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ELECTRICAL

SAFETY

AUDIT

By: Engr. Hipolito A. Leoncio, PEE Chairman, Electrical Safety Committee

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Audit

an official inspection of an individual's or organization's

accounts, typically by an independent body.

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Electrical Safety Audit

It is a formal and comprehensive examination

of the entire facilities of a particular building,

establishment, plant and house.

An electrical safety audit is a systematic procedure to evaluate potential electrical hazards, and to recommend measures to

minimize/prevent these hazards (i.e. electrical shocks, electrical arcs, and

electrical blasts).

Electrical Safety Audit

An electrical safety audit is a loss prevention program:

1. Property/production loss (e.g. electrical fire hazards)

2. Loss of life/Injuries to personnel

Observations can be classified into 5 major areas:

1. Design features

2. Maintenance aspects

3. Training needs

4. Facilities and Procedures

5. Management commitment

Electrical Safety Audit

Recommendations as identified in the audit shall be

implemented on a time bound program, and they shall be

closely monitored for timely completion.

Electrical Safety Audit

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For buildings, electrical audit is usually

conducted immediately upon turn over of a

project to the owner.

But not more than one (1) year after.

However, plant audit can be conducted as

required by the management technical

personnel.

Electrical Safety Audit

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Purpose

To assure that every single installation and devices are done in

accordance with the Philippine Electrical Code, Building Code, Fire Code and other implementing rules

from the Local Government.

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Benefits

• Compliance with regulations

• Increased levels of safety

• More efficient use of resources

• Clarification of electrical safety responsibilities

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Who are qualified to conduct the audit?

Licensed Electrical Engineers with vast experience in design and construction

and maintenance.

Preferably, Licensed Professional Electrical Engineer and/or Registered

Electrical Engineer.

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Electrical Safety Audit Checklist I. Questions for MAINTENANCE/ CONSTRUCTION Departments:

YES NO N/A

1. Do employees inspect their power tools, extension cords, and portable GFCIs (worn insulation, bent/ missing pins, etc.) before use?

2.Are all employees involved in maintenance, remodeling, or repair of buildings, structures, or equipment or similar construction-like activities provided ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection while using equipment powered from 125 volt, single-phase, 15, 20, or 30 ampere receptacles?

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Electrical Safety Audit Checklist I. Questions for MAINTENANCE/ CONSTRUCTION Departments:

YES NO N/A

3.Do extension cords purchased for maintenance or construction use have ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection integrated into the design?

4.Do 15 & 20 amp receptacles on rooftops and in outdoor areas have GFCI protection?

5.Have all employees taken Basic Electrical Safety for Maintenance Employees?

6.Have employees who work on high voltage systems or who are at risk of exposure to arc-flash been trained on work practices and do they have appropriate electrical safety equipment & PPE for their work?

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Electrical Safety Audit Checklist II. Additional Questions for HIGH VOLTAGE/ ELECTRICAL Shops: YES NO N/A

1.Are insulating equipment (gloves, mats, etc.) inspected for damage before each day’s use and after any incident that could be suspected of having caused damage?

2.Are insulating gloves air tested before each day’s use and after any incident that could be suspected of having caused damage?

3.Are insulating equipment stored in such a location and in such a manner as to protect it from light, temperature extremes, excessive humidity, ozone, and other injurious substances and conditions?

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Electrical Safety Audit Checklist II. Additional Questions for HIGH VOLTAGE/ ELECTRICAL Shops: YES NO N/A

4.Have rubber insulating gloves been electrically tested within the past 6 months?

5.Have rubber insulating sleeves been electrically tested within the past 12 months?

6.Have rubber insulating blankets been electrically tested within the past 12 months?

The audit report, having the

findings and recommendations,

should be presented to the owner

or their authorized representative

The audit report should be signed

and sealed by a Professional

Electrical Engineer.

Audit Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I – SUMMARY, BACKGROUND & OVERVIEW

PART II – SAFETY CULTURE

PART III – GENERAL SAFETY TRAINING

PART IV – ELECTRICAL SAFETY

1 Written Electrical Safety Program

2 Qualified Persons & Qualified Electrical Worker

3 Design and Installation (NEC)

4 Identification & Labelling

5 Electrical Maintenance & PM

6 Electrical Drawings

7 Studies & Reports

8 Testing

9 Equipment & Tools

10 PPE Protective Equipment

Audit Report

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Continuation of PART IV – ELECTRICAL SAFETY 11 Work Practices 12 Hazardous Areas (Classified) Locations & Special Equipment 13 Engineering Controls 14 Planning & Documentation Controls 15 Management: Electrical Safety Supervision and Leadership PART V Tables PART VI Appendix

Audit Report

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