Energized Equipment for Electric Utilities

Energized Equipment for Electrical Workers

Welcome to another HSI Safe in Sixty.

For qualified electrical workers, work with energized equipment can be part of the daily routine – but never mistake routine for complacency.

It's always dangerous, even if you have the right training and equipment.

Always treat equipment as energized, including non-current-carrying metal parts, unless you've verified zero voltage and applied grounding.

Work from a position where a slip won't bring you into contact with exposed energized parts.

Know the nominal system voltage then use approved test instruments to verify which parts are energized.

If you can't verify voltage, assume it's energized and hazardous.

Use rated PPE.

Avoid wearing synthetic fabrics and make sure your outermost garment is rated for the work you are performing.

Working on or around equipment energized at more than 600 volts requires at least a two-person crew.

For a safe, compliant work area, use insulated barriers and covers with the proper rating on live phases, neutrals, and paths to ground.

Finally, keep your minimum approach distances on hand every day — they're easy to forget when you need them most.

That's it for this safety minute. Your safety is always worth the extra minute.