(Log #3800)
1- 178 - (100-Qualified Person): Accept in Principle in Part
SUBMITTER: Jack H. Zewe, Electrical Consultants, Inc.
RECOMMENDATION: Revise Article 100- Definition for a
Qualified Person:
Old text:
Qualified Person: One familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved.
Revised test:
One who has skills and knowledge of the construction and operation of the equipment and has received specific safety training on the hazards involved.
From OSHA 29 CFR: 1910.332(b)(3)
(3) Additional requirements for qualified persons. Qualified persons (i.e. those permitted to work on or near exposed energized parts) shall, at a minimum, be trained in and familiar with the following:
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332(b)(3)(I)
(I) The skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electric equipment.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332(b)(3)(ii)
(ii) The skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts, and
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332(b)(3)(iii)
(iii) The safe approach clearance distances specified by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333 and the corresponding voltages to which the qualified person will be exposed.
Note 1: For the purposes of OSHA 29 CFR 1910.331 through 1910.335, a person must have the safety training required in order to be considered a qualified person.
Note 2: Qualified persons whose work on energized equipment involves either direct contact or contact by means of tools or materials must also have the training needed to meet 1910.333(C)(2)
SUBSTANTIATION: Align the NFPA definition with the requirements of OSHA Electrical Safe Work Practices requirements.
The present definition is weak and does not provide guidance on "who" is authorized to work on electrical equipment that may be energized.
The OSHA Electrical Safe Work Practices Training requirements are very specific on "who" and "what" a person must be able to do (SKILLS)to be considered QUALIFIED.
PANEL ACTION: Accept in Principle in Part.
Revise the definition of Qualified Person to read as follows:
"Qualified Person. One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the equipment and has received safety training on the hazards involved."
PANEL STATEMENT: It is not necessary to repeat OSHA requirements in the NEC. The panel concludes that safety training is important.
NUMBER OF PANEL MEMBERS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE: 13
VOTE ON PANEL ACTION:
AFFIRMATIVE: 12
NOT RETURNED: 1 Macias
