Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Program
Montana State University
Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Program (For Non-Electricians)
MSU Safety and Risk Management Office
Effective Date: 2023
1. Purpose
This program establishes minimum electrical safety requirements for university employees
who use low-voltage (<600V) electrical tools or equipment, or who perform work near
exposed energized components, but who are not licensed or qualified electricians.
The goal is to prevent electrical shock, arc flash, burns, and other injuries by providing
foundational knowledge, hazard awareness, and safe work practices.
This document does not authorize employees to perform electrical installation, wiring, or energized work on circuits,
panels, or service connections. Such work must only be performed by Qualified Electrical
Workers as defined by OSHA.
2. Scope
This program applies to:
•All non-electrician university employees who use electrical hand tools, portable
power tools, extension cords, battery chargers, and other electrically powered equipment;
•Employees who work in proximity to electrical service panels, utility closets, or
energized equipment;
•Trades and maintenance staff who perform work near or around electrical systems (e.g.,
plumbers, painters, HVAC techs, lab techs, custodial workers, groundskeepers).
This program does not cover:
•Work performed by licensed electricians or certified electrical contractors (see
the Qualified Electrical Work Program);
•High-voltage systems exceeding 600 volts;
•Research or academic activities involving custom-built circuits or open wiring (see
Laboratory Electrical Safety Policy).
3. Regulatory References
•OSHA 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S – Electrical
•OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 – General Requirements for Electrical Installations
•OSHA 29 CFR 1910.305 – Wiring Methods
•OSHA 29 CFR 1910.333 – Selection and Use of Work Practices
•NFPA 70E – Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace (Reference Only)
4. Definitions
Low Voltage: Alternating current (AC) systems at or below 600 volts, typically 120V/208V/240V
systems found in building receptacles, tools, and appliances.
Unqualified Person: An employee who is not trained to work on or near energized electrical equipment
or conductors.
Qualified Person: A licensed electrician or a person with training and authorization to perform electrical
installations or troubleshooting under OSHA standards.
GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter): A device that shuts off electrical power if a ground fault is detected; required
for outdoor, wet, or potentially damp locations.
LOTO (Lockout/Tagout): The procedure used to control hazardous energy, including electricity, during servicing or maintenance.
5. Roles and Responsibilities
5.1 MSU Safety and Risk Management
•Develop and maintain this electrical safety program for non-electricians.
•Provide training guidance and support to departments.
•Investigate electrical-related incidents.
•Periodically review campus operations for compliance.
5.2 Departments and Supervisors
•Identify employees subject to this program and ensure they complete required training.
•Provide safe equipment, including GFCI protection and tested extension cords.
•Prohibit unauthorized electrical repair or modification.
•Ensure defective equipment is tagged out and removed from service.
5.3 Employees (Non-Electricians)
•Complete required low-voltage electrical safety training.
•Inspect tools and cords prior to use.
•Never attempt to open or work inside electrical panels or junction boxes.
•Report electrical hazards or malfunctions immediately.
•Observe safe distance and barrier protocols near energized equipment.
6. Program Requirements
6.1 General Prohibitions
Employees covered by this program shall not:
•Remove panel covers or access internal wiring.
•Replace breakers, fuses, or service disconnects.
•Modify or install hard-wired equipment.
•Use damaged cords, tools, or plug ends.
•Perform any work where exposed live electrical parts are accessible.
All such work must be deferred to Facilities Management or a licensed contractor.
6.2 Tool and Equipment Safety
•All electrical hand tools, portable appliances, and extension cords must be UL-listed
and in good condition.
•Cords must have intact grounding prongs unless double-insulated and labeled accordingly.
•Never use tape to repair cords or plugs; report them for replacement.
•Always unplug tools before changing blades, bits, or performing maintenance.
•Cords should be routed to avoid pinch points, water, trip hazards, and doorways.
6.3 GFCI Use and Wet Locations
•GFCI protection is required in wet or outdoor locations.
•Employees must test GFCI outlets or inline adapters before each use using the “test”
and “reset” buttons.
•Do not use electrical tools during rain unless they are rated for outdoor use and
connected to a tested GFCI.
6.4 Extension Cord and Power Strip Use
•Extension cords must be rated for heavy duty use (minimum 14-gauge).
•Cords must not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
•Do not “daisy chain” power strips or extension cords.
•Cords used for temporary power must be removed after work is complete.
6.5 Work Near Electrical Panels or Equipment
•Maintain a minimum clearance of 3 feet in front of all electrical panels or breaker
boxes.
•Do not store materials in electrical closets or block access.
•If your task requires working within 3 feet of an open electrical cabinet, consult
Facilities or Safety and Risk Management.
•Temporary barriers or signage must be used to prevent accidental contact.
6.6 Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)
If maintenance work requires the shutdown of electrically powered equipment:
•Only LOTO-trained personnel may isolate energy sources.
•Never remove someone else’s lock or tag.
•If equipment must be locked out, contact Facilities Management or the LOTO authorized
employee for your area.
7. Training Requirements
7.1 Required Training for Covered Employees
Employees must complete Low-Voltage Electrical Safety Training provided or approved by Safety and Risk Management. Training includes:
•Basic electrical concepts (voltage, current, ground paths)
•Common electrical hazards and injuries
•Safe use of electrical tools and cords
•Recognition of unsafe conditions
•GFCI function and testing
•Responding to an electrical emergency
Training is required:
•Upon initial assignment
•Every three years thereafter
•Following an electrical incident or procedural change
7.2 Records
Training completion records are maintained by the department and reviewed during audits.
8. Emergency Procedures
8.1 Electrical Shock Response
If a co-worker suffers electrical shock:
1. Do not touch the victim until the power is confirmed off.
2. Call 911 and notify University Police.
3. If trained and safe to do so, shut off power at the nearest disconnect or breaker.
4. Administer CPR or AED only if the area is safe and the victim is no longer energized.
8.2 Reporting
All electrical incidents, including shocks without injury, must be reported to the supervisor and Safety and Risk Management within 24 hours. Near misses are investigated with equal priority.
9. Program Review
This program will be reviewed:
•Every three years, or
•Following an electrical incident, or
•When changes in OSHA standards or university operations require it
Proposed revisions are submitted to the Safety Oversight Committee for approval.
10. Related Documents and Policies
•Electrical Safety for Qualified Workers (SRM-ELEC-001)
•Lockout/Tagout Program (SRM-ENG-005)
•University Equipment Safety Policy
•NFPA 70E (reference only)