Title: Qualification of Electrical Workers at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center
Author: Catherine L. Fiore
Version: 1.1
Date: October 4, 1995
Persons Responsible: C. Fiore, B. Byford, J. Irby
I. Introduction
In order to assure worker safety when dealing with electrical equipment or systems it is necessary to establish a category of "qualified worker''. The purpose of this document is to establish electrical worker qualifications at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center.
The "PFC Lockout/Tagout Procedure" and the "Minimum Personnel and Administrative Requirements for Work on Electrical Equipment" must be followed in all cases.
It is understood that live work on electrical systems at greater than 50 volts will be done only as a last resort.
II. Scope
This document applies to all electrical work done at the Plasma Science and Fusion Center.
III. Safety Consequences of Procedural Failure
Failure to train and qualify employees and students for safe electrical work could lead to injury or death from an electrical accident or explosion. It could also lead to damage of equipment, fire, or other hazardous situations.
IV. Definitions
Qualified Electrical Worker: This is an employee or student who by virtue of experience and training, in the opinion of his/her supervisor and by the PFC Safety Officer and Asst. Safety Officer, can safely work on energized electrical systems at greater than 50 volts. This person must have sufficient understanding of an experimental device or facility to be able to positively identify and control the hazards it may present.
Knowledgeable Person: This is an employee or student who by virtue of experience and training, in the opinion of his/her supervisor and by the PFC Safety Officer and Asst. Safety Officer, has sufficient understanding of an experimental device or facility to be able to positively identify and control the hazards it may present.
Unqualified Worker: This is an employee or student who is not called upon to work on or near exposed energized electrical circuitry in the course of their job.
Licensed Electrician: This is a person who has a journeyman's license to perform electrical work issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Electrician's helper/apprentice: This is an employee, student, or contractor who is in training to become a licensed electrician.
V. Responsibilities
The Safety Officer or Asst. Safety Officer: He/she shall assist the technical supervisor in designating qualified workers and knowledgeable persons for electrical work.
Technical Supervisor: The technical supervisor shall propose which of his/her employees or students be designated as qualified electrical workers. He/she shall see that those so designated have received the training necessary to safely work on or near energized electrical circuits, that they understand and will follow the PFC Lockout/Tagout procedure and all other applicable procedures. He/she shall ensure that electrical work in his/her area which is done on or near energized electrical equipment is only done by qualified electrical workers.
Employees and Students: Those designated as qualified electrical workers shall follow the PFC Lockout/Tagout procedure and all other applicable procedures. Others shall not work on or near energized electrical circuits.
VI. Presumptions/Prerequisites:
VIII. References
[1] Title 29, Chapter XVII Code of Federal Regulations-OSHA, Part 1910.301-399.
[2] MIT "Accident Prevention Guide".
[3]NFPA 70, "National Electric Code 1990''
[4]105 CMR 122.000, "Massachusetts Electrical Code''.
This is an html version of the Qualification of Electrical Workers at the PSFC, last released in October, 1995.
This page maintained by Catherine L. Fiore FIORE@PSFC.MIT.EDU