Electrical Safety in the Workplace

[Joe Tedesco]

http://www.usace.army.mil/CESO/Docum...5-1-1FINAL.pdf

11.B.06 Metal jewelry (i.e., wristbands, watch chains, rings, bracelets, necklaces, body jewelry, piercings, etc) shall not be worn when working on or near electrical equipment.

SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

1. Purpose. This manual prescribes the safety and health requirements for all Corps of Engineers activities and operations.

2. Applicability. This manual applies to Headquarters, US Army Corps of Engineers (HQUSACE) elements, major subordinate commands, districts, centers, laboratories, and field operating activities (FOA), as well as USACE contracts and those administered on behalf of USACE. Applicability extends to occupational exposure for missions under the command of the Chief of Engineers, whether accomplished by military, civilian, or contractor personnel.

3. References.

a. 29 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 1910
b. 29 CFR 1926
c. 29 CFR 1960
d. Executive Order (EO) 12196
e. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.236-13

This manual supersedes EM 385-1-1, 3 November 2003

This goes beyond 70E requirements:

NFPA 70E; 130.6 Other Precautions for Personnel Activities.

(D) Conductive Articles Being Worn. Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such as watchbands, bracelets, rings, key chains, necklaces, metalized aprons, cloth with conductive thread, metal headgear, or metal frame glasses) shall not be worn where they present an electrical contact hazard with exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts.

2009 70E Handbook Commentary:

Workers must be aware if any of their jewelry or clothing could present an electrical hazard. Articles of jewelry that are conductive must be removed or effectively insulated at all times if a worker might contact an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part. Clothing that has metal or conductive threads or fibers must not be worn if contact with an exposed energized electrical conductor or circuit part is possible. Metalized aprons or face shields must not be worn within the Limited Approach Boundary. Eyeglasses containing exposed conductive components must be restrained and covered with appropriate PPE so that it is impossible for them to fall into or touch an exposed energized conductor or circuit part. Conductive body piercing jewelry must be removed before entering the Limited Approach Boundary.