CSA Group Workplace electrical safety Z462-18

Overview Now in its fourth edition, CSA Z462 – Workplace electrical safety aims to help workers install, operate, and maintain electrical equipment safely and provide additional safeguards to those who work in close proximity to energized electrical equipment. The Standard provides details on recognized methods for identifying electrical hazards & risk assessment, and defines best safety practices and training to help you work on and around electrical equipment. Based on the latest research, and in conjunction with the latest editions of NFPA 70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code, Part I, the 2018 edition of CSA Z462 builds upon previous editions by including new definitions that harmonize with other safety standards such as CSA Z1000 and CSA Z1002 and those dealing with arc flash and shock hazards. It also features additional requirements aimed at establishing more robust electrical safety programs. Top 10 Changes to Know in the 2018 Edition • Further to the risk-based approach to safety, safety controls must be developed and prioritized based on documented risk assessments. • Requirements for condition of maintenance, periodic inspections, and program auditing have been added to the section on electrical safety programs. • The hierarchy of control is now mandatory with a new requirement that makes hazard elimination the first priority in the implementation of safety-related work practices. • Electrical safety programs are now required to include the investigation of “near miss” incidents. • The minimum threshold for potentially-hazardou s energy has been reduced from 50V to 30V. • The process for shock risk assessment is now aligned with the arc flash risk assessment process. • Arc blast is now recognized as a category of electrical hazards. • The table on the selection of clothing and other PPE has been moved from Annex H to the criteria on arc flash risk assessment, making it part of the mandatory requirements. • The table on arc flash hazard identification is now affiliated with the arc flash risk assessment. • All training and auditing requirements have been relocated to Clause 4.1, following the establishment of an electrical safety program.