An “Electrical Safety Program” is a structured approach to managing electrical safety and includes:

Electrical Safety Principles: These are the foundational guidelines that govern how electrical safety is approached within an organization. Principles might include prioritizing safety above all, ensuring compliance with relevant standards and regulations, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in safety practices.

Policies: These are formal statements produced by the organization that define what is expected in terms of electrical safety. Policies set the framework for all operations involving electrical systems and articulate the organization’s commitment to comply with applicable safety standards and regulations like OSHA standards or the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Procedures: These are step-by-step instructions that must be followed to ensure safety when performing electrical tasks. Procedures detail how to safely perform electrical installations, maintenance, inspections, and how to handle emergencies like electrical fires or shocks.

Processes: These describe the flow of activities related to electrical safety and ensure consistent application of safety practices across the organization. Processes might include routine safety audits, training sessions, hazard assessments, and the reporting and investigation of electrical incidents.

The documented system means that all these elements are written down, maintained in accessible formats, and regularly updated to reflect new information, technologies, and methods that enhance safety. This system guides the actions of everyone in the organization and is crucial for reducing the risks associated with electrical hazards. It helps in ensuring that all personnel are aware of their roles in maintaining safety and provides a clear protocol to minimize risk during electrical operations.

An "Electrically Safe Work Condition" refers to a comprehensive set of procedures designed to ensure that an electrical system is completely safe to work on. Below is a detailed look at each component of this process:

1. Disconnection from Energized Parts: This is the first step where all sources of electrical power to the conductor or circuit part are physically disconnected. This ensures that no current can flow into the section where work is to be done.
2. Lockout/Tagout (LOTO): After disconnection, the energy isolating devices (like circuit breakers or switches) are locked and tagged. Lockout involves placing a lock on the device that prevents it from being turned on. Tagout involves placing a warning tag on the device which indicates that the device should not be operated until the tag is removed. This step prevents the accidental energization of the electrical system during maintenance or repair.
3. Testing for the Absence of Voltage: Once the system is locked and tagged, the next critical step is testing to verify that the circuit is indeed de-energized. This is done using appropriate voltage testing equipment. It's crucial to test the tester before and after checking the circuit to ensure that the testing equipment is working correctly.
4. Grounding for Personnel Protection: In situations where there is a risk of induced voltages or stored energy, grounding the circuit provides an additional layer of safety. This step involves connecting the circuit to the earth ground, which safely dissipates any unintended electrical energy, thereby protecting personnel from electrical shock or other hazards.

Implementing an electrically safe work condition is fundamental for ensuring safety when working on electrical systems, minimizing the risk of accidents due to shock, electrocution, or arc flash. It is a comprehensive approach that relies on strict adherence to safety procedures to protect workers.

The following definitions can be found in Article 100 of NFPA 70E:

Below is a sample of NFPA 70E. For the complete section, see the actual NFPA 70E text at NFPA.ORG. Once there, click on the free access link to NFPA 70E.

Electrical Safety Program. A documented system consisting of electrical safety principles, policies, procedures, and processes that directs activities appropriate for the risk associated with electrical hazards.

Electrically Safe Work Condition. A state in which an electrical conductor or circuit part has been disconnected from energized parts, locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested for the absence of voltage, and, if necessary, temporarily grounded for personnel protection.