The Postal Service™ is committed to providing a safe work environment for all employees, customers, and other visitors to our facilities. As part of this commitment, the Postal Service policy for energized electrical work has recently been updated. Please also see the new poster.
There are three basic electrical hazards present when working on or near energized electrical circuits and equipment. They are electrical shock, arc flash, and arc blast.
n Electric shock can occur when the human body comes in contact with any source of electricity.
n An arc flash results when there is a flashover of electric current which leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to ground. When a human is in close proximity to the arc flash, serious injury and even death can occur.
n An arc blast is caused by an explosive release of molten material from equipment caused by high-amperage arcs.
Injuries that can result from arc flashes and arc blasts include burns, respiratory system damage, hearing damage, skin penetration from flying debris, and eye and face injuries.
To help prevent injuries, always report unsafe equipment, conditions, or activities to your supervisor immediately. This includes:
n Panels with covers missing, fasteners missing or loose, openings in panels exposing internal circuits;
n Water leaking on electrical equipment, doors to electrical rooms open to unqualified employees, broken conduit;
n Employees or contractors working on electrical equipment without the appropriate personal protective equipment or barricades.
Never attempt to operate equipment that is being serviced, especially equipment that is locked out or tagged out for servicing.
Do not enter electrical equipment rooms unless authorized to do so. Signs must be posted at the entrances to electrical rooms to alert people to the electrical hazard and forbid entry to unauthorized people.
Never distract or interrupt anyone working on electrical equipment. This could result in an electrical accident or injury.
Never cross a barricaded work area unless qualified to do so and only when wearing the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. Barricades are used in combination with safety signs, where necessary, to prevent or limit employee access to work areas.
— Safety and Health,
Employee Resource Management, 11-28-13
