Page 35 - OHS, June 2021

2. Assess risks
3. Implement risk control according to the hierarchy of risk control methods, which are listed in order within section 110.5(H)(3) as:
■ Elimination
■ Substitution
■ Engineering controls
■ Awareness
■ Administrative controls
■ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Where Does PPE Fall in?
It is extremely important to note that based on this hierarchy, PPE should be the absolute last resort before energized work is performed. PPE does not free you from exposure while performing energized work. In reality, PPE only helps to minimize results from being exposed to the hazard. It does not prevent exposure in its entirety and even when wearing properly rated PPE, there is still a significant potential for you to become injured while performing energized electrical work.
Should you become involved in an incident, such as an arc- flash, PPE gives you a chance for survival yet offers no guarantees. PPE is the last risk control method that should be utilized when energized work is being considered and should be used only
when the five prior methods within the hierarchy of risk control have been openly, thoroughly and honestly explored, without utilizing the all-too-common excuse of the “inconvenience” of deenergizing power.
Is it Worth the Risk?
As a facility manager, controlling risk is inherently within your job description. There is some level of risk to every decision you make. When the facility you manage is in the business of healthcare, the stakes are even higher. Performing energized work within a healthcare facility not only exposes the life of the people performing the actual work but the lives of many others, as well. Any incident, such as an arc-flash, can severely injure the worker and would likely cause the loss of power to other areas within the hospital like emergency bays or critical care units. Is it worth the risk?
While deenergized work may require more forethought, planning, difficult conversations and temporary aggravation among staff, making the effort to go through this process will minimize risk. While the coordination of deenergized work may sometimes lead us down a more difficult path, the steps we take will ensure that we arrive at the right destination.
Corey Hannahs is an Electrical Content Specialist at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
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