Proper planning is critical when working with energized electrical systems. Even if the plan is to deenergize the equipment, the job safety plan should outline how all related energy sources will be controlled.

Following the job safety planning, a job briefing should be conducted. This briefing is crucial as it communicates the safety plan to all involved personnel. It's important that this briefing happens close to the time of the actual work to ensure all participants have a fresh understanding of their roles, the hazards identified, safety measures, and emergency procedures. This timing helps minimize the risk of forgetting critical safety details.

The timing of the job briefing is strategic; keeping it close to the execution time helps in reinforcing the safety measures and ensures that any last-minute changes to the plan are communicated effectively. This is essential in dynamic work environments where conditions can change rapidly, necessitating updates to safety procedures.

This structured approach to safety planning and briefing is aligned with best practices outlined in safety standards and codes, ensuring that all potential risks are managed effectively before work commences.

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.

110.3(I) Job Safety Planning and Job Briefing. Before starting each job that involves exposure to electrical hazards, the employee in charge shall complete a job safety plan and conduct a job briefing with the employees involved.

(1) Job Safety Planning. The job safety plan shall be in accordance with the following:

(1) Be completed by a qualified person

(2) Be documented

(3) Include the following information:

1. A description of the job and the individual tasks
2. Identification of the electrical hazards associated with each task
3. An electric shock risk assessment in accordance with 130.4 for tasks involving an electric shock hazard
4. An arc flash risk assessment in accordance with 130.5 for tasks involving an arc flash hazard
5. Work procedures involved, special precautions, and energy source controls
6. An emergency response plan

(2) Job Briefing. The job briefing shall cover the job safety plan and the information on the energized electrical work permit, if a permit is required.

(3) Change in Scope. Additional job safety planning and job briefings shall be held if changes occur during the course of the work that might affect the safety of employees.

Informational Note: See Figure I.1 for an example of a job briefing checklist.