November 2020
 |
Inside the November Issue |
Misconceptions on
Absence of Voltage Testing
BY BHANU SRILLA, MS, CESCP, CMRP, CRL
Absence of voltage testing is the most
vital step in the process of verifying and
establishing a deenergized state of any
electrical system. According to Article
120.5, NFPA 70E, it is a process-oriented
approach that takes various steps to establish
a deenergized state and is not accomplished
with any single device. Verifying
a deenergized state is further a risky task
which requires strict adherence to policies
and procedures to establish a safe environment
to work. Because it is a high-risk
task, verifying a deenergized state requires
strict adherence to policies and procedures.
Additionally, it is also a regulatory requirement
per OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.333
(b)(2)(iv)(B) and NFPA 70E, Article
120.5. Historical data suggests high incident
rates of both shock and electrocution
because of performing the task of “absence of voltage testing” inside the electrical cabinets.
The data further points out that the
incidents are primarily caused due to
workers’ inadvertent contact with electrical
circuit parts inside the panel, wrong application
of test instruments, human error,
production pressures, and complacency.
Many safety centric organizations and product innovators have devised a variety of methods to minimize the risk of exposure to workers from the hazards of presence and absence of voltage testing over the past several decades. In its recent edition, NFPA 70E, 2018 allowed an alternative method through a new exception for the same task under the Article 120.5 (7). This document delineates the differences between presence and absence of voltage testing from the application standpoint of lockout/tagout and compares the pros and cons of these devices, and their limitations of use. Products discussed include, voltage indicators, test portals, permanently mounted accessories, portable test instruments, and absence of voltage testers. Given the process centric approach, additional clarification is placed on worker qualification, installation conditions, training requirements, procedures, and failure modes of these risk control methods and their effect on both the task and the worker.
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