MODULE 10

Electrical Standards

Hazard Brainstorming
Where are electrical hazards on oil and
gas well sites?

2006 TEEX

Statistics
Electrocution: Among most frequent
causes of occupational injury death in
US
295 fatalities/year; 4309 lost time
1992-2002: 9% decrease
Most frequent cause: Overhead power
lines
3

2006 TEEX

Factors in Fatal Electrocutions

Safe work practices implemented and
followed?
Adequate/required PPE provided and worn?
Lockout/tagout procedures implemented and
followed?
OSHA, NEC, NESC compliance?
Worker and supervisor training adequate?
(from NIOSH)
4

2006 TEEX

Types of Electrical Injuries

Electrocution (death due to electrical
shock)
Electrical shock
Burns (ugly pictures here)
Falls

2006 TEEX

Hazard Recognition
How can you sense electrical danger?
Cannot see, smell, taste, or hear danger
Can recognize unsafe conditions

2006 TEEX

Electrical Terminology
Current movement of electrical charge
Resistance opposition to current flow
Voltage measure of electrical force
Conductors substances with little
resistance to electricity (such as metals)
Insulators substances with high resistance
to electricity (such as wood, rubber, glass, &
bakelite)
Grounding a conductive connection to the
earth (which acts as a protective measure)

2006 TEEX

Electrical Shock
Received when current passes through
body
Severity depends on:

Path of current through body

Amount of current flowing through body
Length of time body is in circuit
Also: voltage, moisture, heart cycle, health

Low voltage is NOT low hazard!

8

2006 TEEX

Dangers of Electrical Shock

Currents >75 mA* can cause ventricular
fibrillation (rapid, ineffective heartbeat)
mA = milliampere = 1/1,000 of an ampere
Death within minutes unless a defibrillator
is used
75 mA is not much current
(a small power drill uses 30 times as much)

2006 TEEX

Effects of Current on Body

1 mA: Perception level, slight tingling.
5 mA: Slight shock; not painful.
Can usually let go.
Involuntary reactions can cause injuries.

6-30 mA: Painful shock

Muscular control lost
Freezing current or let-go range
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2006 TEEX

Effects of Current on Body

50-150 mA: Extreme pain
Respiratory arrest; cannot let go
Death possible

1000-4300 mA: Ventricular fibrillation

Muscular contraction; nerve damage
Death likely

10000 mA: Cardiac arrest

Severe burns, probable death
11

2006 TEEX

How Shock Happens

Connection between:
2 wires of energized circuit
1 wire of energized circuit and ground
Metallic part in contact with energized wire
and ground

12

2006 TEEX

Inadequate Wiring Hazards

What happens when a wire is too small
to carry the current safely?
Overheating
Risk of fire or short circuit
Fuse acts as sacrificial
weak link
Fuse too strong?
Other parts of the system
break first
13

Wire Gauge

WIRE

2006 TEEX

29 CFR 1910 and 29 CFR 1926

1910 Subpart S = Electrical
Revised 2/14/2007; effective in 180 days

1910 Subpart I = PPE

1910.137 Electrical Protective Devices

1926 Subpart K = Electrical

Protect against recognized hazards

14

2006 TEEX

Other Standards
NFPA 70E enacted to help meet CFR
Revised Subpart S based heavily on 2000
version
2004 version now published
OSHA chose which provisions of 70E to
adopt

15

2006 TEEX

29 CFR 1910 Subpart S

Electrical standards for general industry
302-308 and 399 updated: PM App. C
5 main groups of standards:

16

Design safety standards 302-330

Safety-related work practices 331-360
Reserved: maintenance, special equipment
Definitions: 399
2006 TEEX

1910.302 Electric utilization

systems (PM Appendix C)
Applicability of regulations
By type of installation
By installation date

17

2006 TEEX

1903.303

General

1910.303 (a) Approval

Conductors and equipment acceptable
only if approved
Note: If installation is made in accordance
with NEC or ANSI/NFPA it will be deemed
in compliance.
See definitions

19

2006 TEEX

1910.303(b) Examination,
installation, and use of equipment
Examination shall be free of
recognized hazards
Suitability (check listing/labeling)
Other factors listed in regulation

Installation and use by instructions

Insulation integrity
Interrupting rating (fuses, breakers)
20

2006 TEEX

1910.303(b) Examination,
installation, and use of equipment
Circuit impedance
Deteriorating agents water, gases,
excessive temperature, corrosives
Mechanical execution of work

21

Close unused openings for protection

Conductors racked for safe access
Internal parts not contaminated
No damaged parts
2006 TEEX

1910.303(b) Examination,
installation, and use of equipment
Mounting and cooling
Firmly secured
Air circulation; clearance
Ventilation openings not obstructed

22

2006 TEEX

1910.303(c) Electrical
connections
General dissimilar metals
Terminals connections
Splices correctly performed, insulated

23

2006 TEEX

1910.303(d) Arcing parts

Some electrical equipment normally
produces arcs, sparks, flames, molten
metal
Keep isolated from combustible
material

24

2006 TEEX

1910.303(e) Marking
Manufacturer and ratings must be
marked
Voltage, current, wattage, etc.
Durable markings in environment

25

2006 TEEX

1910.303(f) Disconnecting
means and circuits
Legibly marked to indicate purpose
Unless purpose is evident

Durable
Able to be locked open
Series combination rating = special
marking

26

2006 TEEX

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

1910.303(g) 600 Volts, nominal,

or less
1. Space about electric equipment

28

Space, not used for storage

Guarded when parts exposed
Entrances
Illumination
Headroom
Control boards in dedicated, protected
space
2006 TEEX

1910.303(g) 600 Volts, nominal,

or less
2. Guarding of live parts

29

Live parts 50 volts protected from

people
Protection from damage
Warning signs for unqualified persons

2006 TEEX

1910.303(h) Over 600 volts,

nominal
2.
3.
4.
5.

30

Enclosure / access control

Work space about equipment
Entrance and access to work space
Working space and guarding

2006 TEEX

1903.304

Wiring Design and Protection

1910.304(a) Use and identification

of grounding conductors
1. Grounded & equipment grounding
conductors identifiable &
distinguishable

Grounded = white or gray

Equipment grounding = green, or green
with yellow strips, or bare

2. Polarity may not be reversed

3. Grounding devices not used for other
purposes
32

2006 TEEX

Polarity
Reversed polarity: Neutral (grounded)
conductor connected to hot
(ungrounded) terminal
incorrectly
Most common on smaller
branch circuits
120 V receptacle outlets
Cord- and plug-connected
equipment
33

2006 TEEX

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

1910.304(b) Branch circuits

1. Identification of multiwire branch
circuits

35

For >1 voltage system in a building

ID phase and system
Permanently posted at each panelboard

2006 TEEX

1910.304(b) Branch circuits

2. Receptacles and cord connectors
i.

Grounding type for 15A & 20A circuits

Receptacles only on circuits matching voltage

and current rating

ii. Grounding contacts grounded

Except portable / vehicle-mounted generators

Except replacement receptacles

iii. Grounding contact connected to

equipment grounding conductor
36

2006 TEEX

1910.304(b) Branch circuits

2. Receptacles and cord connectors
iv. Replacement of receptacles

Grounding-type where grounding means

exists
GFCI where required
Options for lack of grounding means

v. Plugs not interchangeable for different

voltage, frequency, type of current
37

2006 TEEX

1910.304(b) Branch circuits

3. Ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
i. Bathroom or rooftops
ii. Temporary wiring:

38

Including extension cords

If unavailable for less-usual type of
receptacle: assured equipment grounding
conductor program.

2006 TEEX

1910.304(b) Branch circuits

4. Outlet devices
i. Heavy-duty lampholders for >20A
ii. Receptacle outlets:

39

Receptacle ampere rating branch circuit

For 2 outlets on branch circuit: Table S-4

2006 TEEX

1910.304(b) Branch circuits

For 2 outlets on branch circuit: Table S-5

50 A: receptacle branch-circuit rating

5. Cord connections: Outlet where flexible

cords with plugs used
40

2006 TEEX

1910.304(c) Outside conductors,

600 volts, nominal, or less
Clearance
1. Power conductors on poles
2. Clearance of open conductors from
ground:

41

10 feet above sidewalk, grade, platform

12 feet vehicular traffic
15 feet truck traffic
18 feet public streets, alleys, driveways
2006 TEEX

1910.304(c) Outside conductors,

600 volts, nominal, or less
3. Clearance from building openings

No outer jacket: 3 foot clearance, except

above window
Not beneath or obstructing openings
where materials may be moved

4. Above roofs: 8 ft above, 3 ft from edge

42

Pedestrians? Platform
Exceptions for slope, attachment
2006 TEEX

1910.304(d) Location of outdoor

lamps
d. Location of outdoor lamps

Under energized equipment unless

43

Equipment can be locked out or

Clearance/other safeguards adequate

2006 TEEX

1910.304(e) Services

Disconnecting means

Services over 600 volts, nominal

44

Main switch disconnects all, indicates

on/off
Accessible only to qualified; warning
signs

2006 TEEX

1910.304(f) Overcurrent
protection
1. 600 volts, nominal, or less
i. Protect conductors and equipment
iv. Overcurrent devices readily accessible

To employees & building management

Not exposed to damage or ignitable material

v. Located/shielded to avoid injury/burns

vi. On/off position clearly indicated
vii. Vertical: up = on

2. Special rules for over 600 volts

45

2006 TEEX

1910.304(g) Grounding
1. Systems to be grounded
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

3-wire DC: neutral conductor

2-wire DC, >50V-300V, with exceptions
AC <50V in certain cases
AC 50V-1000V (unless exempt) under 4
conditions
v. Exemptions for AC 50V-1000V

46

2006 TEEX

1910.304(g) Grounding
2. Conductor to be grounded
3. Portable and vehicle-mounted
generators: frame as grounding
electrode
4. Grounding connections
5. Grounding path: permanent,
continuous, effective
47

2006 TEEX

Grounding
One conductor of the circuit
intentionally grounded to earth
Protects circuit from lightning
or other high voltage contact
Stabilizes the voltage in the system so
expected voltage levels are not
exceeded under normal conditions
48

2006 TEEX

Grounding
Metal frames / enclosures of equipment
grounded by permanent connection or
bond
Equipment grounding conductor
provides path for dangerous fault
current to return to ground
If damage, corrosion, loosening, etc.
impairs continuity, shock and burn
hazards will develop
49

2006 TEEX

Grounding Path
Shall have capacity to conduct safely
any likely fault current.
Fault currents may be many times
normal currents; can melt points of poor
conductivity
High temperatures = hazard; can
destroy ground-fault path
50

2006 TEEX

1910.304(g) Grounding
6. Supports, enclosures, equipment
vi. Exposed non-current-carrying metal parts
of cord- and plug-connected equipment

7. Nonelectrical equipment
8. Methods of grounding fixed
equipment
9. Grounding of systems and circuits
1000 volts and over (high voltage)
51

2006 TEEX

Ground fault circuit interrupters

(GFCIs)
GFCI overcurrent device like a fuse or
circuit breaker
Designed to sense an imbalance in
current flow over the normal path
Opens circuit if current in hot and
grounded wires differ by 5mA 1mA
Must be installed correctly and tested
52

2006 TEEX

1903.305

Wiring Methods, Components, and

Equipment for General Use

1910.305(a) Wiring methods

Not applicable to factory-assembled
1. General requirements

i.

Metal parts as grounding conductors:

effectively bonded
ii. Internal insulated grounding conductor
for isolated enclosure
iii. No wiring systems in ventilation ducts

54

2006 TEEX

1910.305(a) Wiring methods

2. Temporary wiring

55

Restricted uses
Removed after project completion
Requirements for feeders and branch
circuits
Grounding receptacles
No bare conductors or earth returns
Disconnecting switches
2006 TEEX

1910.305(a) Wiring methods

2.Temporary wiring, continued
Lamps protected from contact or breakage
Flexible cords protected from damage
Cables supported

56

2006 TEEX

1910.305(b) Cabinets, boxes,

and fittings
1. Conductors entering boxes, cabinets,
or fittings

Must be protected from abrasion

Openings must be closed, with or without
wires running through

2. Covers and canopies

57

Metal covers must be grounded

>600V: complete, secure, marked

enclosure
2006 TEEX

1910.305(c) Switches
Gravity must not close switches
Warning if power may still be available
while switch is closed
Faceplates where appropriate
Grounding

58

2006 TEEX

Switchboards, panelboards, and

enclosures for damp locations
Switchboards and panelboards
Switchboards with exposed live parts: in
dry places accessible only to qualified
persons
Panelboards: in enclosures with no live
parts on front
Switches dead when open

Enclosures for wet locations

Airspace, weatherproof
59

2006 TEEX

1910.305(f) Conductors for

general wiring
Insulated unless otherwise permitted
Approved type for use
Distinguishable by color or other means
Grounded
Ungrounded
Equipment grounding

60

2006 TEEX

1910.305(g) Flexible cords and

cables
In general much more easily damaged
Should not be used if recognized
options can be used instead
Must be approved for conditions and
location
Allowable purposes listed

61

2006 TEEX

1910.305(g) Flexible cords and

cables
May not be substituted for fixed wiring
May not be run through walls, ceilings, floors,
doors, windows
May not be attached to buildings
May not be concealed in walls, ceilings, floors
May not be spliced, except hard service #14
Strain relief needed on connections

62

2006 TEEX

Flexible cords: Acceptable?

Short cord as part of a tool? Yes.
Temporary use of extension cord for
tool/appliance? Yes.
Obviously not temporary? No.
Extended over distance to avoid
installing fixed outlet? No.

63

2006 TEEX

1910.305(j) Equipment for

general use
1. Lighting fixtures, lampholders, lamps,
receptacles
2. Receptacles, cord connectors, and
attachment plugs (caps)
3. Appliances
4. Motors
5. Transformers
6. Capacitors
7. Storage batteries
64

2006 TEEX

1903.306

Specific Purpose Equipment and

Installations

1910.306 Specific purpose

equipment and installations
a. Electric signs and outline lighting
b. Cranes and hoists
d. Electric weldersdisconnecting
means
g. Induction and dielectric

66

2006 TEEX

1903.307

Hazardous (Classified) Locations

1910.307 Hazardous (classified)

locations
Classification based on flammable
vapors, liquids, gases, combustible
dusts or fibers
Each area considered individually
Classified by classes and divisions or
zones
Documentation available for users,
designers, installers, maintainers of
electric equipment
68

2006 TEEX

1910.307 Hazardous (classified)

locations
Definitions of classes and divisions in
1910.399, Definitions
Class I: flammable gases/vapors; explosive
or ignitable mixtures
Class II: combustible dust
Class III: easily ignitable fibers or flyings;
not likely to be in suspension
Division 1 & 2 for each; Zones 0-2 for Class
I
69

2006 TEEX

1910.307(c) Electrical
installations
Equipment must be one of these:
Intrinsically safe
Approved for hazardous (classified)
location
Approved and marked for class and properties
of material present

Safe for hazardous (classified) location

NFPA 70 referenced

70

2006 TEEX

Conduits and equipment

d. Conduits: threaded, wrench-tight or
bonding jumper
e. Equipment in Division 2 locations:

71

Division 1 approved equipment = OK

General-purpose equipment OK if
demonstrably not a source of ignition

2006 TEEX

1910.307(f) Protection
techniques
Explosionproof
apparatus
Dust ignitionproof
Dust-tight
Purged and
pressurized
Nonincendive circuit

72

Nonincendive
equipment
Nonincendive
component
Oil immersion
Hermetically sealed
Other protection
techniques
2006 TEEX

1910.307(g) Class I, Zone 0, 1,

and 2 locations
Zone = alternative to divisions for Class
1
Classified by chemical properties and
likelihood of combustible atmosphere
Proper installation of conduit &
equipment to avoid sparks in
flammable/combustible atmosphere
Protection techniques for certain zones
73

2006 TEEX

1910.307(g) Class I, Zone 0, 1,

and 2 locations
Special precaution: PE must classify
areas and specify equipment
Listing and marking:

Listed for Zone 0 = OK for Zone 1-2

Listed for Zone 1 = OK for Zone 2
(For same gas or vapor)
Marking requirements & exemption

More information in NFPA 70

74

2006 TEEX

1910.307(g) Class I, Zone 0

75

2006 TEEX

1910.308

Special Systems

1910.308 Special systems

a. Systems over 600 volts, nominal
b. Emergency power systems
c. Remote control, signaling, and powerlimited circuits
d. Fire alarm systems
e. Communications systems
f. Solar photovoltaic systems
g. Integrated electrical systems
77

2006 TEEX

1910.399

Definitions

1904.399 Definitions
New version supersedes older version
in CFR book

79

2006 TEEX

1910 SUBPART S APPENDIX A

References for Further Information

1910 Subpart S Appendix A

Nonmandatory references aid in
understanding
Not a substitute for compliance with CFR
Appendices B and C removed

81

2006 TEEX

1910.331-1910.335

Safety-Related Work Practices

1910.331 Scope
Qualified persons (who have training in
avoiding the electrical hazards)
Unqualified persons (with little or no
such training)
Working on or near:

83

Premises wiring
Wiring for connection to supply
Other wiring
Vehicles excluded
2006 TEEX

1910.332 Training
a. Scope: employees with electric shock
risk not reduced to safe level by
installation requirements
b. Training content:

Work practices for job assignments

1910.331-335 and others necessary
Qualified vs. unqualified

c. Classroom or on-the-job; risk based

84

2006 TEEX

Employees to be Trained
Electricians and welders
Any others if:
work they do or supervise
comes close enough to exposed parts of
electric circuits 50V
for hazard to exist

85

2006 TEEX

1910.333

Selection and Use of Work

Practices

1910.333 (a)(1) Deenergized

parts
Live parts deenergized before
employee works on or near them:
Unless infeasible or causes greater hazard
<50V not deenergized if no increased
exposure to burns or arcs
Examples in CFR

If not deenergized, other work practices

must protect employees
87

2006 TEEX

1910.333(b) Working on or near

exposed deenergized parts
If not locked out or tagged out, treated
as energized
Lockout/tagout rules followed in order
1910.147 provisions may also be OK
Written copy of procedures available

88

2006 TEEX

1910.333(b) Working on or near

exposed deenergized parts

Lockout/tagout steps in section (2):

ii.
iii.
iv.
v.

89

Deenergizing equipment
Application of locks and tags
Verification of deenergized condition
Reenergizing equipment after work

2006 TEEX

1910.333(c) Working on or near

exposed energized parts
Only qualified persons may work on
energized electric circuit parts
For work near overhead lines:
Lines deenergized and grounded, or
Other protective measures provided

90

2006 TEEX

Working near overhead power

lines
Unqualified person near energized lines
Person and longest conductive object not
closer than 10 ft, + 4 in/10kV above 50kV
For elevated or ground work

Qualified person:
Closer approach only with insulation
Table S-5: distance varies by voltage

Equipment: same distance as

unqualified
91

2006 TEEX

Working near overhead power

lines
Equipment: same distance as
unqualified, with exceptions:
In transit, structure lowered: 4 ft +4 in/10kV
Insulating barriers, not part of vehicle
Aerial lift, insulated, with qualified person
Ground employees may not contact
equipment without protection or distance
Employees may not stand at grounding
location when line contact possible

92

2006 TEEX

1910.333(c) Working on or near

exposed energized parts
4. Illumination must allow safe work
may not reach blindly in
5. Confined space work requires
protective insulation & secured doors
6. Conductive materials: prevent contact
with energized parts
7. Portable ladders: nonconductive
siderails
93

2006 TEEX

1910.333(c) Working on or near

exposed energized parts
8. Conductive apparel not worn, or
insulated
9. Housekeeping near live parts:

Requires safeguards
No conductive cleaning materials,
including liquid solutions

10. Interlocks may only be defeated

temporarily by qualified person
94

2006 TEEX

1910.334

Use of Equipment

1910.334(a) Portable electric

equipment
Handled in a manner to not cause
damage
Cords not used to raise/lower
equipment
Cords not stapled or hung in ways that
damage insulation

96

2006 TEEX

1910.334(a) Portable electric

equipment
Visual inspection required before use:
Portable cord / plug connected equipment
Extension cords
For external defects and evidence of internal
damage
If not exposed to damage, only when relocated

Defect or damage: remove, do not use until

repaired and tested
Plug and receptacle checked for compatibility
97

2006 TEEX

1910.334(a) Portable electric

equipment
Grounding type equipment: ground
must be maintained
Conductive work locations (e.g. wet)
require approved equipment and cords
Connecting plugs:
Never plug or unplug live equipment with
wet hands
Protect hands from conductive path (water)
Locking connectors: properly secured
98

2006 TEEX

1910.334(b) Electric power and

lighting circuits
Never reenergize a blown fuse
Never reenergize a circuit breaker until
it is safe (Overload or fault?)
Never modify overcurrent protection
beyond 304 requirements

99

2006 TEEX

1910.334(c) and (d)

c. Test instruments and equipment

Only qualified persons may test electric

circuits or equipment
Test instruments must be visually
inspected
Must be rated for circuits & environment

d. Occasional use of flammable and

ignitable materials: Do not use
equipment that could ignite them
100

2006 TEEX

1910.335

Safeguards for Personnel

Protection

1910.335(a) Use of protective

equipment
Personal protective equipment

Must be provided with & use equipment

Maintained, inspected, and tested
Insulating material protected
Nonconductive head protection
Eye or face protection for arcs, flashes,
flying objects from explosions

Insulated tools or handling equipment

Shields, insulation for heating/arcing
102

2006 TEEX

1910.335(b) Alerting techniques

Techniques to warn and protect
employees:
Safety signs and tags
Barricades
Attendants

103

2006 TEEX

Relevant Standards Outside 29

CFR 1910
29 CFR 1926 Subpart K: construction
API RP 54
Section 9.14 Generators, Motors, and
Lighting
Section 10: Drilling and Well Servicing Rig
Electrical Systems

API RP 14F for offshore wiring

API RP 500 and 505: area classification
104

2006 TEEX

Clues that Electrical Hazards

Exist
Tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
Warm tools, wires, cords, connections,
or junction boxes
GFCI that shuts off a circuit
Worn or frayed insulation around wire or
connection

105

2006 TEEX

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

Example of properly labeled

electric service: motors,
disconnects and breakers

FOR EXAMPLE

Subtitles & Transitions

OSHA Resources
Pub 3075 Controlling Electrical Hazards
Small Business Handbook section
Inspection Procedures
Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices -Inspection Procedures and Interpretation G
uidelines

112

2006 TEEX

Interpretations
Training requirements for employees who
perform non-electrical work on electri
cal equipment
Qualifications for resetting circuits or
replacing fuses; electrical enclosures mu
st be approved
Use of compressed air above 30 p.s.i
. for cleaning purposes; nonmetallic-she
athed cable for temporary wiring

113

2006 TEEX