I used to write down the work order when it involved hot work and got the person who made the decision to work hot to sign it. Once they were faced with responsibility I almost always got the OK to turn off the power. It was almost always to change 347 volt ballast hot. Our OSHA rules require written authorization from the board to change a ballast over 150 volts to ground hot. They almost never give authorization which suits me fine. Any building with 347 volt lighting has to have an annual maintenance permit and agreement with an electrical contractor so we can at least discourage janitors from making ballast changes.
