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DOE Handbook Electrical Safety
- Introduction -
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PURPOSE The Electrical Safety Handbook presents the Department of Energy (DOE) safety standards for DOE
field offices or facilities involved in the use of electrical energy. It has been prepared to provide a uniform
set of electrical safety guidance and information for DOE installations to effect a reduction or elimination of
risks associated with the use of electrical energy. The objectives of this handbook are to enhance electrical
safety awareness and mitigate electrical hazards to employees, the public, and the environment.
1.2 SCOPE
This handbook provides general information to enhance understanding of DOE Orders, national codes, national
standards, and local, state, and federal regulations. This handbook shall not supersede more stringent
requirements in those applicable codes, standards, and regulations. Each entity should reference its contract
documents and determine what legal requirements are to be followed in the area of electrical safety. These
requirements may vary from location to location. In this document, "shall" refers to requirements from
regulatory standards such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements and relevant DOE
Orders that may or may not apply to your specific location. "Should " refers to guidance from consensus
standards such as the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), National Electrical Safety Code (NESC, ANSI C2), and
Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E) which may or may not apply to your specific location
(depending upon your contractual requirements). No section or portion of this document is intended to stand
alone. Each section or portion interacts
with others that are appropriate to support referenced material.
The design of new facilities shall conform
to relevant DOE Orders and should conform to industry-recognized engineering design standards. Existing
facilities should evaluate their systems and operations in relation to this handbook, applicable DOE Orders,
national codes, national standards, and local, state, and federal regulations to determine if they comply or if
a safety problem exists. If the evaluation determines that a safety risk exists, corrective actions should
be initiated to bring the systems or operations into compliance with current standards. In the case of a major
renovation of an existing facility, the modification shall comply with current standards.
Existing
facilities shall conform to relevant DOE Orders and should comply with the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70),
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC, ANSI C2), and Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA
70E). The OSHA standards have specific requirements that shall apply to all electrical installations and
utilization equipment regardless of when they were designed or installed and identify other mandatory
provisions and specify effective dates. Installations in compliance with the code at the time of design or
installation (code of record), do not need to be upgraded to the updated code unless required to correct a
known hazard or a major modification is being performed unless otherwise directed by OSHA. This handbook is
being provided to identify those DOE Orders, national codes, national standards, and local, state, and federal
regulations that will provide employees with guidance on requirements pertaining to electrical systems. It is
the responsibility of each site to evaluate compliance with the above requirements.
1-1
1.3 AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (AHJ) In states and municipalities, an official (electrical inspector,
engineer, or equivalent qualified individual) is usually designated as the electrical Authority Having
Jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ should possess such executive ability as is required for performance of the
position, and should have thorough knowledge of standard materials and work practices used in the installation,
operation, construction, and maintenance of electrical equipment. The AHJ should, through experience or
education, be knowledgeable of the requirements contained in the OSHA standards, the National Electrical Code,
the National Electrical Safety Code, DOE requirements, and other appropriate local, state, and national
standards. The AHJ should be responsible to interpret codes, regulations and standards, and approve equipment,
assemblies, or materials. If the AHJ needs to address items outside his or her electrical expertise, such as
fire, confined space, fall protection, or like issues, the AHJ should consult with cognizant experts before a
decision is reached. The AHJ may permit alternate methods where it is assured that equivalent objectives can be
achieved by establishing and maintaining effective safety equal to or exceeding established codes, regulations,
and standards.
In DOE, levels of authority exist that serve the function of the AHJ. The AHJ may be the
contracting officer, such as an area manager. This person may choose to delegate authority to an individual or
organization within his or her control. It is acceptable for DOE sites to delegate authority to a committee of
subject matter experts. The authority may reside with a safety or facilities department. The field office
manager or designated representative may act as a higher level of authority. The authority may begin with an
electrician and proceed through various levels of supervision to management (as shown in Fig. 1-1).

Fig. 1-1.
NOTE: The titles in Fig. 1-1 will vary from site to site.
1-2
DOE contractors should establish lines of authority within their organizations. It is important that a
line of authority be established, documented, and recognized. The limits of the authority and recognition of
higher authority should be delineated.
1-3
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