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Safety Policies & Programs


Electrical Safety

Policy Key Points



Policy

Table of Contents

Overview

Introduction
Objectives
Responsibilities
Scope
References

Definitions


Categories of Work


Electrically Safe Work Practices

Normal Operation of Electrical Equipment
Equipment / Interlocks / Housekeeping
Flexible Cord Sets
Defective Equipment

De-Energized Work

Work On or Near Exposed Energized Conductors

Work On/Near Exposed Energized Conductors
Qualified and Unqualified Workers
Host and Contract Employer Responsibilities
Test Instruments and Equipment
Approach Boundaries
Hazard Analysis
PPE Categories
Other Precautions
Work On or Near Overhead Lines
Electrical Power and Lighting Circuits

Electrical Field Service


Related Policies


Records and Forms


Training

Introduction

Purpose of this Policy

To establish a program meeting or exceeding acceptable standards for electrical safety-related work practices. This program includes requirements for the comprehensive training of qualified and unqualified workers relating to:

  • The use of personal protective equipment,
  • Proper use of tools while working near electrical apparatus,
  • Testing procedures,
  • Working with specialized fixed equipment for various job functions,
  • Understanding working clearance and approach boundaries,
  • Determining nominal voltages, and
  • Identifying exposed energized parts.

Safety-related work practices shall be employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct contact or indirect electrical contact, when work is performed near or on equipment or circuits which are or may be energized. The specific safety-related work practices will be consistent with the nature and extent of the associated electrical hazards.
Principle to this purpose is to ensure that only qualified personnel work on and near live electrical conductors and circuits.


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Objectives of this Policy

The primary objective of this policy is avoid injuries related to electrical contacts.

  • Associates inappropriately interacting with energized electrical conductors and circuit parts can be exposed to an unacceptable risk of exposure to electrical hazards.
  • Exposure to an unacceptable risk of electrical hazards can result in an electric shock injury or electrocution, arc flash burn or thermal burn (from hot equipment or fire), injury from the molten metal or shrapnel or pressure blast associated with an arc flash, or a secondary injury as the result of a fall or from trying to avoid the exposure.

To provide guidance in determining the level of protection needed by various electrical exposures.

To document the training required by:
  • Qualified associates
  • Unqualified associates working in manufacturing, repair, facilities maintenance, and laboratories
  • Unqualified associates working in office areas.

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Responsibilities

Responsibility of Yaskawa America, Inc.

  • Assure the requirements of this policy are followed
  • Annual review of this policy and, if revise as needed
  • Ensure training and retraining is made available to qualified associates

Responsibility of the Supervisor
  • Conduct periodic inspection to endure safe work practices are followed.
  • Ensure that protective equipment is available and tested as required.

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Scope of this Policy

This policy affects all Yaskawa America, Inc. employees, contractors and visitors.

  • Every person who enters a Yaskawa facility is exposed to electricity.
  • In most cases, the electricity is contained resulting in very low risk of injury. However, there are instances, such as equipment maintenance, production testing and laboratory work, where people are exposed to live electrical conductors and circuits.
It is not the intent of this program to detail procedures required to protect equipment, apparatus or wiring systems.

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References

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations Parts 1910.331-360 “Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices”

NFPA 70E Standard

Yaskawa America, Inc. Control of Hazardous Energy Policy

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Definitions

Approach Distances Must be established whenever work is to be conducted on electrical systems or components that are not in an electrically safe work condition.  
Flash Protection Boundary Distance beyond which appropriate flash protection equipment is required to prevent incurable 2nd degree burns.
NOTE: The flash protection boundary can be inside or outside of the limited approach boundary.
Limited Approach Boundary Shock protection boundary designed to keep nonqualified persons at a safe distance from exposed electrical components. Only qualified workers are allowed within this boundary.
Restricted Approach Boundary Secondary shock protection boundary to prevent accidental contact with live parts. Only qualified personnel with proper protective equipment are allowed within this boundary.
Arc Flash Hazard A dangerous condition associated with the possible release of energy caused by an electric arc.
  • An arc flash hazard may exist when energized electrical conductors or circuit parts are exposed.
  • Properly installed and maintained equipment does not likely pose an arc flash hazard under normal conditions.
Arc Rating Expressed in cal/cm², the arc rating indicates the level of arc flash protection. It determines appropriate personal protective equipment.
Barricade A physical obstruction to prevent contact with equipment or energized conductors and restrict unauthorized access.  
Disconnecting Means A device to disconnect a circuit from its power source, which must support being locked out for safety.  
Electrical Conductor
  • Suitable for carrying electrical current
  • May be bare or insulated
 
Exposed Electrical Conductor Capable of being inadvertently touched or approached closer than a safe distance. Not insulated.  
Fixed Equipment Equipment fastened in place or connected by permanent wiring methods (hard-wired).  
Portable Electrical Equipment Includes cord and plug-connected equipment, such as extension cords.  
Qualified Person
  • Has knowledge of electrical systems and safety training.
  • Supervisors must receive NFPA 70E training every three years.
  • Note: A person may be qualified in one area and unqualified in another.
 
Unqualified Person Not permitted to work near live electrical conductors.  
Energized All electrical equipment is considered energized until confirmed otherwise by qualified personnel through proper procedures.  
De-energized Electrical conductors with no current, confirmed by proper procedures. Considered energized until verified otherwise.  

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Categories of Work

There are four categories of work:


Normal Operation of Equipment

Using tools and equipment that are properly grounded or double‐insulated and with no damage to insulation. There is no exposure to live electrical conductors.


De-Energized Work

Work on products, equipment, or facilities on electical conductors in which no electrical current has been verified.

  • Equipment with electrical plugs disconnected is considered de-energized work unless:
    • The equipment is capable of maintaining an electrical charge, or
    • The equipment is powered by batteries.


Permit Required Work

An Energized Work Permit is required when it is necessary to work within the restricted approach boundary of exposed parts at 50V or above except for:

  • Product Testing,
  • Voltage Measurement,
  • Troubleshooting.
    See "Non-Permit Required Work" for performing these activities.

Permit required work shall only be performed if de-energizing will introduce additional hazards.

Permit required work shall not be performed by Yaskawa associates.


Non-Permit Required Work

Qualified associates who use appropriate safe work practices may perform work within the restricted approach boundary of exposed energized parts at 50V or above for the following activities:

  • Product testing,
  • Voltage measurement, or
  • Troubleshooting


Table of Reference


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Electrically Safe Work Practices

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Normal Operation of Electrical Equipment

The risk associated with normal operation of electrical equipment is minimal, given the following conditions:

  • The equipment is properly installed, in accordance with applicable industry codes and standards including the manufacturer’s instructions,
  • The equipment is properly maintained, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable industry codes and standards,
  • The equipment doors are closed and secured,
  • All the equipment’s covers are in place and secured (with all required hardware),
  • There is no evidence of impending failure, such as arching, overheating, loose or bound equipment parts, visible damage, or deterioration, and
  • The equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and its listing.

Under these conditions, the risks of an associate being shocked, electrocuted, or injured by an arc flash or blast, or from fire caused from the use of electricity is minimal and is considered acceptable.

Unqualified associates may perform normal operation of electrical equipment.

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Electrical Equipment, Interlocks, and Housekeeping

Fixed Equipment

Refers to equipment fastened in place or connected by permanent wiring methods (hard wired).

Installation

Only Yaskawa approved electrical contractors shall install fixed equipment.

Yaskawa approved contractors are required to ensure the equipment is properly installed and wired in accordance with applicable industry codes and standards including the manufacturer’s instructions.

Maintenance

Maintenance of fixed equipment shall be completed per manufacturers recommendation by competent personnel.

If Lock-Out/Tag-Out is required to perform the maintenance, Lock-Out/Tag-Out shall be completed by a qualified associate following the requirements detailed in Yaskawa’s Lock-Out/Tag-Out Policy.

Before beginning work on deenergized circuits or equipment, a qualified person must verify that the equipment cannot be restarted. Before reenergizing the circuits or equipment, the qualified person must conduct tests and visual inspections to ensure that it can be done safely.

Portable Equipment

Consumer Products

Each associate is responsible for ensuring the electrical consumer products she/he uses is free from exposure to energized circuits or parts.

  • Periodically verify there is no damage to the wire insulation,
  • Cords and wires shall be routed in a way that they are not in close proximity to sharp or hot objects that may damage the insulation,
  • Damaged or suspect items shall be removed from service.

Powered hand tools shall be inspected each shift prior to first use. This inspection does not need to be documented but the product shall be immediately removed from service if the item is damaged or damage is suspected.

Industrial Equipment

Portable industrial equipment must be inspected prior to use. For equipment that is used throughout the shift, the inspection shall occur at the beginning of the shift. More frequent inspections are necessary if recommended by the manufacturer.

The associate who plans to use the tool is responsible for completing the inspection or making sure the inspection was completed by competent authority. (For instance, an associate who must use an electric hoist may not have been the person who did the inspection but the associate must verify that the inspection was properly completed.)

Portable Equipment Maintenance

Maintenance shall be completed per manufacturers recommendation by competent personnel.

Unplugging the portable equipment is a suitable means of deenergizing the portable equipment if the unplugged connector is within view and control of the person performing the maintenance.

Maintenance personnel shall be cognizant of residual electrical charges that may be present in the equipment being maintained and take the necessary steps to discharge residual energy.

Ladders

Portable ladders must have nonconductive side-rails if there is potential for contact with energized parts.

Interlocks

Interlocks may only be defeated by a qualified person and only while she/he is working on the equipment.

The interlock system must be made operable when the work is complete.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping duties must be performed at sufficient distances to avoid contact with live parts.

Housekeeping shall not be performed within the limited approach distance or the arc flash boundary, whichever is farther from the exposed live conductors.

Electrically-conductive cleaning materials may not be used within the limited approach distance or the arc flash boundary, whichever is farther from the exposed live conductors.

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Flexible Cord Sets (Extension Cords)

Extension Cords

  • All extension cords shall be three wire heavy duty type.
  • Extension cords used outdoors shall be outdoor rated.
  • Extension cords shall have an ampere rating not less than the load served.
  • Extension cords shall be directly connected to a permanently installed branch circuit receptacle; they are not to be series-connected to other extension cords or power strips.
  • Extension cords shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.
  • Extension cords shall not be used as permanent wiring. If an extension cord is in the same place for more than 30-days, permanent wiring shall be installed.
  • Extension cords shall not be routed through walls, windows, ceilings, floors or similar openings.
  • Extension cords shall be UL listed.


Power Strips

  • Power strips shall be three wire heavy duty type.
  • Power strips shall have an ampere rating not less than the load served.
  • Power strips shall be directly connected to a permanently installed branch circuit receptacle; they are not to be series-connected to other power strips or extension cords.
  • Power strips shall not be fastened with staples, hung from nails, or suspended by wire.
  • Power strips shall be UL listed.
  • Power strips shall not be routed through walls, windows, ceilings, floors or similar openings.

The requirements for power strips includes Surge/Spike Protectors and Portable Outlets.

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Defective Equipment


NOTE: For the purpose of this procedure, there is no distinction between a product or equipment with a known defect and a product or equipment that is suspected to have a defect. Suspect products and equipment are considered defective.


Defective equipment shall be removed from use as soon as the defect, or suspected defect, is identified. Under no circumstance shall a Yaskawa associate attempt to use defective or suspected defective material.

An “Out of Service” or “Do Not Use” tag shall be placed on the equipment and the appropriate personnel notified. If an associate does not know who the appropriate personnel is, he/she shall notify his/her supervisor.

Repair of defective equipment shall only be performed by competent authorities following manufacturer’s instructions.

Products/equipment that cannot be repaired shall be destroyed in a manner that later repairs cannot be attempted by other people.

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De-Energized Work

Before working on parts which have been deenergized, the circuits which energize the parts must be properly locked-out and tagged-out per Yaskawa America, Inc.’s Lock-Out/Tag-Out Policy.

Parts of electric equipment and circuits that have been deenergized, but have not been locked out and tagged, are to be treated as energized.

Before beginning work on deenergized circuits or equipment, a qualified person most verify that the equipment cannot be restarted. Before reenergizing:

  • The qualified person must conduct tests and visual inspections;
  • People in the area must be warned to stay clear of circuits and equipment;
  • Each lock and tag must be removed by appropriate personnel, and
  • A visual inspection must be conducted to ensure people are away from circuits and equipment.

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Work On or Near Exposed Energized Conductors

This section addresses the requirements while testing, voltage measurement and troubleshooting. No Yaskawa associate shall perform Permit Required Work.

Allowable Work for Working On or Near Energized Parts
Product Testing

Production

Working on or near exposed energized parts is necessary to test manufactured products to ensure the safety of Yaskawa customers and ensure the integrity and reliability of Yaskawa products.

Qualified testers must complete all of the training requirements identified in Qualified Associates section and training specific to the products and test equipment with which they will work.

Production testers qualification is facility and product type specific.

Repair & Field Service

After a product has been repaired, either within Yaskawa’s in-house repair facilities or at a customer site, it must be tested to ensure the safety of Yaskawa customers and ensure the integrity and reliability of the product. This test may require working on or near exposed energized parts.

Qualified associates performing repair and field service work must complete all of the training requirements identified in Qualified Associates section.

Associates qualified for repair and field service are qualified by voltage ratings (e.g.: Low Voltage 0-1000V, Medium Voltage 1000V-35,000V, High Voltage >35,000V). Associates qualified to perform medium voltage testing are also qualified to perform low voltage testing.

Laboratory

Yaskawa laboratory workers test product to ensure products meet design, regulatory and statutory requirements. The testing may require working on or near exposed energized parts.

Qualified associates working in the laboratories must complete all of the training requirements identified in Qualified Associates section Associates qualified for laboratory work are qualified by voltage ratings (e.g.: Low Voltage 0-1000V, Medium Voltage 1000V-35,000V, High Voltage >35,000V).


Troubleshooting
Testing

As an extension of the testing process, troubleshooting may be necessary to diagnose problems found during test. This troubleshooting may require work on or near exposed energized parts.

The qualifications for troubleshooting tested products are the same as the qualification for the test purpose.


Customer Property Diagnosis (Repair and Field Service)

It may be necessary to work on or near exposed energized parts to diagnose faults with customer property, either returned to Yaskawa repair facilities or at the customer site.

Associates who are qualified for testing, repair and field service, and laboratory work are also qualified to perform troubleshooting pursuant to their testing qualification.

Facilities Maintenance and Repair

Qualified facilities associates may have to troubleshoot electrical equipment or services. This troubleshooting may require work on or near exposed energized parts.

Qualified facilities associates must complete all of the training requirements.

Associates who are qualified for facilities maintenance and repair are qualified by voltage ratings (e.g.: Low Voltage 0-1000V, Medium Voltage 1000V-35,000V, High Voltage >35,000V).



Voltage Measurement

Pursuant to Yaskawa’s Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO) procedure, LOTO may require work on or near exposed energized parts. Electrical lock-out procedures require the assumption that electrical parts and services are energized until voltage measurement confirms a lack of electrical energy.

Associates who are qualified to perform product testing and/or troubleshooting are qualified to perform voltage measurement in relation to their qualification.

LOTO qualified associates are qualified to perform voltage measurement.

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Qualified and Unqualified Workers

Qualified Workers

A qualified worker is one who has demonstrated knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to identify and avoid the hazards involved.

Qualification is based upon the type of work being performed.

Qualification must be renewed when:

  • Supervision or inspection indicates that the associate is not following the required electrical safety-related work practices, or New technology or new equipment requires the use of electrical safety-related work practices that are different from those which the associate would normally use, or
  • Changes in work procedures requires the use of safety-related work practices that are different than the associate would normally use, or
  • The associate is required to use electrical safety-related work practices that are new to him/her, or
  • Within three years of the previous qualification.

Minimum Training Requirements for a Qualified Worker

The training required by this section shall be classroom and on-the-job (to demonstrate knowledge and understanding). The type and extent of the training provided shall be determined by the risk to the associate.

The training shall be verified at least annually to ensure the associate training required by this policy and NFPA 70E is current.

The training required in this section shall be documented in the qualified associate’s competency record.

The training and demonstrated understanding shall include:

  • The construction and operation of relevant equipment,
  • The work method for performing intended task,
  • The method to identify and avoid hazards that might be present with respect to that equipment or work method,
  • The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts from other parts of electrical equipment,
  • The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit parts,
  • The approach distances specified in NFPA 70E Table 130.4(D)(a) and Table 130.4(D)(b), and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed,
  • Decision-making process necessary to be able to do the following:
    • Perform job-safety planning to identify electrical hazards and assess the associated risk,
    • Select, inspect, properly don, and maintain the appropriate personal protective equipment, and
    • Select the appropriate test instrument and shall demonstrate how to use a device to verify the absence of voltage, including interpreting indications provided by the device,
      • This shall include information that enables the associate to understand all limitations of each test instrument that might be used.
An associate who is undergoing on-the-job training for the purpose of obtaining the skills and knowledge necessary to be a qualified associate, and who in the course of such training demonstrates an ability to perform specific duties safely at his or her level of training, and who is under the direct supervision of a qualified person, shall be considered to be a qualified person for the performance of those specific duties. The associate-in-training shall not be within the limited approach boundary nor the arc flash boundary without a qualified associate being within the limited approach boundary.


Unqualified Worker

A Yaskawa associate who has not met all of the criteria to be “Qualified” for the work requiring working on or near exposed energized parts is deemed “Unqualified.”

Unqualified persons shall not work on or near exposed energized parts.

  • “Near” exposed energized parts is defined as within the outer restrictive boundary (either the arc flash boundary or limited approach boundary, whichever is farther from the source).


Minimum Training Requirements for Unqualified Worker

Unqualified associates shall be trained in, and be familiar with, any electrical safety-related practices necessary for their safety. Unqualified associates within production, repair and laboratory areas shall be trained in:

  • The difference between qualified and unqualified workers, and
  • Restricted approach boundary, limited approach boundary and the arc flash boundary, and the methods used within the work-area to restrict access to hazardous areas.




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Host and Contract Employer Responsibilities


Host (Yaskawa America, Inc.) Responsibilities

Yaskawa shall inform contract workers of the following:

  • Known hazards that are covered by this policy, that are related to the contract workers activities, and that might not be recognized the contract employer or its employees,
  • Information about the Yaskawa facility that the contract employer needs to properly train its employees.

Yaskawa shall report observed contract employer-related violations of this policy to the contract employer.


Contract Employer Responsibility

The contract employer shall ensure that each of its employees who will work within the Yaskawa facility is instructed in the hazards communicated to the contract employer by Yaskawa. This instruction shall be in addition to the basic training provided by the contractor.

The contract employer shall ensure that each of its employees follows the work practices required by this policy and safety-related work rules required by Yaskawa.

The contract employer shall advise Yaskawa of the following:

    Any unique hazards presented by the contract employer’s work,
  • Hazards identified during the course of work by the contract employer that were not communicated by Yaskawa, and
  • The measures the contractor took to correct any violations reported by Yaskawa to prevent such violation from recurring.



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Test Instruments and Equipment

Only qualified persons shall perform tasks such as testing, troubleshooting and voltage measuring within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more or where an electrical hazard exists.

Test instruments, equipment and their accessories shall be rated for circuits and equipment where they are utilized.

Test instruments, equipment, and their accessories shall be selected for the environment to which they will be exposed and for the manner in which they will be utilized.

Test instruments and equipment and all associated test leads, cables, power cords, probes, and connectors shall be visually inspected for external defects and damage before each use.

  • If there is a defect or evidence of damage that might expose an associate to injury, the defective or damaged item shall be removed from service.
  • No associate shall use the damaged instrument or equipment until a person qualified to perform the repairs and tests that are necessary to render the equipment safe has done so.

Using Voltmeter to Verify Absence of Power

When test instruments are used for testing the absence of voltage on conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts or more, the operation of the test equipment shall be verified on a known voltage source before and after an absence of voltage test is performed.

1. While wearing appropriate PPE, check that the voltmeter is working properly by checking it to a known source.
2. While wearing appropriate PPE, check for voltage on the locked out equipment. Check all potential sources.
3. While wearing appropriate PPE, check that the voltmeter is still working properly by checking it to a known source.

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Approach Boundaries

Only qualified workers are permitted within any of the approach boundaries (restricted approach, limited approach and arc flash protection boundaries)

Barricades or barriers shall be erected to prevent unqualified workers from entering past the outer boundary.



If barricades or barriers cannot be installed, such as field service, an attendant shall be placed outside of the outer boundary to warn unqualified people to stay outside the boundary areas. The attendant shall remain in the area as long as there is a potential for associates to be exposed to the electrical hazard.

EXAMPLES

Production test area in OC/Franklin uses ribbon barrier outside of the outer boundaries.
Production test in BG uses barrier to shield the worker from the exposed conductors.
Labs provide a barrier by using a secured access door.

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Hazard Analysis

Electrical shock and arc flash assessments shall be performed:

  • At the time of equipment installation,
  • At the time of electrical modification, and
  • At a periodic interval not to exceed 5 years.

A shock hazard analysis and arc flash hazard analysis shall be conducted by a qualified electrician from a Yaskawa approved electrical contractor. The method of performing the analysis shall be consistent with NFPA 70E 2015 requirements.

This analysis shall be completed on the following types of equipment:
  • Production test power supply equipment
  • Facility electrical service equipment

A label shall be affixed to the electrical equipment. This label shall include:

  • Flash Hazard Boundary
  • Arc Rating (in cal/cm2) at 18 inches
  • PPE level
  • kV Shock Hazard
  • Limited Approach Boundary
  • Restricted Approach Boundary



Records of the shock hazard analysis and arc flash hazard analysis shall be maintained by the controlling cost center manager.

The Facilities Department shall maintain records of the shock hazard and arc flash hazard analyses.

Where no Hazard Analysis label has been affixed, the following method shall be used:

Arc Flash PPE Requirement (AC and DC)
Use NFPA 70E 2015 Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(a)

Arc Flash Hazard PPE Categories for AC
Use NFPA 70E 2015 Table 130.7(C)(15)(A)(b)

Arc Flash Hazard PPE Categories for DC
Use NFPA 70E 2015 Table 130.7(C)(15)(B)

Shock Hazard Approach Distances for AC
Use NFPA 70E 2015 Table 130.4(D)(a)

Shock Hazard Approach Distances for DC
Use NFPA 70E 2015 Table 130.4(D)(b)



Determining the Best Method to Determine Boundaries



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PPE Categories




When the arc rating is below 1.2 cal/cm2, the following PPE is required:

  • Protective clothing, non-melting or untreated natural fiber (e.g.: untreated cotton, wool, rayon, or silk, or blends of these materials) with a fabric weight of at least 4.5 oz/yd2
    • Shirt (long sleeve)
    • Pants (long)
  • Protective Equipment
    • Safety glasses or safety goggles
    • Hearing protection (ear canal inserts)
    • Heavy duty leather gloves
      • If rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors are used, additional leather or arc rated gloves are not required. The combination of rubber insulating gloves with leather protectors satisfies the arc flash protection requirement.

Standards for Personal Protective Equipment

Personal protective equipment shall be provided (as necessary) by Yaskawa and shall conform to the following standards:

Items Standard Number and Title
Head Protection ANSI Z89.1 Requirements for Protective Headwear for Industrial Workers
Eye and Face Protection ANSI Z87.1 Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection  
Insulating Gloves ASTM D 120-02 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Gloves  
Sleeves ASTM D 051-02 Standard Specification for Rubber Insulating Sleeves  
Leather Protectors ASTM F 696-02 Standard Specifications for Leather Protectors for Rubber Insulating Gloves and Mittens  
Footwear ASTM F 1117 Standard Specifications for Dielectric Overshoe Footwear

ASTM F2412 and ASTM F2413 Standards for Personal Protection Protective Footwear
 

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Other Precautions

When Impaired

Associates shall notify their supervisor if they believe their alertness is impaired due to illness, fatigue or other reasons.

Associates shall not be permitted to work within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts or where other electrical hazards exist while their alertness is recognizably impaired due to illness, fatigue, or other reasons.

Changes in Scope

Associates shall be instructed to be alert for changes in the job or task that may lead to the associate outside of the electrically safe work condition or expose the associate to additional hazards that were not part of the original plan.

Blind Reaching

Associates shall be instructed not to reach blindly into areas that might contain exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts where an electrical hazard exists.

Illumination

Associates shall not enter spaces where electrical hazards exist unless illumination is provided that enables the associates to perform the work safely.



Obstructed View of Work Area

Where lack of illumination or an obstruction precludes observation of the work to be performed, associates shall not perform any task within the limited approach boundary of energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at 50 volts of more or where an electrical hazard exists.

Conductive Articles Being Worn

Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such as watchbands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces, metalized aprons, cloth with conductive thread, metal headgear, or metal frame glasses) shall not be worn within the restricted approach boundary or where they present an electrical contact hazard with exposed energized parts.

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Work On or Near Overhead Lines



If work is performed near overhead lines, including buss duct, the lines must be de-energized and grounded, or other protective measures provided before work is started.

Where lines are unguarded and energized, minimum approach distances must be maintained. No person or equipment shall be work within 10 feet of energized overhead powerlines.

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Electrical Power And Lighting Circuits

Load rated circuit breakers shall be used for opening and closing circuits. Fuses, terminal lugs and cable splice connections shall not be used to make or break load.

After a circuit has been de-energized by a circuit protective device, the circuit shall not be reenergized until it has been determined safe to do so by a qualified associate.

Only qualified workers may perform testing work on electrical circuits.

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Electrical Field Service

Yaskawa Field Service associates shall follow the more restrictive policies of this Yaskawa Safety Manual and the customer’s safety policies.

Yaskawa America, Inc. does not require an Energized Work Permit for troubleshooting and voltage measurement. However, Yaskawa field service associates may encounter a customer who does require an Energized Work Permit for troubleshooting and/or voltage measurement. In these instances the customer’s Energized Work Permit form shall be used. The customer shall take the lead on the project and is responsible for:

  • Conducting the Job briefing. The Yaskawa associate must be present during the job briefing. The job briefing must include:
    • Identifying the hazards associated with the job,
    • Determining the work procedures
    • Identifying special precautions including unshunted CTs, draining capacitors, and gradient potential issues,
    • Review of energy source controls including lock-out/tag-out points,
    • Required Personal Protective Equipment, and
    • Emergency Response Procedures
    • Completing the Energized Work Permit

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Related Policies

SAF-P-3000 Safety Policy MV Drive Test Area

SAF-F-3001 MV Test Area Power-On/Power Off Checklist

MV Test Facility Trianing

PV Electrical Safety Program

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Records

Record Maintained by Retention Time
Training: Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices Associate Competency Record
Maintained by Supervisor
Life of Employment
Training: NFPA 70E Associate Competency Record
Maintained by Supervisor
Life of Employment
Electrical Shock and Arc Flash Analysis Equipment Cost Center Manager 5 years (minimum)

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Training

Training Title Audience Delivery Method Verification Method Refresher Records
General: Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices All associates Electronic or Classroom Quiz Change in Procedure Learning Management System
Unqualified Worker: Safety-Related Work Practices and NFPA 70E Awareness Unqualified workers near areas where Qualified associates work Electronic or Classroom Quiz & Supervisor Evaluation Min. every 3 years,
Change in Process or requirements,
Observation on unsafe work
Learning Management System
Qualified Workers: Safety-Related Work Practices and NFPA 70E Awareness Qualified Associates Electronic or Classroom Quiz & Supervisor Evaluation Min. every 3 years,
Change in Process or requirements,
Observation on unsafe work
Learning Management System
Qualified Workers: NFPA 70E Qualified Associates Classroom Supervisor Evaluation Min. every 3 years,
Change in Process or requirements,
Observation
Learning Management System


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Results of Breaches of Policy

Breaching this policy may result in an injury. Breaches of this policy may result in disciplinary action being initiated in accordance with Yaskawa America's discipline policy.

Revision History

Rev # Description Release Date Approved by
1 Conversion of old safety documents, rewrite, and issue 4/11/2016 Thurwanger
2 Updated NFPA 70E Tables 8/12/2019 Thurwanger
3 Added Work on or Near Overhead Lines (Including Buss Duct) 6/8/2023 Thurwanger

Program Review

Review Date Reviewed by Changes Required (Yes/No) Revision # if updated
2/15/2017 Thurwanger No  
1/10/2018 Thurwanger No
1/17/2019 Thurwanger Yes 2
1/9/2020 Thurwanger No
1/19/2021 Thurwanger No
1/13/2022 Thurwanger No
1/26/2023 Thurwanger Yes 3
1/11/2024 Thurwanger No
1/16/2025 Thurwanger No