Protection Against Hazards

Each of the three hazards of electricity (electrical shock, electrical arc flash, and electrical arc blast) has its own unique characteristics that require special protective measures. Once again, the best way to avoid exposure to these hazards is to stay out of the circuit or to keep as far away as possible from electrical equipment and systems that have exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts or where the electrical equipment is being operated. NFPA 70E-2009 states that if circuits, operating at 50 V or more, are not deenergized (placed in an electrically safe work condition), then other electrical safety-related work practices must be used. These work practices must protect the employee from inadvertent contact with live parts operating at 50 V or more as well as from an arc flash. These analyses must also be performed before an employee approaches exposed live parts within the limited approach boundary.