Live work, or not?

[c_picard]

I work for photovoltaic contractor, and we are frequently installing breakers in existing panels to backfeed the grid(utility interactive). It is becoming more common for us to install these systems on larger commercial buildings. How does OSHA feel about us being in live distribution panels? Some 1200A or more? Is it sufficient to just shut off the main breaker?
FYI this is in NY where no electricians license or training is required.

Thanks for the input,
Charles

 

[iwire]

If there are exposed live parts you can not do this job even with PPE unless you can meet some narrow exceptions

1910.333(a)(1)

"Deenergized parts." Live parts to which an employee may be exposed shall be deenergized before the employee works on or near them, unless the employer can demonstrate that deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards or is infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations. Live parts that operate at less than 50 volts to ground need not be deenergized if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.


Note 1: Examples of increased or additional hazards include interruption of life support equipment, deactivation of emergency alarm systems, shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment, or removal of illumination for an area.


Note 2: Examples of work that may be performed on or near energized circuit parts because of infeasibility due to equipment design or operational limitations include testing of electric circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized and work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous industrial process in a chemical plant that would otherwise need to be completely shut down in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment.


Note 3: Work on or near deenergized parts is covered by paragraph (b) of this section.

 

[JJWalecka]

Break out the Anthrax suit. LOL. I like to breath like Darth Vader, when I have it on at work. Even if it?s just me in the room.

If you have the proper PPE use it.

JJ

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Break out the Anthrax suit. LOL. I like to breath like Darth Vader, when I have it on at work. Even if it?s just me in the room.

If you have the proper PPE use it.

JJ

I agree with Bob, the OSHA rules do not permit that type of work even with the correct PPE.

 

[JJWalecka]

I agree with bob also. I'm sorry if I mislead.

I worked for a company that has a no live work policy. Its refreshing.

"Break out the Anthrax suit. LOL. I like to breath like Darth Vader, when I have it on at work. Even if it?s just me in the room." : Just a joke

"If you have the proper PPE use it." : Follow the proper saftey regulations

C_picard be safe and smart.

JJ

 

[mthead]

Live work,or not

Live work,or not

What part of NY are you working in ?While you're right about the fact that PV systems can be installed by those who are not qualified electrician's-those same people may not legally complete the installation -the line voltage work ,i.e. the final hook up should not be done by anyone not licensed--this may sound like word games but sometimes it's all we've got.
PV systems are evolving /changing in both the requirements for safe installation and methods and equipment involved ,almost every 6 months these days-There is a lot more to it than just following the printed instructions.
Often both the PV installer and the elctrician will find themselves surprised by the latest changes

 

[c_picard]

Thanks fellas,

I guess the question is whether we are "near" the lugs on the main breaker? They are the only thing left energized in a typical switchgear with the main in the open position.
Anyhow, I raised my concerns with the boss, and now he's installing the breaker on saturday, I have the day off!

He didn't know Josh R., I did...RIP

Charles

 

[LarryFine]

If there are exposed live parts you can not do this job even with PPE unless you can meet some narrow exceptions

The design of solar panels is such that they're energized any time they're exposed to daylight, so they appear to qualify for the exception that "deenergizing is infeasible due to equipment design."

 

[iwire]

The design of solar panels is such that they're energized any time they're exposed to daylight, so they appear to qualify for the exception that "deenergizing is infeasible due to equipment design."

It is not the DC side he is asking about, it is the AC power from the utility.

On the DC side the trick is to land all the DC homeruns onto the string disconnecting means first, then you plug the homeruns into the panels with connectors made for safe for live connection.

 

[c_picard]

Yeah, that's correct iwire,

I just downloaded a copy of nfpa70E, I'll do a little homework before the next connection I'm asked to do.

mthead, I'm in the hudson valley, and only certain localities require a license, though another point I brought up with the boss is the fact that he can't document that anyone here has had any formal training that would even make them a "qualified person".

thanks,
charles