From what I've read here, it seems like there isn't any clear-cut answer like I was hoping for.
I really think OSHA weaseled with that second statement that allows hot work when shut-down isn't "feasable". Seems like they had it right when they said hot-work was only permissable when it created additional hazards. That would at least make enforcement easier.
Let me get this straight. You get a suit that may prevent an Arc blast harming you and all of a sudden it's OK to work live?.
That is exactly how a lot of these guys interpret it.
I said it in another thread on this site but it bears repeating: The problem in this trade is that there is an actual hostility towards safe-work practices. I own all the PPE required for class 1 and 2 hot work. I can't even get guys I'm working with to use insulated tools when they do things hot, even when I offer them, they'll refuse and keep on using their uninsulated ones. How much sense does that make?
...Should there be an accident your company will have to justify why things were not shut down. If your employer thinks about it that way it may be eaiser to get a shut down. Also a short circuit may cause longer down time than a short outage or moving to a temporary source.
I agree 100%, unfortinately, no one thinks it will ever happen until it actually does.
If you do not feel comfortable with the task don't do it.
I have refused to work some things hot, and I will continue to as necessary.
Thanks for the replies.
-John