Panel Cover Removal

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CutToTheChase

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EIT
Long time lurker, first time caller...

With regards to OSHA 1919.333, does removing the panel cover constitute 'working on or near them'?

I've a 120/208v 3Ø panel with breakers labeled as spares on the panel schedule, but the breakers are turned on as if they've a load. The panel is in a commercial kitchen, which is unused most of the time. I'd like to verify that the breakers labeled as spare are indeed spares before proceeding.

Does either OSHA or NFPA prohibit removing the panel cover to visually verify if wires are landed on the breakers? Does turning the main off remove the 'live part' portion of the panel? What level of PPE would I need to verify these breakers?

And remember, be gentle! ;)
 
I would say no to 1919.333, It does not... - The NFPA states that "working on it" , it shall be de-energized" Although it's standard practice to remove a cover to check volts to see if a breaker is working or not. That would be considered working on it.
What you have described in my opinion is not working on it.
You're not touching any thing, right? If you utilize a screw driver then I would say yes you're working on it.
Even if you did turn it off. That doesn't guarantee the power is off. As you're allowed to use it as a J-Box 312.8
I have never used PPE for the voltages you have described. Well maybe a time or two. If you don't know what your getting into. If it seems weird or out of the ordinary. Yes, gloves shoes face shield .
For most of us it's such a common thing that we do every day .. We can tell if it's a weird scenario or not. If it seems weird we might want to utilize PPE.
 
Buck,

Correct, not touching anything inside the panel. The panel cover would be removed for approx. 8 seconds. Long enough to visually verify if a few of the breakers have wires landed on them, then reinstalled. Wearing standard work-wear - gloves, long shirt, shoes.

I realize this conversation is nit-picky, and is more of a hypothetical what-if question, but makes me wonder - could building maintenance (without any certification) go through a complex and verify spare breakers for a dozen different panels?
 
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