Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard: ELECTRIC

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to: a/ Employees constructing a leg of a new 480 volt electrical service did not use personal protective clothing and equipment meeting the guidelines of NFPA 70E as they reconnected (reenergized) the service exposing one employee to an electrical arc blast. While ultimate responsibility for correcting the hazards rests with the employer, given his/her superior knowledge of the work place, feasible and acceptable methods of abatement to correct this hazard, among others are: 1. To follow the requirements of NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, latest edition (2004). Utilize the protective clothing and personal protective equipment for conducting work within the flash protection boundary or restricted approach boundary. Complete a flash hazard analysis, per 110.8(B)(1) of NFPA 70E, for the work that is to be performed, calculate the anticipated incident energy exposure of the worker (in calories per square centimeter) for voltages above 600 volts or use a flash protection boundary of 4.0 feet for 600 volts and below. The employer shall base the energy exposure level on the working distance of the employee's face and chest areas from the prospective arc source for the specific task to be performed. Flame Resistant (FR) Clothing a nd Personal Protective Equipment shall then be selected and used based upon the incident energy exposure associated for the specific task, or as an alternative, the PPE requirements shall be designed in accordance with Annex C & D of NFPA 70E's permitted uses in lieu of the detailed flash hazard analysis. 2. To follow the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1) and use appropriate face, hand, arm and body protection against the effects of an electrical arc blast during disconnect and reconnect of an electrical circuit. ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS VIOLATION. The documentation should include written verification of abatement, applicable measurements or monitoring results, and photographs or videos which you believe will be helpful. The abatement certification sheet is enclosed with the citation(s). AND OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE