7.

16: Electrical Safety

OEMS Element: Safe Work Practices
 
Electrical Safety

Objective:
This policy is intended to provide the minimum safety requirements for Exterran personnel who
may work with or near electrically energized equipment during the course of normal activities.

Scope:
The provisions of this policy are applicable to all Exterran locations worldwide. If there are more
stringent requirements, they shall be followed.

Policy:
Any electrical work and repairs will be undertaken by qualified personnel.

The names of Qualified Personnel authorized to make electrical repairs shall be posted in a
prominent place within the work areas or location.

A qualified person is defined as follows: Qualified personnel will be considered as any person
who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the
electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to identify the hazards
and reduce the associated risks.

Unqualified persons are those who do not have specific training and demonstrated knowledge
as required in this policy. This does not mean that a person is not qualified to complete their
basic job task. However, they cannot conduct electrical work or repairs.

License electrician will be consulted or used as recommended by the qualified personnel,

production manager, or HSE representative. The credentials of the electrician shall be verified
by the plant manager, or senior person, prior to any work by the qualified person.

Skills that a qualified person should demonstrate include:

 Ability to distinguish exposed energized conductors and circuit parts from other parts of
the equipment;
 Determine the nominal voltage of exposed energized conductors and circuit parts;
 Determine the Approach Boundary distances;
 Demonstrate the decision making process necessary to perform job safety planning,
hazard identification, risk assessment and the selection of appropriate risk control
methods including personal protective equipment

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All OEMS lock out and tag procedures are to be followed when working with electrical systems.
Electrical drawings should be kept on file and referenced during isolation. Electrical drawings
shall be kept current and reviewed periodically to ensure accuracy.

While any employee is exposed to contact with parts of fixed electric equipment or circuits which
have been de-energized, the circuits energizing the parts shall be locked out and tagged.

The qualified person shall conduct a meeting with all personnel involved before the job begins to
review the hazards associated with the job, work procedures, any special precautions,
lockout/tag out review and check, and proper personal protective equipment

The qualified person is responsible for establishing and verifying an electrically safe work
condition.

An electrically safe work condition is defined as a state in which an electrical conductor or circuit
part has been disconnected from energized parts, locked and tagged out, and verified/tested to
ensure the absence of voltage or stored energy.

Electrical work will require a risk assessment as outlined in the OEMS risk assessment policy.
There shall be a specific Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) for task involving the work on electrical
equipment or systems.

The Job Hazard Analysis shall address control measures for the two categories of Electrical
Hazards

 Electrical Shock
 Electrical Burns
o Arc Burns – burns caused by radiant energy
o Thermal Burns – caused by exposure to hot gases and materials
o Conduction burns

The qualified person will ensure the JHA covers approach boundaries for shock protection.

There are two approach boundaries for shock protection:

 Limited Approach Boundary - the shock protection boundary farthest away from exposed
energized electrical conductors or circuit parts and is established to keep unqualified
persons a safe distance from exposed energized parts.
 Restricted Approach Boundary - the shock protection boundary closest to the exposed
energized parts and may only be crossed by qualified electrical workers following safe
electrical work-practices which include wearing appropriate shock protection PPE and
using insulated tools.

The arc-flash boundary is to be the approach limit distance where the incident energy is equal to
1.2 calories per square centimeter or five joules per square centimeter. The amount of thermal
energy at a given distance from an arc source is referred to as the “incident energy.”

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Approach boundaries are to be isolated through proper barriers. Red, "Danger High Voltage,”
barricade tape is the recommended barricade.

Workers shall not cross the Arc-flash boundary unless they are briefed on the hazards and are
wearing appropriate arc rated clothing and protective equipment. If any employees cross the
Arc-flash boundary without meeting the criteria, disciplinary action will be taken.

Arc-rated clothing and protective equipment must be selected to meet or exceed the predicted
incident energy of a potential arc-flash at the “working distance” of the task to be performed.
The working distance is the distance of a worker’s face and chest area from a potential arc
source while performing a specific task.

Qualified persons can determine the arc-flash boundary and the appropriate arc-flash hazard
PPE is to be utilized through the use of the most current NFPA 70E standard or through a third-
party conducting an arc flash/electrical survey.

Personnel working on electrical systems will have the appropriate arc-rated clothing.

Each site or facility will have the proper amount of electrical safety rescue equipment to include
devices to safely break contact.

When determining hazard control, the hierarchy of controls should be considered.

 The elimination of the hazard is the first priority. For example eliminating the need to
expose energized parts.
 When hazard elimination is not possible, the next priority is substitution. For example,
replacing older electrical equipment with newer equipment designed to reduce risk.
 The third risk control method is engineering controls. For example, the addition of cover
plates or shielding to prevent exposure to energized parts.
 The fourth risk control method is awareness and administrative controls. Examples of
awareness and administrative controls may be written procedures, signage and training
used to restrict access to hazard areas.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the least effective risk control method and the
last choice in the hierarchy of controls.

Employees shall not wear conductive apparel such as rings, watches, clothing etc. while
working on or near open energized equipment including batteries on trucks, forklifts, phone
backup systems or other such equipment.

Ladders used for electrical work shall be a non-conductive type as well as any handrail which
may be attached to ladder system.

Employees may not enter spaces containing exposed energized parts unless illumination is
provided that enables the employees to work safely.

Protective shields, protective barriers or insulating materials as necessary shall be provided.

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Electrical panels must be kept free of obstructions with at least 3 feet of clearance provided in
front of the panel.

Shock protection PPE must include voltage rated gloves anytime the nominal voltage is greater
than 50 volts.

Panel doors must be able to open a minimum of 90º and doors must be kept closed unless work
is being done to the panel.

Circuit breaker blanks must be installed in open panel slots.

All panels and breakers must be labeled to indicate the circuit’s specific function.

The movement of circuit breaker switches must not be restricted in any manner unless for
purpose of isolation. In the event of isolation proper lock out and tag out procedures are to be
used.

Any defective or damaged electrical equipment shall be removed from service immediately.

Safety signs, symbols, or tags shall be used on electrical devices such as panels, switches,
transformers et cetera to inform the workforce of potential hazards.

ENERGIZED WORK

Energized work and work within the restricted approach boundary will only be undertaken
through the permit to work system, proper risk assessment and JHA.

Energized work is only allowed in the following limited circumstances:

 When it can be demonstrated that de-energizing introduces additional or increased

hazards. Examples include life support equipment, emergency alarm systems or
hazardous location ventilation equipment
 When the electrical conductors and circuit parts operate at less than 50 volts and it is
determined that there is no increased exposure to electric burns or arcs
 When it can be demonstrated that the task to be performed is infeasible in a de-
energized state due to equipment design or operational limitations.

Conductors and parts of electrical equipment that have been de-energized but not been locked
or tagged out shall be treated as energized parts.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters:

A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), also called Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) or Residual
Current Device (RCD) is a device that shuts off an electric power circuit when it detects that
current is flowing along an unintended path, such as through water or a person.

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All 120-volt, single-phase receptacle outlets on construction or maintenance sites, which are not
part of the permanent wiring of the building or structure and are in use by employees, shall have
approved 20 amp (NFPA 70, Class A) GFCI.

Any area which can be considered a wet area, for example wash bays and hydro areas, will be
protected by the appropriate sized GFCI (minimum 20 amps).

All portable electric tools and all extension cords used outside, in damp areas or within 6 feet of
a water source shall be plugged into one of the following:

 A GFCI outlet,
 A cord with an integral GFCI, or
 A GFCI adapter between the wall outlet and cord plug.

The GFCI shall be tested before each use and quarterly by the maintenance department.
Should any GFCI fail the inspection, it will be immediately isolated with a proper lock and tag.
Replacement should be conducted as soon as possible.

All equipment grounding conductors shall be tested for continuity & shall be electrically
continuous.

Each receptacle cap or plug shall be tested for correct attachment of the equipment grounding
conductors. The equipment grounding conductor shall be connected to its proper terminal:

 Before each use

 Before equipment is returned to service following any repairs
 At intervals not to exceed 3 months
 Cord sets and receptacles which are fixed and not exposed to damage shall be tested at
intervals not exceeding 6 months.

Any tests performed as required by this program shall be recorded. There will be a mean to
identity of each receptacle, and cord set.

There shall be a means to identify inspected items such as color coding, or other effective
means.

ARC Flash, Shock, and Hazard Labels

 Have labels printed (aligned to the ANSI Z535 series or local requirements)
 Attach the label in an easy to see location at all electrical hazards
 Make label suitable for the environment (outdoors, corrosive, etc.)
 Review facility’s labels on a regular basis to make sure they are correct and power
conditions haven’t changed

Electrical Extension Cords and Portable Equipment

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Portable cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) shall be
visually inspected daily before use on any shift for:

 External defects such as loose parts, deformed and missing pins, or damage to outer
jacket or insulation
 For evidence of possible internal damage such as pinched or crushed outer jacket.

Cord and plug connected equipment and flexible cord sets (extension cords) which remain
connected once they are put in place and are not exposed to damage need not be visually
inspected until they are relocated.

If damage is found, the extension cord or electrical cord shall be remove from service and
repaired or replaced.

An extension cord shall not be kept plugged in when it is not in use. All extension cords shall be
unplugged at the end of shift or when work has been completed.

Use only weather-resistant, heavy gauge extension cords marked “for outdoor use” when
working outdoors.

Polarized plugs (one blade wider than the other) should be used whenever available due the
safety feature designed to prevent electric shock by properly aligning circuit conductors.

If a plug does not fit do not force it, call maintenance.

Never plug an extension cord into an electrical source with wet hands, or if either end of the
plug is wet. Do not come in contact with or use any electrical items while standing in water.

Extension cords are meant to provide a temporary solution and shall not be used as a long-term
or permanent electrical circuit.

Extension cord shall be rated for the load in which they will support. No less than 16 gauge
grounded cords will be used at Exterran facilities.

Extension cords shall never be:

 Be used as substitute for fixed wiring

 Run through walls, ceilings, or floors
 Run through doorways, windows unprotected
 Attached to building surfaces

Cord and plug connected equipment shall be properly insulated without any damage to exterior.

Cord and plug connected equipment shall be inspected prior to use. Cord and plug connected
equipment shall have three pronged grounded connectors.

All electrical equipment and tools shall have an on and off switch and shall not be turned on or
off by plugging or unplugging the supply cord at the power outlet.
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Receptacles of cord- and plug-connected arc welders may have ampere ratings not less than
the minimum branch-circuit conductor amperage capability.

Electric welders shall have a disconnection method provided in the supply circuit for each arc
welder. A disconnection method will also be provided for each AC transformer and DC rectifier
arc welder that is not equipped with a mounted disconnect as an integral part of the welder.

A switch or circuit breaker shall be provided by which each resistance welder and its control
equipment can be isolated from the supply circuit. The ampere rating of this disconnecting
means may not be less than the current rating of the supply conductor.

Switches, Circuit breakers, and Disconnects

Utilizing a circuit breaker as the primary on/off switch for equipment is prohibited.

Circuit breaker panel boxes and disconnects shall be labeled with the voltage rating.

Each breaker within a breaker panel shall be labeled for the service it provides.

Disconnect switches providing power for individual equipment shall be labeled accordingly.

A minimum three-foot (3 ft. or 0.9 m) working floor space in front of panels and enclosures shall
be painted yellow. The yellow area must be kept clear of materials, equipment, and debris at all
times.

All enclosures and distribution rooms shall have “Danger: High Voltage – Authorized Personnel
Only” posted on the front panel and on entrance doors. Only “Authorized Personnel” are allowed
unless the equipment is in an electrically safe work condition.

Flammable and combustible materials are strictly prohibited inside distribution rooms (Boxes,
rags, cleaning fluids, etc.)

Housekeeping in distribution rooms and around electric panels shall be maintained. No

combustible, flammables, or debris shall be kept around the areas or on top of distribution or
electric panels.

Overhead Power Lines / Other Electrical Sources

A 40 ft. (12m) minimum clearance distance from high voltage lines/other electrical sources shall
be maintained when operating mobile equipment such as forklifts, cranes, winch trucks, and
other lifting equipment.

In addition employees maintain the below approach distances anytime they are in the area of
electrical equipment that is not considered to be in a safe work condition.

Voltage Minimum Approach Distance

≤ 50 Kv (50,000 volts) 10 feet (3.048 m)

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10 feet (3.048 m) Plus 4 inches (10.16
> 50 Kv
cm) for every 10kv over 50,000
The lines shall be de-energized and grounded or other protective measures shall be provided
before work is started. When working near overhead lines, if the clearance distance cannot be
maintained the lines will be de-energized and grounded.

When working near overhead lines all unqualified persons must remain clear of the area and
remain outside of the approach area.

Any vehicle or mechanical equipment capable of having parts of its structure elevated near
energized overhead lines shall be operated so that a clearance of 10 ft. is maintained. If the
voltage is higher than 50kV, the clearance shall be increased 4 in. (10 cm) for every 10kV over
that voltage.

Training

Any employee (unqualified person) which may be exposed to electrical hazards shall have
basic level electrical safety training which will identify and discuss hazards and the control of
those hazards specific to electrical energy. This training shall be documented. The training can
consist of on the job training, classroom, or the combination of the two. Requires annual
refresher training

Qualified person will receive training on the current NFPA 70e and OSHA requirements. The
qualified person shall be familiar with the content of this policy. The qualified person should also
be training on first aid and CPR with use of an AED (if available). A qualified person shall
receive training and demonstrate skills and knowledge in the construction and operation of
electric equipment and installations and the hazards involved. A qualified person is to be able to
demonstrate proper use of a voltage detector, interpret the information, as well as understand
all the limitations of each specific voltage detector in use at their specific site. The qualified
person must be proficient at all work practices set out by the Exterran. Training must be aligned
with Exterran OEMS-specific practices. It is recommended that the training for the qualified
person be conducted by a third-party specialist. Formal training shall not exceed 3 year interval.

Emergency Response Team shall have as part of their training proper electrical contact
release procedures. The training will occur annually at a minimum.

Third-party vendors are to provide verification of current training and certification to the HSSE
representative on site.

All training is required to be documented. This is to be a quiz to ensure that a basic

understanding of the material is obtained. Third-party vendor training is to provide proper
documentation of completed training.

Auditing

This policy shall be audited by a qualified person every 6 months. The audit shall include:

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 Reviewing a work site and ensuring that the requirements of this procedure are being
followed.
 Review of at least one active lock out tag out.
 Ensure that the ERT has current training
 Ensure that the JHA is accurate and relevant to the task.

Brazil Region Requirements:

Brazil Operations shall follow Regulatory Standard NR10 - Safety in Electrical Installations and
Services. This Regulatory Standard (NR10) establishes the minimum requirements and
conditions aiming the implementation of control measures and preventive systems in order to
ensure the safety and health of workers who directly or indirectly interact with electrical
installations and services.

Responsibilities

Plan Manager will ensure that personnel are trained and have proper resources to comply with
this policy. Will ensure that there is a proper JHA for electrical work and that the Lock Out Tag
Out procedure is followed.

Maintenance Supervisor will ensure that electrical work is carried out per this policy. The
Maintenance Supervisor will help ensure that work is carried out by competent qualified
personnel. The Maintenance Supervisor will ensure that the lock out tag out procedure is
followed and that proper lock out tag out devices is present on the location. Will ensure there is
a biannual audit conducted on the Electrical safety program in place.

HSSE Representative will ensure that training is provided to personnel on this policy. Also
ensure that training is provided to the Emergency Response Team. The HSSE Representative
will support the management team in the development of risk assessments, JHA’s and as
needed.

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Appendix 1

When a qualified person is working in the vicinity of overhead lines, whether in an elevated position or on
the ground, the person may not approach or take any conductive object without an approved insulating
handle closer to exposed energized parts than shown in Table below.

TABLE 5S OSHA 1910.333

Voltage range (phase to phase) Minimum approach distance
300V and less Avoid Contact
Over 300V, not over 750V 1 ft. 0 in. (30.5 cm)
Over 750V, not over 2kV 1 ft. 6 in. (46 cm)
Over 2kV, not over 15kV 2 ft. 0 in. (61 cm)
Over 15kV, not over 37kV 3 ft. 0 in. (91 cm)
Over 37kV, not over 87.5kV 3 ft. 6 in. (107 cm)
Over 87.5kV, not over 121kV 4 ft. 0 in. (122 cm)
Over 121kV, not over 140kV 4 ft. 6 in. (137 cm
Table 1 TABLE S‐5 ‐ APPROACH DISTANCES FOR QUALIFIED ‐  EMPLOYEES ‐ ALTERNATING CURRENT

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