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Electric Power >> Medical Services and First Aid
Medical Services and First Aid
Electric Shock. Because electric power work poses a serious potential electric shock
hazard for workers, the "269" standard contains additional requirements for
CPR and first aid beyond the general requirements in 1910.151 (also see First
Aid Requirements).
These requirements (1910.269(b)(1))
apply when a person is potentially exposed to 50 volts or more, which is the
recognized level that can result in enough current to cause cardiac arrest or
ventricular fibrillation. Under certain circumstances, new employees who are
otherwise 269-qualified may work but they must be trained in CPR and first aid
within three months of hire. Some of the requirements outlined in "269" that are related to safety and first
aid requirements include:
Although not required by the "269" standard, OSHA suggests that CPR training
include instruction on use of Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs). (See proposed rule – "AED") |
- Two-person rule. Crews of at least two people are required in several
circumstances so that one person can provide first aid or CPR to the other
person if needed. Two people are required for work:
- In most situations where a worker is exposed to contact with lines or
equipment energized at more than 600 volts. (See 1910.269(l)(1)(i).)
- In manholes and some vaults that are underground: a second person trained in
CPR and first aid must be immediately available aboveground when a worker is
working underground. (See 1910.269(e)(7) and 1910.269(t)(3))

- Involving certain tasks performed by tree crews, including trimming trees or
roping branches near energized lines. (See 1910.269(r)(1)(ii))
- 4-minute rescue. At fixed
work locations, such as power plants and staffed substations, a sufficient
number of workers must be trained so that an electric shock victim is not more
than 4 minutes from a first aid and CPR-trained worker (see 4-Minute Rescue
Requirement).
- Working alone. Safe work practices must be in place to minimize the
possibility of someone working alone coming into contact with energized parts
and all other electrical hazards. Such practices include deenergizing and/or
working with insulating tools (for example, hotsticks, switchsticks, shotgun
sticks) and equipment, among others.
Working alone is not dependent on first aid/CPR response. A worker must
be accompanied by another worker if their duties fall into one of the
categories in 1910.269(l)(1)(i),
unless exempted by 269(l)(1)(ii). |
4-minute Rescue Requirement
First Aid Requirements
Pole Top and Manhole Requirements
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