Electrical panels are found in
every workplace. They contain breakers that allow equipment and systems to be shut off for servicing, maintenance, and emergencies. To ensure your safety and the safety of your coworkers, make sure to abide by the following requirement and best practices:
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires sufficient access and working space around electrical equipment such as electrical panels and transformers serving 600 volts or less. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303(g) requires that sufficient access and working space be provided and maintained around electrical equipment to permit safe operation and maintenance.
For equipment operating at
600 volts, nominal or less to ground, electrical panels must have a minimum of three feet of clearance in front of the panel and a minimum clearance width of 2.5 feet or the width of the equipment, whichever is greater. This allows for timely and safe access to circuit breakers in the event of an emergency.
Electrical panels and related equipment must have covers. The covers must be secured to prevent exposure to electrical shock and arc flash. Covers also protect internal mechanisms from being exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture.
Missing breakers inside an electrical panel must be covered with a filler plate to prevent exposure to live conductors.
Each breaker in an electrical panel must include a directory identifying where electricity flows. This is important when electricity needs to be shut off in the event of an emergency or when maintaining or inspecting associated equipment.
Incomplete or missing directories or labeling can expose employees to serious injury if the wrong circuit is deactivated or locked out during equipment maintenance and repair.
Circuit breakers must be locked and tagged out when working on equipment or electrical installations.Make sure to have adequate lockout equipment available for single and double pole breakers.
Remember, safety doesn’t have to be difficult, simple steps such as
making sure electrical panels have adequate clearance and have a legible directory, can help prevent injuries and save lives!
