On April 11, 2014, Federal OSHA issued a direct final rule with changes in 29 CFR 1910.269 and 1926 Subpart V, both relating to Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution. In addition to proposed amendments to the High Voltage Electrical Safety Orders, some of these changes affect California’s Low Voltage Electrical Safety Orders because of the way the Title 8 is structured. The areas of significant change to California’s Electrical Safety Orders are:
- Communication between employers (multi-employer) and description of the information that must be relayed to employees
- Update of ASTM Standards relating to Tools Personal Protective Equipment (Appendix C)
- Revised Minimum Approach Distances
- Revised requirements for protective clothing –Protection From Electric Arcs
- Hazardous Energy Control (lockout/tagout) Procedures
- De-energizing power lines
- Vertical Standard for Grounding for the Protection of Employees (restructuring to consolidate grounding provisions in Sections 2941, 2943, 2944 into one section and adoption of federal standards)
- Enclosed Spaces (Other confine spaces, Section 5158)
- Addition of New Section for Bare-hand Liveline Work
- Power Generation
CalOSHA is hoping to have all responses from stakeholders by Feb. 2, 2015.