUALIFIED PERSONNEL may install cord caps for use with potentials greater than 50V.
• Only QUALIFIED PERSONNEL may make repairs of extension cords.

Acceptable Combination:

The following combination is not recommended, but will be accepted to provide power to personal computer systems and peripherals only when there is no other reasonable way to do so:

• One single extension cord (single outlet) to a power strip (with overcurrent protection) to a computer system.

This is an interim solution, limited to 600 watts total load. For long-term installation a premises wiring outlet at the computer system will be required.

A plug strip with overvoltage protection, overcurrent protection and line noise filtering is highly recommended. (such as an Isobar).

8.13.5 Relocatable Power Taps

A relocatable power tap (also referred to as a power strip) is a variation of an extension cord, where the cord terminates in a row or grouping of receptacles. Relocatable power taps are commonly used in offices to provide multiple receptacles to office equipment. In general, all rules pertaining to extension cords also apply to relocatable power taps.

Additional considerations are:

• Only use approved LBNL Stores items. The presence of a UL (or other NRTL) label does not necessarily mean the device is approved for LBNL usage.
• Relocatable power taps are not rated for heaters, refrigerators, toaster ovens, or other high power devices. Use only for office equipment such as computers, printers, etc.
• The total load on the relocatable power tap must not exceed 1440 watts or 12 amperes.
• Any single load (single receptacle) must not exceed 600 watts (5 amperes).
• Do not permanently mount relocatable power taps to any facility surface. Relocatable power taps are classified as temporary devices. It is acceptable to hang them from screws or hooks if they are manufactured with slots or keyholes.
• In equipment racks, the preferred method of supplying 120/208V utility power to rack-mounted instruments is via a special relocatable power tap specifically designed to be rack-installed.

8.13.6 Heating Tapes and Cords

Many experiments at LBNL use heating tapes or cords, including many high vacuum apparatus.  The heating tapes or cords pose an electrical shock hazard if not used properly.  This advisory establishes requirements for the proper selection, care, and use of heating tapes and cords.  These guidelines also apply to heating pads, wraps, or similar components intended to be applied directly to laboratory apparatus.  Exemptions to the below requirements must be approved by the EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer.
This document supplements procedures and policies found in this PUB-3000 chapter (Chapter 8, Electrical Safety).

General Electrical Safety Requirements for use of Heating Tape

• Whenever possible, use heating tapes that bear a Listing mark by UL or another Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
• Use three-wire (grounded) heating tape and cord systems whenever practical.  Two-wire heat tapes and cords, while allowed for use at LBNL, are inherently less safe than three-wire systems.
• Inspect heating tapes and cords before use and discard any that display signs of excessive wear, fraying, or overheating.  Do not repair damaged items.
• Properly ground all conductive equipment surfaces before heating tapes are powered.
• Equipment undergoing heating with a variable AC transformer controlled heat tape must be monitored on a regular basis to prevent overheating of either the chamber or the heating device.
• Heating tapes and cords with an AC plug that can be split into two pieces must have the plug replaced or glued together.
• Read all of the manufacturer’s instructions before using any heating device.
• Use heat tapes only on surfaces for which they are designed. Glas-Col® heating cords are an example of a cord that may not be used at LBNL for any purpose but heating glassware and non-metallic apparatus.
• If you are unsure whether or not your heating tape or cord is approved for use at LBNL, contact the EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer.

Heating Tape Power Source Requirements

• A Ground Fault Current Interrupter (GFCI) protected power source must be used.  Portable GFCI adaptors are acceptable. Before use, the GFCI must be tested: depress the “TEST” button, verify that the “RESET” button pops out, and then depress the “RESET” button.
• A maximum of 1920 Watts of heating capacity may be placed on a 20-amp circuit breaker.
• A maximum of 1440 Watts heating capacity may be placed on any individual power cord, receptacle, or relocatable power tap (power strip).

Unusual Conditions

1. Circuit Breaker Trip

If a circuit breaker trips during a heating operation, this is usually because the circuit is overloaded.  Disconnect an appropriate number of the heat tapes and reset the breaker.  If the breaker trips again, call an LBNL qualified electrical worker, Facilities Electrical shop (x6023) or the EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer (x4694) for help.

2. GFCI Trip

If a GFCI trips during the heating operation, it is permissible to reset the GFCI one time.  Personnel must remain clear of equipment when the GFCI is reset. If the GFCI trips again, all of the heating tapes must be disconnected and thoroughly inspected for damage.  If the problem persists, call an LBNL qualified electrical worker, Facilities Electrical Shop staff (x6023) or the EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer (x4694).

3. Variable Transformer Issues

If the fuse blows in the device, replace the blown fuse only with a fuse rated for the device.  Using a higher current fuse than rated for the device will allow overheating and may cause a fire.  Variable transformers and other control devices for heat tape control should be periodically checked by a qualified electrical worker for receptacle tension and proper fusing.

For More Information please contact an LBNL qualified electrical worker, Facilities Electrical Shop staff (x6023), or the EH&S Electrical Safety Engineer (x4694) with any questions.

8.14 Appendices