Jim
I was wrong about that. In a letter ruling on 1926.416, OSHA said that PPE could be used. The letter was issued on 2/23/99 and said in part:
"......Guarding against electric shock
You ask if the term "insulation," as used in 1926.416(a), refers only to the insulating
material that encases a wire, or if the term refers to "a separate insulating system worn
or used by the workers?"
Where a circuit has not been deenergized, section 1926.416(a) requires that employees
be protected from electric shock by "guarding it [the circuit] effectively by insulation."
This means that the employer must ensure that insulation already covers the energized
parts and will protect the employee. That insulation must be sufficient/appropriate for the working conditions. If it will not protect the employee, then the employer must use insulating material, such as an insulating blanket, to protect against the shock hazard.
Where that is not feasible, this provision, in conjunction with ยง1926.95(a), requires
employers to protect employees with appropriate insulating personal protective
equipment."
However, there is no way that it is permissible for an electrican to work the dwelling unit service hot per 1910.333, even if PPE is provided.
Don(resqcapt19)
[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 09-17-2001).]
