The purpose of an electrical safety policy is to provide a safe and healthy work environment by protecting employees from injury or death caused by uncontrolled electrical hazards. It establishes requirements, best practices and procedures to train employees in basic electrical hazard recognition and safe work practices. The policy must clarify the differences between qualified and non-qualified employees.
Qualified employees are defined as any workers trained and authorized to perform work on deenergized electrical equipment and components. These employees are responsible for wearing the appropriate PPE when working with or around electrical equipment, reporting electrical safety hazards, following the safe work practices outlined in policy, visually inspecting electrical equipment, tools and cords before each use and completing all required training. In short, a qualified person is one who has received training, and has demonstrated skills and knowledge in the safe operation of electrical equipment and the hazards involved.