ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 1

Welcome Volunteer Advisory Committee (2015-16)

Administrator: David DriverAssistant Administrator: Connie MuncyContent Coordinator: Mike CarterSecretary: Bill PaolelloMembership Chair: Jessica RichardsonAwards & Honors: Jeremy PresnalProfessional Development:  Scott MylesAsst. Professional Development Chair: Russ WongBody of Knowledge Chair: Barbara PrincipeWebsite/Social Media Chair: Michael CaroGovernmental Affairs: Stephen Brooks

UPS Committee Updates/Plans

Utilities Practice Specialty (UPS)

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 2

Updates to the OSHA Standards for Generation,

Transmission, and Distribution of Electricity

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 3

Introduction

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 4

General Overview of the Changes Specific Discussions on:

◦ Transfer of Information◦ Minimum Approach Distance (MAD)◦ Fall Protection◦ Electrical Arc Protection

Wrap-Up Q&A

Agenda

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 5

General Discussion of Changes

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 6

Language changes for clarification and technical reasons

Rubber goods now covered under Electrical Protective Equipment Standards (1910.137 & 1926.97)

Electrical hazard boots no longer mandatory Multi-phase exposures Training (recordkeeping) Tree trimming (expanded responsibilities) Both standards (construction & general

industry) are essentially identical

General Changes

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 7

Transfer of Information

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 8

Certain information is mandatory and must be obtained if it does not already exist (April 1, 2015 revised to June 30, 2015

Nominal voltages of lines and equipment Transient over-voltage for circuits operating at over 72.5kV (for

calculating MAD) Maximum switching-transient voltages Arc flash energy calculations Presence of hazardous induced voltages The presence of protective grounds and equipment grounding

conductors The locations of circuits and equipment, including electric supply

lines, communications lines, and fire-protective signaling circuits Permit required confined spaces

Transfer of Information

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 9

Other info must only be provided if it is known

The condition of protective grounds and equipment grounding conductors

The condition of poles and structures Environmental conditions related to safety

Transfer of Information

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 10

Catch-all: Any info that is known No requirement for written transfer Contractor has responsibilities as well

◦ Pass along acquired info◦ Communicate any unique hazards of their work◦ Ensure info from host employer is communicated

to employees

Transfer of Information

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 11

Minimum Approach Distances

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 12

April 1st, 2015; revised to Jan. 31, 2016 No real changes for voltages up to 72.5KV For voltages above 72.5KV, the MAD must

be calculated◦ Tables R-3 and R-8 are the minimums◦ Use alternate table if you choose not to calculate◦ Spanning the phase-to-phase gap is the kicker

Minimum Approach Distances (MAD)

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 13

Fall Protection

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 14

April 1st, 2015 100% tie-off for climbing and work

positioning Regular rules apply for everything except

for poles and structures Locking snap-hooks Restrictions on leather materials

Fall Protection

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 15

Electrical Arc and Heat Energy

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 16

Assessing the workplace◦ Energy exposure (March 31, 2015)

FR clothing requirements◦ Shirts and pants (April 1, 2015)◦ Minimum 8 cal/cm2 (Aug. 31, 2015)

Additional head protection requirements and face shields

Multi-phase exposures

Arc Flash

ASSE Utilities Practice Specialty 17

Questions