ESC Safe Work Practices & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing electrical work in a confined space, what is the FIRST action a worker must take before entering?
- Begin work immediately if the area appears safe
- Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants (Correct answer)
- Install temporary lighting and proceed
- Notify a supervisor verbally without documentation
Correct answer: Test the atmosphere for oxygen, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants
Atmospheric testing for oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic contaminants is mandatory before entering any confined space to prevent asphyxiation, fire, or poisoning.
Question 2: A worker needs to replace a 240V circuit breaker. Under NFPA 70E, what is the preferred safe work method?
- Work energized with rubber gloves only
- Establish an electrically safe work condition (ESWC) by de-energizing and locking out (Correct answer)
- Use a face shield and proceed energized to save time
- Reduce voltage to 120V before working
Correct answer: Establish an electrically safe work condition (ESWC) by de-energizing and locking out
NFPA 70E requires establishing an electrically safe work condition through de-energization, lockout/tagout, and voltage verification before contact with electrical equipment whenever feasible.
Question 3: During a job briefing, which element is MOST critical to communicate to all workers before starting a task?
- The location of the break room
- Hazards associated with the job and the safe work procedures to control them (Correct answer)
- The estimated project completion date
- The names of workers on adjacent projects
Correct answer: Hazards associated with the job and the safe work procedures to control them
A job briefing must cover the specific hazards of the task and the procedures to mitigate them so every worker understands the risks before work begins.
Question 4: What does the term 'two-person rule' require in high-voltage electrical work scenarios?
- Two supervisors must sign off on the work order
- A qualified worker must never work alone; a second person must be present and aware (Correct answer)
- Two sets of PPE must be available on site
- Two lockout devices must be applied to each energy source
Correct answer: A qualified worker must never work alone; a second person must be present and aware
The two-person rule requires a second qualified individual to be present during high-hazard electrical tasks to provide assistance or summon help in an emergency.
Question 5: An energized electrical panel is exposed during renovation work. What immediate action should unqualified workers take?
- Cover the panel with a plastic tarp and continue working
- Maintain the restricted approach boundary and notify a qualified electrician (Correct answer)
- Turn off the building's main breaker themselves
- Place caution tape 1 foot from the panel and proceed
Correct answer: Maintain the restricted approach boundary and notify a qualified electrician
Unqualified workers must stay outside restricted approach boundaries and alert a qualified electrical worker to address energized equipment.
Question 6: Which document establishes the legal requirement for employers to provide arc flash hazard information to employees?
- ANSI Z87.1
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332 and 1910.333 (Correct answer)
- IEEE 519
- NEC Article 110
Correct answer: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332 and 1910.333
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.332 (training) and 1910.333 (selection and use of work practices) require employers to train and protect employees from electrical hazards including arc flash.
Question 7: A worker discovers that a 'tagged out' piece of equipment has been re-energized by another crew. What is the correct response?
- Remove the other crew's tag and re-apply your own lockout
- Immediately notify supervision and do not work on the equipment until the situation is resolved (Correct answer)
- Proceed with caution using appropriate PPE
- Assume the re-energization was intentional and stand down completely
Correct answer: Immediately notify supervision and do not work on the equipment until the situation is resolved
Re-energization of tagged-out equipment is a serious LOTO violation; the worker must stop work and notify supervision immediately to prevent serious injury.
ESC Safe Work Practices & Procedures 2
When performing electrical work in a confined space, what is the FIRST action a worker must take before entering?