Standby person for electrical tasks and rescue guidelines for electrical incident victims

NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace, requires that employees exposed to electric shock hazards be trained in methods of releasing persons being shocked and unable to let-go of live circuits. NFPA 70E also requires employer-designated first responders to be trained in first aid, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and AED (automated external defibrillator) use, if provided. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.151 might be interpreted as requiring: 1) first aid treatment within the first few minutes of injury (three to four minutes to avoid permanent impairment or death); and 2) qualified persons to be trained in first aid, CPR, and AED use. NFPA 70E's Informative Annex I checklist on job briefing and planning asks: 1) Is a standby person required and 2) Is the person CPR trained? Informational Note 2 for Section 110.1(G) on risk assessment procedures recognizes a possible need to identify the electrical tasks that require a second person (standby person) and the necessary equipment and training for a second person. In OSHA's standard for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, 29 CFR 1910.269(l)(2) requires a second person when non-routine switching is performed on systems above 600 V. This paper discusses the standby person's qualifications and responsibilities and what electrical tasks may require a standby person. General guidelines on the rescue of victims injured in electrical incidents are also included.