Working on or Near Energized Equipment

Talking points

1. The default position is to de-energize before working. Live work is only permitted when de-energizing would create a greater hazard or is infeasible.
2. Only qualified electrical workers may work on or near exposed energized parts. A qualified worker must understand the specific hazards and safe work practices for the voltage involved.
3. NFPA 70E defines approach boundaries: limited, restricted, and prohibited. The distance depends on the voltage. Cross the restricted boundary only with proper PPE and an energized work permit.
4. NFPA 70E, the electrical safety standard this program follows, requires an energized electrical work permit — completed and approved — before any justified live work. The permit documents the hazard analysis, PPE required, and safe work procedures.
5. Insulated tools rated for the voltage must be used when working near energized parts. Standard tools can become conductors.

Ask the crew

Is there any energized work planned today — and if so, has an energized work permit been completed?

Standards this talk is built on

• 29 CFR 1910.333
• NFPA 70E

A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.

Sign-in sheet

Print this page to collect signatures, or run the talk in Jobsite and workers sign in on their phones.

© Jobsite. Free to read aloud, print and use in your own crew's safety meetings. Republishing, reselling or bulk-copying these talks is not permitted.