Electrical Safety – Qualified

OSHA’s electrical standards address concerns that electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing employees to such dangers as electric shock, electrocution, burns fires, and explosions. The OSHA electrical rules help minimize these potential hazards by specifying safety aspects in the design and use of electrical equipment and systems.

The regulations distinguish between “qualified” and “unqualified” persons. Only “qualified” persons can work directly with exposed energized parts. While it may seem that only “qualified” persons would need to be trained to meet the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.332, training is required for any employees who work on, near, or with electrical hazards. The regulation covers all workers who are, or could be, exposed to the hazards of electricity.

Depending on the job, an employee could be considered to be “qualified” for one type of task and “unqualified” for others.