4
Installing Electrical Components
4.1
Mitigate Electrical Hazards
About 5 workers are electrocuted every week in the U.S., causing 12% of all young worker workplace deaths. It takes very little electrical energy to cause personal injury; and electrical hazards also pose a significant fire danger — further compounding the risk to life and property. Electrical accidents are caused by a combination of three factors: 1) unsafe equipment and/or installation, 2) workplaces made unsafe by the environment, and 3) unsafe work practices. Preventing electrical hazards on the job involves the following practices: • • • • • •
Wearing nonconductive Class E hardhat Wearing electrical hazard (EH) rated foot protection Using properly grounded or double-insulated power tools maintained in good condition Avoiding overhead power lines and buried electrical conductors Working on electrical equipment and circuits in a de-energized state Maintaining an orderly job site and cautious work flow
Lockout and tagging is used to prevent unknowing individuals from energizing electrical circuits or other hazardous machinery while they are being serviced or maintained. See Fig 96. Lockout refers to the physical locking of the power source disconnect with a padlock in the “off” or open position. Tagging refers toFigure the95.labeling of deactivated controls, Employer must provide policies, procedures, documentation, equipment, training, inspection and maintenance for lock out and tag out programs to authorized employees. de-energized equipment and circuits at all points where they can be energized, and must identify equipment or circuits being worked on. When working on energized equipment is unavoidable, use the appropriate PPE, including helmets, face shields, gloves and flame-resistant clothing. To protect workers from electrical hazards use barriers and guards to prevent passage through areas of exposed energized equipment; pre-plan work, post hazard warnings and use protective measures; and keep working spaces and walkways clear of cords. Test GFCIs regularly, and check switches and insulation. Flexible extension cords for temporary use on construction projects must be 3-wire type (with ground) and designed for hard or extra-hard use.
Figure 96. The employer must provide policies, procedures, documentation, equipment, training, inspection Cells, Modules and Arrays: 5 - 98 and maintenance for lock out and tag out programs to authorized employees.
2011 Jim Dunlop Solar
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NABCEP PV Installation Professional Resource Guide • 93
