Relay Services

Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
Austin Energy Safety GWP
Title: Arc Flash Work Procedures Workgroup: OH&S
Revision No.: 2.0
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
GWP Owner: Manger, Occupational Health & Review Owner: Manager, Occupational Health &
Safety Safety
GWP Author(s): Keith Perkins, Randy Payne SME(s): Randy Payne, Wendy Ellen
Last Review Date: 1/2/2025 Next Review Date: 1/2/2027
Table of Contents
DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................................... 2
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................... 2
SCOPE .............................................................................................................................................. 5
ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................................ 5
FACESHIELD REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................................... 6
TABLE 1 - AR Faceshield Requirements per Job Scope/Conditions ........................................... 6
PPE CATEGORY TABLE ..................................................................................................................... 8
TABLE 2 - Arc-rated Garment Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment Categories
(NFPA 70E) .................................................................................................................................. 8
TABLE 3 - Additional PPE Requirements to Satisfy PPE Categories ............................................ 9
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................ 10
ELECTRIC SYSTEM FIELD OPERATIONS-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS ............................................... 13
REVENUE MEASUREMENT-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS .................................................................. 15
ARC-RATED PROTECTION WITH DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................... 16
TABLE 4 - Arc-Rated Protection with Design Specifications ..................................................... 16
RECORDS RETENTION ................................................................................................................... 18
REVISION HISTORY ........................................................................................................................ 19
REVIEW LOG .................................................................................................................................. 19
APPROVALS ................................................................................................................................... 20
ANNEX A - AR CLOTHING SELF-LAUNDRY CARE AND MAINTENANCE POLICY ............................. 21
AR CLOTHING SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................. 21
AR CLOTHING SELF-LAUNDRY CARE AND MAINTENANCE POLICY ........................................... 21
AR CLOTHING INSPECTION POLICY ........................................................................................... 21
Page 1 of 27
Guidelines and Work Processes (C) Austin Energy - All Rights Reserved
For AE Internal Distribution Only
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Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
AR CLOTHING RETIREMENT (DISPOSAL) ................................................................................... 22
ANNEX B - ARC FLASH PPE ARC RATING FOR AC & DC SYSTEMS (a derivative of NFPA 70E) ............. 23
TABLE 5 - AE Arc-rated PPE Categories for Alternating Current (AC) Systems ........................ 23
TABLE 6 - AE Arc-rated PPE Categories for Direct Current (DC) Systems ................................ 25
ANNEX C - ASSESSING THE WORKPLACE FOR FLAME AND ELECTRIC-ARC HAZARDS ........................ 27
DESCRIPTION
This program provides work policy and procedures for working on or near energized electrical
lines/equipment where there is the potential of an Arc Flash/Arc Blast hazard exposure.
Following all requirements provided in this program is the minimum expectation. This program
does not limit the opportunity for additional PPE/control measures as determined by other
means, including but not limited to:
Supervisor instruction
Job Safety Briefing/ Hazard Assessment entailing themes of de-energization,
engineering controls
Consulting Annex B - Arc Flash PPE Categories For AC &DC Systems (NFPA 70e)
Consulting Annex C - Assessing the Workplace for Flame and Electric-Arc Hazards
*Note: Willful or reckless failure of Austin Energy employees to comply with this policy may
lead to disciplinary action.*
DEFINITIONS
Term Definition
A pressure wave created by the heating, melting, vaporization,
Arc Blast and expansion of conducting material and surrounding gases or
air.
Sudden release of electrical energy due to an electrical fault,
such as a short circuit or equipment failure, that can result in an
Arc Flash explosion of intense heat, light, and pressure; can be considered
a short-circuit across an air gap, usually created by accidental
contact between live conductors.
Refers to the potential for personnel to be subjected to the
Arc Flash Exposure thermal, radiant, chemical, or mechanical hazards associated
with the release of energy during an arc flash.
A study that analyzes potential exposure to Arc flash hazards.
Arc Hazard The outcome of the study establishes Incident Energy levels,
Assessment/Study Hazard/Risk Categories, Arc flash Protection Boundary and
required level of PPE.
Arc Flash Protection A protection boundary established to protect personnel from Arc
Boundary flash hazards. This boundary is the distance at which an
Page 2 of 27
Guidelines and Work Processes (C) Austin Energy - All Rights Reserved
For AE Internal Distribution Only
Uncontrolled when downloaded or printed

Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
unprotected worker can receive a second-degree burn to bare
skin.
PPE that is rated to withstand arc exposure of a certain Incident
Energy [NOTE: common language is to refer to arc-rated clothing
Arc-rated (AR)
as flame resistant (FR); yet please know all AR clothing is FR;
though not all FR clothing is AR].
Austin Energy's term for the standard PPE rated to 12 cal/cm2
(also referred to as 12 cal) that includes the following:
AR work shirt (Long Sleeved)
AR work pants
Austin Energy Standard
Protective Footwear
AR PPE Kit
Gloves and glove type (e.g. leather, voltage-rated) must
be determined in the Job Safety Briefing.
Ear canal hearing protection must be worn when
working within the Arc Flash Protection Boundary.
An employee who has the authority to perform specific duties
Authorized Employee under certain circumstances, or one who is carrying out orders
from a responsible authority.
Connected to an energy source or containing residual or stored
Energized
energy.
Process reflecting identification of hazards, determining
Hazard Assessment applicable controls, and assigning responsible parties to verify
controls are in place.
The amount of energy impressed on a surface, a certain distance
Incident Energy
from an energy source, generated during an electrical arc event.
Any activity conducted by Austin Energy Employees that involve
the operation/maintenance of Generation, Transmission, Sub-
station, or Underground/Overhead Distribution systems that are
owned/leased by the City of Austin or Austin Energy (this
Industrial Task
includes any system that is deemed essential to the operations
of Austin Energy or the City of Austin). Since these activities
historically have a potentially higher risk of injury or illness, a Job
Safety Briefing is required.
A review of the hazard assessment to identify hazards and
Job Safety Briefing
controls
An approach boundary to protect personnel from shock. A
boundary distance is established from an energized part based
Limited Approach
on system voltage. To enter this boundary, Unqualified
Boundary
Employees must be accompanied by a Qualified Employee and
must use PPE.
National Fire Protection Consensus standard that helps employers and workers reduce
Association (NFPA) 70E the hazards workers face during electrical work. It protects
Page 3 of 27
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Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
employees from electrical hazards like shock, arc blasts,
explosions, and outside conductors
Personal Protective Equipment used to protect employees which can include
Equipment (PPE) clothing, tools, etc.
An employee who has successfully demonstrated to
Qualified Employee
management their ability to work on or near energized parts.
The act of inserting or removing a high voltage breaker or motor
Racking
contactor into or from its switchgear cubicle.
An approach boundary to protect personnel from shock. A
Restricted Approach boundary distance is established from an energized part based
Boundary on system voltage. Only Qualified Employees are allowed to
enter this boundary.
The action(s) taken to operate a mechanical or electronic device
Switching (electrical) that opens, closes, or changes the connections in an electrical
circuit.
Testing and Inspection of Any activity within the minimum approach boundaries where the
Energized Lines and intent is to contact for taking readings or measurements of
Equipment electrical equipment with approved test equipment that does
not require making any physical change to the equipment.
An employee who has not been given authority to perform
Unauthorized Employee
specific duties.
An employee who has not demonstrated to management their
Unqualified Employee
ability to work on or near energized parts.
Any work within the minimum approach boundaries where the
Working on Energized
intent is to contact for making any physical alteration of
Lines and Equipment
electrical equipment such as making or tightening connections,
removing or replacing components, etc.
Page 4 of 27
Guidelines and Work Processes (C) Austin Energy - All Rights Reserved
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Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
SCOPE
This program applies to all Austin Energy employees working on or near energized electrical
lines/equipment where there is the potential of an Arc Flash/Arc Blast hazard.
ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Management and Supervisor
Enforce AR protection use as required by this program.
Enforce Arc Flash policy and procedure as required by this program.
Employee
Wear AR protection as required by this program.
Follow Arc Flash policy and procedure as required by this program.
Attend training associated with AR protection.
Occupational Health & Safety
Assist supervisors in providing AR protection to employees.
Provide training on AR protection application.
Receive feedback on faceshield requirements to determine future application.
Review this program every 2 years for accuracy with regulation updates.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
FACESHIELD REQUIREMENTS
Please see Table 1 below for faceshield requirements and exemption allowances.
TABLE 1 - AR Faceshield Requirements per Job Scope/Conditions
Job Scope/ Conditions (in energized Faceshield and other PPE Faceshield Exemption
state) requirements Allowances per the
qualifications below
Working on energized lines on Any work performed Verify coverup is correctly
steel poles without securely without coverup and securely installed in
installed coverup. installed (this includes necessary locations before
installing coverup) shall removing faceshield.
be done wearing a
faceshield and all other
required PPE.
Working within 8 feet of overhead Using an 8ft live line If live line tool longer than 8
lightning arrestors. tool (or shorter) feet is used (e.g. 10ft
Energizing or de-energizing requires the use of a Extendo stick), faceshield is
capacitor banks when 8 feet or faceshield and all other not required.
less. required PPE.
Making or breaking load
(overhead and underground)
when 8 feet or less.
Energizing or de-energizing a
primary device when within 8ft.
The potential to make or break Faceshield shall be worn No exemptions.
load while using mechanical with all other required
jumpers and load busters, PPE.
separating and tying circuits, or
cutting in floaters and double
deadends.
Working on energized secondary
services (overhead or
underground), especially, parallel.
Removing or installing meters in
energized meter sockets/cans (all
voltage ratings).
Working near energized live-front
equipment. Determine "near"
through Job Safety Briefing (JSB)
discussion.**
* Removal of faceshield is allowed if and only if the exemption allowances are fulfilled in the
right column. (Footnotes continue on next page)
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Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
** Nearby energized live-front equipment must be identified on the JSB and an evaluation of the
potential risk for arc flash be discussed. PPE determination shall be noted on the JSB with
justification.
NOTE: Table 1 does not list all required PPE for these job scenarios. Please follow all PPE
requirements provided in established pre-identified practices and in Austin Energy GWPs; this
includes wearing in-canal hearing protection when wearing faceshield.
When the above constraints cannot be followed, the Supervisor, Crew Leader or Employee in
Charge will determine how to conduct the work using their best professional judgement. If the
alternative process will not provide the employee(s) exposed to the hazard the same level of
protection the faceshield offers, the work will not proceed.
Page 7 of 27
Guidelines and Work Processes (C) Austin Energy - All Rights Reserved
For AE Internal Distribution Only
Uncontrolled when downloaded or printed

Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
PPE CATEGORY TABLE
Per the table below, respective PPE must be worn when working in environments that yield the
corresponding Incident Energies.
TABLE 2 - Arc-rated Garment Requirements for Personal Protective Equipment Categories
(NFPA 70E)
Required Minimum
PPE Category Clothing Description Arc Rating of PPE
Cal/cm2
1* AR shirt and AR pants or AR coverall 4*
2* Cotton underwear - conventional long- 8*
sleeve and briefs/shorts, plus AR shirt
and AR pants or AR coverall
3 Cotton underwear plus AR shirt and AR 25
pants plus AR coverall; or cotton
underwear plus two AR coveralls
4 Cotton underwear plus AR shirt and AR 40
pants or AR coveralls plus multilayer
flash suit
*Austin Energy requires minimum 12cal clothing.
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Guidelines and Work Processes (C) Austin Energy - All Rights Reserved
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Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
TABLE 3 - Additional PPE Requirements to Satisfy PPE Categories
Table Note: X = Required AN = As Needed
Additional PPE
Required for Cat 1 Cat 2 Cat 3 Cat 4
PPE Risk Categories
Safety toe footwear
X X X X
rated ANSI Z41 EH
Safety glasses rated
X X X X
ANSI Z87.1
Leather gloves (free of
X X X X
grease or oils)
Hard hat ANSI Z89.1
(Class E); (two-layer
X X X X
flash suit hood meets
this requirement).
Two-layer flash suit
AN X X
hood (12 Cal/cm2) (25 Cal/cm2) (40 Cal/cm2)
Hearing protection (In
X X X
canal inserts)
Flash suit (jacket and
X
pants, multilayer)
Voltage-rated gloves with
leather protectors free of AN AN X X
grease, oils or other
flammable materials.
Jacket, parka, or rainwear
(made from AR material) AN AN AN AN
as needed
Page 9 of 27
Guidelines and Work Processes (C) Austin Energy - All Rights Reserved
For AE Internal Distribution Only
Uncontrolled when downloaded or printed

Docusign Envelope ID: 90D6C2F4-E3FD-48E0-8EF7-A221720C0428
Effective Date: 8/27/2014
AE ESSENTIAL RECORD
Document #: GWP-2014-0003
City of Austin- Austin Energy
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
ARC FLASH EXPOSURE INCIDENTS-Immediately following an incident in which an employee
witnesses an arc flash incident and is in close enough proximity to be affected by the hazards
resulting from the incident (such as heat, light, or debris), Emergency Services (911) must be
called, and the employee shall be evaluated.
Austin Energy minimum arc rating is 12 cal/cm2 (also referred to as 12 cal). As such, utility-wide
Austin Energy Standard AR PPE Kit must be rated to minimum 12 cal and includes the following
list of required PPE:
AR work shirt (Long Sleeved)
AR work pants
Non-melting Protective Footwear
Gloves and glove type (e.g. leather, voltage-rated) must be determined in the Job
Safety Briefing.
Ear canal hearing protection must be worn when working within Arc Flash Protection
Boundary.
Note: All undergarments worn beneath AR clothing must be made of either natural fibers that
do not melt or from arc-rated material. Undergarments made of untreated polyesters, nylon or
poly-cotton blend are not allowed. Additionally, clothing laundry and maintenance
requirements presented in Annex A (AR Clothing Self-Laundry Care and Maintenance Policy)
must be followed.
o An AR face shield must be worn per the requirements in Table 1.
o Any other PPE, including winter wear and traffic vests, must be arc-rated.
o Other than substations, if the employee enters any worksite (including Power and Chiller
Plants) and comes within 10 feet of any electrical lines or equipment with open panels or
exposed energized parts, employee must wear PPE rated to at least 12 cal protection. For
substations, employees must follow the specifications provided in the Austin Energy
Substation Entry/Exit GWP.
o For PPE exceptions, New Personal Protective Equipment Request form with supporting
Hazard Assessment approved by the Director (or designee) must be completed.
o All employees must follow all Task Restrictions applicable to their work group/ work
environment.
o Before any Industrial Task, personnel must conduct a Job Safety Briefing; all personnel
involved will discuss any potential hazards and mitigations.
o Lock-Out Tag-Out must be followed in accordance with Austin Energy Control of Hazardous
Energy Program.
o Electrical Equipment must be maintained by Qualified Employees. All working distances and
clearances must be maintained. Access to working space and escape passages must be kept
clear and unobstructed.
o If unexpected hazards are encountered, work must be halted until a mitigation plan is
developed, approved, and documented on the Job Safety Briefing.
Page 10 of 27
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