Risk Management

and Electrical
Safety

I E E E I ndu str y Appl ic ations Magazin e • M ay|jun e 2015 • www.ieee.org/ias

image licensed by ingram publishing

O
BY DANIEL ROBERTS ccupational Health and SafeTY management
system (OHSMS) standards, such as American National Stan-
dards Institute/American Industrial Hygiene Association (ANSI/
AIHA) Z10, provide a framework for an employer to manage
Implementation of and continuously improve occupational health and safety (OHS) performance.
an occupational The risk-management principles of International Organization for Stan-
health and safety dardization (ISO) Standard 31000:2009 adhere to the iterative approach of,
management system and are foundational to, OHSMS standards. They provide a systematic
methodology to identify hazards, analyze and evaluate risk, and apply risk-
control methods. This article discusses the integration of OHSMS and risk-
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MIAS.2014.2345833 management principles into electrical safety.
67
Date of publication: 25 February 2015

1077-2618/15©2015IEEE
 Developing an Effective implementation of the plan and
Electrical Safety Program The most for the appropriateness and com-
Safety programs, such as an electrical pleteness of the plan. The data
safety program, tend to focus on compli- effective should be presented in such a way
ance, while management systems tend to that trends can be identified over
focus on performance. An electrical safety application of several PDCA cycles. The data
program is usually developed using the should also be converted into
requirements found in a hazard-specific a hazard- information for the act step.
standard such as National Fire Protection ■■ Act: Analyze the information to
Agency (NFPA) 70E: Standard for Electri- specific identify significant differences
cal Safety in the Workplace and Canadian
Standards Association (CSA) Z462:
Standard is between the actual and planned
results. Determine the root causes
Workplace Electrical Safety. achieved within for the differences. Identify the
The most effective application of the changes necessary to improve per-
requirements of hazard-specific stan- the framework formance. Develop corrective
dards, such as NFPA 70E and CSA actions to implement the changes.
Z462, is achieved within the frame- of an OHSMS. A complete cycle of the PDCA steps
work of an OHSMS [1]. The benefits of should result in identification of areas for
a management system approach improvement. If this does not occur, then
include: 1) compatibility with any type of activity, 2) pro- the following steps may be needed:
cess or risk, 3) integration into daily business functions, 4) ■■ The policy might need to be refined to plan and improve
ownership and participation, 5) continuous improvement, with more detail in the next iteration of the cycle.
and 6) sustainability. ■■ The method of data collection or the type of data needs
The risk-management process and principles ensure that to be refined.
risk-control methods are systematically identified and ■■ Attention needs to be placed in a different stage of the
applied in a hierarchical approach. Electrical hazards are not process.
so unique that the risk associated with those hazards needs The benefits of a management system are as follows:
to be managed differently than any other safety risk [2]. ■■ Compatibility: The PDCA approach is compatible with
the management of any type of risk and, therefore,
Management Systems facilitates the integration of the management of all
Management systems employ six common elements: 1) lead- risks, including safety.
ership commitment, 2) a management system policy, and ■■ Integration and participation: Management systems are
IEEE In dustry A p plication s M ag az in e • M ay |j u ne 2015 • www.ieee.or g/ia s

3)–6) a repeating cycle of plan, do, check, act (PDCA). Man- designed to integrate the management of a given risk
agement systems improve organizational performance by into an organization’s day-to-day operation rather than
applying a systematic approach to a specific risk [3]. as a separate task or function. For example, a quality
The concept of PDCA is based on the scientific method, management system recognizes that quality is not the
which can be described as 1) hypothesis, 2) experiment, quality manager’s job, but rather, it is everybody’s job
and 3) evaluation. According to W. Edward Deming, dur- from the chief executive officer to the person making
ing his lectures on the application of statistical methods to the product or delivering the service. Every person in
industrial production and management in Japan in the the organization has a vested interest and plays a part
early 1950s, the Japanese participants began to refer to the in managing quality.
method as plan, do, check, and act. Deming preferred plan, ■■ Continuous improvement: Management systems recognize
do, study, and act because the word study has connotations that the best state for a given risk cannot be achieved at
in English closer to the intent of evaluation [4]. once [3]. A fundamental principle of management sys-
The following is an overview of the six key elements of tems is iteration. Repeating the PDCA cycle can bring
a management system: an organization closer to the goal of risk reduction and
■■ Leadership: To succeed, management systems require operational excellence.
management sponsorship and commitment. ■■ Sustainability: The consistency of a management sys-
■■ Policy: Identify the scope of the subject that the man- tem approach facilitates the sustainability of results.
agement system is intended to address and establish The six common management system elements are
objectives (targets or goals). found in ANSI/AIHA Z10-2012 OHSMS and ISO
■■ Plan: Identify and prioritize problems, deficiencies, 31000:2009 Risk Management—Principles and Guidelines.
and opportunities for improvement. Design processes Table 1 provides a comparative summary of these elements
to deliver results in accordance with the targets or and demonstrates how the requirements of NFPA 70E-
goals. Identify measurable criteria for the targets or 2015 align with those elements.
goals and methods to collect the data. The method of
data collection and the types of data collected should Occupational Health and Safety
facilitate an analysis of the results. Management Systems
■■ Do: Implement the plan and collect data. ANSI/AIHA Z10 occupational health and management
■■ Check: Analyze the results and compare them against systems and similar standards, such as Occupational
68
the targets or goals. Look for deviations in the Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) 18000
Table 1. a COMPARISON OF KEY OHSMS AND RISK-ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS IN
THE STANDARDS DISCUSSED IN THIS ARTICLE.
Elements ANSI/AIHA Z10-2012 ISO 31000-2009 NFPA 70E-2015
Leadership 3.1.1: Top management directs 4.0: Framework 110.1(A): Establish, implement,
the organization to establish, 4.2: Mandate and and document an electrical
implement, and maintain an commitment safety program that is part of
OHSMS that integrates health the employer’s OHSMS, when
and safety into the daily one exists.
functions of the business.

Policy 3.1.2: Establish, document, 4.2: Define and endorse the 110.1(D): Identify the
and communicate an OHS policy. principles upon which the
policy that states: 4.3.2: Establish a risk- electrical safety program is
1) the organization’s management policy that based, including:
commitment to clearly states the 1) de-energizing if possible
maintaining an effective organization’s objectives for, 2) job planning
OHSMS and commitment to, risk 3) maintenance
2) the principles on which the management. 4) auditing.
OHSMS is founded.

Plan 4.0: Identify and prioritize 4.3: Design of framework for 110.1(A): The electrical safety
hazards and the associated managing risk. program must direct activity
risk, management system 4.3.4: Integration into appropriate to the risk
deficiencies, and opportunities organizational processes associated with electrical
for improvement. 5.0: Risk-management hazards.
4.1: Establish a process to process
gather information regarding 5.3: Establishing the context
the effectiveness of the
OHSMS in achieving the
stated objectives.

I E E E I ndu str y Appl ic ations Magazin e • M ay|jun e 2015 • www.ieee.org/ias

Do 5.0: Implementation and 4.4: Implementing risk 110.1(G): Establish a risk-
operation management assessment procedure to 1)
5.1.1: Risk assessment 4.4.1: Implementing the identify hazards, 2) assess risks,
5.1.2: Hierarchy of controls framework for managing; risk and 3) implement risk control
 E5.1.2: “The hierarchy 4.4.2: implementing the risk- according to a hierarchy of
provides a systematic way management process methods.
to determine the most 5.4: Risk assessment 110.1(H): Job briefing before
effective feasible method 5.4.2: Risk identification starting each job to discuss
to reduce risk associated 5.4.3: Risk analysis hazards, procedures, energy
with a hazard to an 5.4.4: Risk evaluation source controls, and so on.
acceptable level.” 5.5: Risk treatment 110.2(D)(b)(4): Qualified
5.5.1: Risk treatment options workers must be able to
(hierarchy of risk treatment) 1) perform job safety planning
2) Identify electrical hazards
3) Assess the associated risk
4) Select appropriate risk-
control methods from the
hierarchy of controls.

Check 6.0: Evaluation and corrective 4.5: Monitoring and review of 110.1(I): Audits:
action the framework 1) the electrical safety
6.1: Monitoring, 5.6: Monitor and review program (at least every
measurement, and three years)
assessment to evaluate the 2) field work (annually).
performance of the
management system by
measuring its effectiveness in
controlling and reducing risk. (continued) 69
 Table 1. a COMPARISON OF KEY OHSMS AND RISK-ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS IN
THE STANDARDS DISCUSSED IN THIS ARTICLE. (continued)
Elements ANSI/AIHA Z10-2012 ISO 31000-2009 NFPA 70E-2015

Act 7.0: Management review 4.6: Continual improvement 110.1(I): Audit results are used
of the framework to revise the program,
training, or procedures to
ensure
1) compliance with the
standard
2) adherence to the
principles and procedures.

OHSMS—Requirements and CSA Z1000 OHSMS, taking into consideration legal obligations, internal
apply the PDCA approach to health and safety risks. The (occupational health and safety) OHS policy and employ-
2012 edition of Z10 places an increased emphasis on risk ee’s input when applicable” [6].
assessment and control. The following is an overview of Achieving a state of zero risk is impossible. In general:
the Z10-2012 standard, with a focus on the enhanced ■■ Risk is associated with hazards.
guidance this document provides on risk assessment and ■■ Hazards are associated with energy.
control [5]. ■■ Energy is required for a process, operation, or any type
Section 4.0 of the Z10-2012 standard, “Planning,” of work to continue.
includes elements common to risk assessment. Therefore:
■■ Identify and prioritize hazards, risks, management sys- ■■ Hazards are inherent to all processes, operations, and
tem deficiencies, and opportunities for improvement. work.
■■ Establish objectives that offer the greatest opportuni- ■■ Where there are hazards, there will always be risk.
ties for OHSMS improvements and risk reduction con- The risk that remains after the best combination of
sistent with the organization’s OHS policy. controls have been selected and implemented is called
Planning involves establishing and implementing a pro- residual risk.
cess to review the relevant information to identify the Section E6.1 explains that the performance of the
IEEE In dustry A p plication s M ag az in e • M ay |j u ne 2015 • www.ieee.or g/ia s

OHSMS issues that are related to OHS performance. The rel- OHSMS is evaluated by monitoring, measuring, and
evant information includes risk assessments and evaluations. assessing its effectiveness in controlling and reducing
Section 5, “Implementation and Operation” (do), identifies risk. Corrective action is taken when nonconformance is
risk assessment and the hierarchy of risk controls as the first two found in the OHSMS. The results of the evaluations are
operational elements in an organization’s OHSMS. The hierar- included as part of the planning process (plan) and
chy of controls identified in Z10 Section 5.1.2 is as follows: management review (do). The standard promotes the
A) elimination use of leading performance measures or indicators over
B) substitution of less hazardous materials, processes, lagging indicators.
operations, or equipment The leading performance measures or indicators are
C) engineering controls those that identify opportunities for risk reduction before
D) warnings injuries or illnesses occur. These can include activities and
E) administrative controls measures such as workplace inspections and testing, expo-
F) personal protective equipment (PPE). sure assessment, employee input, occupational health
Z10 contains several resources that are useful for those assessment, and assessment of performance relative to
who may be new to risk assessment. There are explanatory applicable legal and other requirements.
notes throughout the body of the standard. Appendix F— The lagging performance measures or indictors are
Risk Assessment provides a generic overview of the risk- those that identify opportunities for risk reduction after
assessment process and lists several risk-assessment injuries or illnesses occur. Lagging indicators include
methods. Appendix G provides enhanced guidance on the injury, illness, and incident tracking, including near-
application of the hierarchy of risk control. The bibliogra- miss incidents [7].
phy includes several risk-assessment resources. Section 7, “Management Review” (act), indicates that
Section E5.1.2 introduces the concept of acceptable the purpose of a management review is to perform a strate-
risk when discussing the hierarchy of risk-control meth- gic and critical evaluation of the performance of the
ods, stating that it might require a combination of con- OHSMS and to recommend improvements. Note that the
trols to reduce risk to an acceptable level. The standard first three inputs to the management review process are
acknowledges in Appendix F that there is no single, associated with risk management:
absolute definition for acceptable risk: “In general terms, 1) progress in the reduction of risk
acceptable risk is risk that has been assessed and con- 2) effectiveness of processes to identify, assess, and pri-
70
trolled to a level that is tolerated by the organization oritize risk and system deficiencies
 3) effectiveness in addressing the tion of the probability of occurrence
underlying causes of risks and ANSI/AIHA Z10 of harm and the severity of that harm.
system deficiencies. ANSI/AIHA Z10 defines risk simi-
The performance of the OHSMS promotes the larly: an estimate of the combination of
should also be reviewed relative to the likelihood of an occurrence of a
the expectations established in the use of leading hazardous event or exposure(s) and the
OHS policy. severity of injury or illness that may be
Finally, the review should also eval- performance caused by the event or exposures.
uate how well the OHSMS is integrat- According to ISO 31000, the three
ed with other business systems. A measures or main components of risk management
well-integrated OHSMS will accrue
the greatest benefits. This completes
indicators are principles, framework, and process.

the PDCA cycle and initiates the next. over lagging Principles
As noted earlier, each PDCA cycle ISO 31000 Clause 3 identifies 11
should result in the identification of indicators. principles that must be adopted by an
areas for improvement. organization for effective risk manage-
ment. The following is an example of
Risk Management how three of these principles align
ISO 31000:2009 Risk Management—Principles and Guide- with management systems:
lines provides principles and generic guidelines on risk ■■ Risk management is systematic, structured, and time-
management and was designed to be applied to any type of ly. A systematic, timely, and structured approach to
risk, including safety risk. It is a high-level standard that risk management contributes to efficiency and to con-
provides a common approach for use in standards that deal sistent, comparable, and reliable results. Systematic
with a specific area of risk, such as CSA Z1002 Occupational approaches to risk are useful when seeking to under-
Health and Safety Hazard Identification and Elimination and stand and deal with technical or tangible, measurable
Risk Assessment and Control or standards that deal with a risks such as OHS risk.
specific risk such as NFPA 70E and CSA Z462. ■■ Risk management is based on the best available infor-
“The scope of this approach to risk management mation. The inputs to the process of managing risk are
enables all strategic, management, and operational tasks of based on information sources such as historical data,
an organization throughout projects, functions, and pro- experience, stakeholder feedback, observation, fore-
cesses to be aligned to a common set of risk-management casts, and expert judgment.
objectives” [8]. This statement is central to the key prem- ■■ Risk management is dynamic, iterative, and responsive

I E E E I ndu str y Appl ic ations Magazin e • M ay|jun e 2015 • www.ieee.org/ias

ise of this article: electrical hazards are not so unique that to change. An iterative approach to risk management
the risk associated with those hazards needs to be managed facilitates continual improvement—a core tenet of
differently than any other safety risk. management systems.
ISO Guide 73:2009 Risk Management—Vocabulary is a
companion standard to 31000. It provides a common termi- Framework
nology intended to serve as a basis for all areas of risk man- ISO 31000 Clause 4 specifies the requirements for the
agement. Again, the purpose is to ensure that when terms organizational framework that supports the risk-manage-
related to the management of risk are used in a standard, ment process:
their intended meanings within the context of the standard ■■ Leadership: Clause 4.2—mandate and commitment
are not misinterpreted, misrepresented, or misused. ■■ Policy: Clause 4.2—define and endorse the risk-man-
The terms and definitions in 31000 and Guide 73 are agement policy
broad in concept and application. Therefore, in some cir- ■■ Plan: Clause 4.3—design of framework for managing
cumstances, it is necessary to supplement or more narrowly risk; 4.3.4—integration into organizational processes
define—not replace—the vocabulary of the standard. ISO/ ■■ Do: Clause 4.4—implementing risk management;
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Guide 51 4.4.1—implementing the framework for managing risk;
Safety Aspects—Guidelines for Their Inclusion in Standards, 4.4.2—implementing the risk-management process
which is confined to the safety aspects of risk, can be used ■■ C heck: Clause 4.5—monitoring and review of the
to supplement the vocabulary of Guide 73. As an example, framework
consider the definition of risk. ■■ Act: Clause 4.6—continual improvement of the frame-
ISO 31000 defines risk as the effect of uncertainty on work.
objectives. The standard takes the view that risk can Table 1 demonstrates how the components of the
include both negative and positive consequences. How- framework align with the management system approach.
ever, in OHS, the consequences are considered to always
be negative. Note 4 of the ISO 31000 definition indi- Process
cates that the uncertainty is often expressed in terms of ISO 31000 Clause 5 identifies a separate PDCA cycle that fits
a combination of the consequences of an event (includ- within the risk-management framework PDCA cycle. ISO
ing changes in circumstances) and the associated likeli- 31000 defines the risk-management process as the “systemat-
hood of occurrence. This is close to the Guide 51 ic application of management policies, procedures, and prac-
71
definition of risk. Guide 51 defines risk as the combina- tices to the activities of communicating, consulting,
 establishing the context, and identifying, ■■ Risk evaluation is the process
analyzing, evaluating, treating, monitor- A complete of comparing the estimated
ing, and reviewing risk.” Notice how this level of risk with the risk cri-
definition fits within the PDCA cycle: cycle of the teria to make and prioritize
■■ Policy: management policies risk treatment decisions.
■■ Plan: procedures and practices; PDCA steps ■■ 
Risk treatment involves selecting
establishing the context one or more options to modify
■■ Do: identifying, analyzing, evaluat- should result in risks and implementing those
ing, and treating
■■ Check and act: monitoring and
identification options in a risk treatment plan.
■■ The risk treatment plan should
reviewing risk. of areas for clearly identify the order of priority
The following is a general overview of in which individual risk treatments
the iterative risk-management process: improvement. should be implemented.
■■ Establishing the context—risk ■■ 
R isk treatment options can be
cannot be managed in a vacuum. considered and applied either
Effective risk management requires criteria or a individually or in combination.Often the greatest ben-
term of reference against which the significance of a efit is derived from the adoption of a combination of
risk is evaluated. Since health and safety risks always risk treatment options.
have negative consequences, the context will always ■■ ISO 31000 warns that risk treatment itself can intro-
require the consequence to be as low as reasonably duce risks. Monitoring needs to be an integral part of
practicable. the risk treatment plan to give assurance that the mea-
■■ Risk parameters may include external factors such as sures remain effective.
cultural, social, political, legal, regulatory, financial, ■■ ISO 31000 identifies seven risk treatment options. As
technological, economic, natural and competitive shown in Table 2, three of these options have parallels
environment and internal factors such as governance, in the ANSI/AIHA Z10 hierarchy of risk control
organizational structure, roles and accountabilities, methods.
and policies and objectives. ■■ Monitor and review—The risk-management process
■■ ISO 31000 defines risk assessment as the overall pro- should be monitored and reviewed for the purposes of:
cess of risk identification, analysis, and evaluation. ■■ ensuring that controls are effective and efficient
■■ Risk identification involves identifying risk sourc- in both design and operation
es, their causes, and their potential consequences. ■■ obtaining further information to improve risk
■■ Risk analysis is the process of comprehending the assessment
IEEE In dustry A p plication s M ag az in e • M ay |j u ne 2015 • www.ieee.or g/ia s

nature of identified risks and determining the ■■ analyzing and learning lessons from events
level of risk. Risk analysis includes risk estima- (including near misses), changes, trends, success-
tion, where the severity of consequence and the es, and failures
likelihood of the occurrence of an event are esti- ■■ detecting changes in the external and internal
mated and combined to a level of risk. Risk esti- context, including changes to risk criteria and
mation can be quantitative or qualitative. Risk the risk itself, which can require revision of risk
analysis provides the basis for risk evaluation and treatments and priorities
decisions about risk treatment. ■■ identifying emerging risks.
■■ Progress in implementing risk treatment plans pro-
vides a performance measure. A performance measure
Table 2. A COMPARISON OF ISO 31000 RISK is necessary for continuous improvement.
TREATMENT OPTIONS AND ANSI Z10 HIERARCHY OF ■■ The results of monitoring and review should be used
RISK-CONTROL METHODS. as an input to the review of the risk-management
framework.
ISO 31000 Risk ANSI/AIHA Z10 Hierarchy of ■■ 
Record the process—risk management should be
Treatment Options Risk-Control Methods traceable. Documenting the process is the foundation
c) Removing the A) Elimination
for continuous improvement found in all manage-
risk source
ment systems (PDCA).
d) Changing the B) Substitution of less Workplace Electrical Safety
likelihood hazardous materials, NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety Requirements
e) Changing the processes, operations, for Employee Workplaces was first published in 1979.
consequences or equipment The first edition included only installation safety
C) Engineering controls requirements borrowed from NFPA 70: National Elec-
trical Code. The second edition of 70E, released in
D) Warnings
1981, contained a section on safety-related work prac-
E) Administrative controls tices. Since 1981, 70E has undergone a progressive
F) PPE evolution from a part-time OHS standard to a full-
72
time OHS standard. The first significant step in that
regard came in the seventh edition ment principles and terminology in
published in 2004. Establish the standard.
■■ The name of the document was ■■ Risk management terms such as
changed to NFPA 70E: Standard objectives that hazard, risk, and risk assessment
for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. have been defined.
■■ The sections were reorganized with offer the ■■ The word likelihood rather than
the safety-related work practices risk is used to refer to the likeli-
relocated to the front of the docu- greatest hood of something happening.
ment to highlight the emphasis on ■■ The phrase hazard/risk has been
those practices. oportunities deleted throughout the document.
■■ The chapter on safety-related
work practices was also reorga-
for OHSMS ■■ Table 130.7(C)(15)a, “Hazard/Risk
Category Classifications,” has been
nized to emphasize de-energizing improvements split into two separate retitled
as the preferred work practice. tables. The first table helps the
■■ An energized electrical work per- and risk user identify the likelihood of
mit and related requirements were occurrence of an arc-flash incident
incorporated into the document. reduction. (yes or no). If the likelihood of
In 2009, the content of 70E occurrence is yes, then the second
became solely devoted to safe work table, “Arc Flash PPE Category,”
practices with the deletion of Chapter 4, “Installation identifies the required PPE. The arc rating of the
Safety Requirements.” Significantly, the 2009 edition for PPE within each category is based on the worst-case
the first time referred to OHSMS. potential exposure (i.e., the severity of the conse-
The 2012 edition of NFPA 70E began to integrate quences).
risk-management principles and terminology. Section Table 3 provides an overview of the progressive empha-
110.3(F) was revised from “Hazard/Risk Procedure” to sis on OHSMS in 70E. The bold text in columns 2 and 3
“Hazard Identification and Risk-Assessment Procedure.” in Table 3 indicates the OHSMS-related revisions that
The employer’s electrical safety program had to include a were progressively added to the 2012 and 2015 editions,
procedure to identify hazards and assess risks, including respectively. Note also that the requirement to create an
potential risk-mitigation strategies (i.e., risk-control electrical safety program has progressively moved toward
methods). A revised Annex F provided guidance regarding the front of the standard from section 110.7 in 2009 to
a qualitative approach for risk assessment, including risk 110.3 in 2012 to 110.1 in 2015.
estimation and risk evaluation. Table 4 provides an overview of the progressive inclu-

I E E E I ndu str y Appl ic ations Magazin e • M ay|jun e 2015 • www.ieee.org/ias

The 2015 edition places further emphasis on an sion of risk-management principles into 70E. The bold
OHSMS and an increased integration of risk-manage- text in columns 2 and 3 in Table 4 indicates the

Table 3. AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRESSIVE EMPHASIS ON OHSMS IN NFPA 70E.

NFPA 70E 2009 Edition NFPA 70E 2012 Edition NFPA 70E 2015 Edition

110.7 Electrical Safety Program. 110.3 Electrical Safety Program. 110.1 Electrical Safety Program
(A) General. The employer shall (A) General. The employer shall (A) General. The employer shall
implement and document an implement and document an implement and document an
overall electrical safety program overall electrical safety program overall electrical safety program
that directs activity appropriate that directs activity appropriate that directs activity appropriate to
for the voltage, energy level, and for the electrical hazards, the risk associated with electrical
circuit conditions. voltage, energy level, and circuit hazards.
IN No. 2—ANSI/AIHA Z10-2005 pro- conditions. The electrical safety program shall
vides a framework for establishing IN No. 2—ANSI/AIHA Z10-2005 be implemented as part of the
a comprehensive electrical safety provides a framework for employer’s overall OHSMS, when
program as a component of an establishing a comprehensive one exists.
employer’s occupational safety electrical safety program as a IN No. 2—ANSI/AIHA Z10-2012
and health program. component of an employer’s provides a framework for
occupational safety and health establishing a comprehensive
program. electrical safety program as a
component of an employer’s
occupational safety and health
program.

The bold text indicates the OHSMS-related revisions that were progressively added to the 2012 and 2015 editions, respectively. 73
 Table 4. AN OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRESSIVE INTEGRATION OF RISK-MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES INTO NFPA 70E.
NFPA 70E 2009 Edition NFPA 70E 2012 Edition NFPA 70E 2015 Edition

110.7 (F) Hazard/Risk Evaluation (F) Hazard Identification and Risk- (G) Risk-Assessment Procedure.
Procedure Assessment Procedure. An electrical safety program shall
An electrical safety program shall An electrical safety program shall include a risk-assessment
identify a hazard/risk evaluation include a hazard identification procedure that addresses
procedure to be used before and risk-assessment procedure to employee exposure to electrical
work is started within the limited be used before work is started hazards.
approach boundary of energized within the limited approach The procedure shall identify the
electrical conductors and circuit boundary or within the arc-flash process to be used by the
parts operating at 50 V or more or boundary of energized electrical employee before work is started
where an electrical hazard exists. conductors and circuit parts to carry out the following:
The procedure shall identify the operating at 50 V or more or 1) identify hazards
hazard/risk process that shall be where an electrical hazard exists. 2) assess risks
used by employees to evaluate The procedure shall identify the 3) implement risk control
tasks before work is started. process to be used by the according to a hierarchy of
employee before work is started methods.
to identify hazards and assess Informational Note No. 1: The
risks, including risk-mitigation hierarchy of risk-control methods
strategies. specified in ANSI/AIHA Z10-2012 is:
1) elimination
2) substitution
3) engineering controls
4) awareness
5) administrative controls
6) PPE.
IEEE In dustry A p plication s M ag az in e • M ay |j u ne 2015 • www.ieee.or g/ia s

The bold text indicates the risk-management-related revisions that were progressively added to the 2012 and 2015 editions, respectively.

Available: http://www.intechopen.com/books/risk-management-for-
risk-management-related revisions that were progressive-
the-future-theory-and-cases/current-trends-and-future-developments-
ly added to the 2012 and 2015 editions, respectively.
in-occupational-health-and-safety-risk-management
Conclusions [4] PDCA. (2013, Feb. 20). [Online]. Available: http://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/PDCA
The most effective application of the requirements of haz-
[5] (2012). ASSE Tech Brief. ANSI/AIHA Standard Z10. [Online]. Avail-
ard-specific standards is achieved within the framework of
able: https://www.asse.org/shoponline/docs/Z10_Tech_Brief_2012_
an OHSMS. Adhering to risk-management principles
Revised.pdf
ensures that risk-control methods are systematically identi-
[6] Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems Appendix F, ANSI/
fied and applied in a hierarchical approach.
AIHA Standard Z10-2012, 2012.
The emphasis on OHSMS and the integration of
[7] C. Pettinger, “Big data and safety: Are near-misses leading or lagging
risk-management principles into the 2015 editions of
indicators?” Canadian Occupational Safety Mag., vol. 52, no. 1, p. 9, Feb./
NFPA 70E and CSA Z462 will
Mar. 2014.
1) m ake these standards more accessible to OHS
[8] Manex Pty Ltd. (2013, Feb. 20). Systemic risk management principles.
professionals
[Online]. Available: www.manex.com.au/systemic-risk-management-
2) provide employers with a method of sustainable and
principles/
continuous improvement in OHS performance
3) ultimately benefit all electrical workers.

References
[1] Workplace Electrical Safety, CSA Standard Z462-12, Clause 4.1.7.1 Daniel Roberts ([email protected]) is
Note 2, 2012. with Schneider Electric Canada, Inc., Mississauga, Ontar-
[2] D. T. Roberts, “Risk management of electrical hazards,” IEEE Ind. io, Canada. Roberts is a Senior Member of the IEEE. This
Applicat. Mag., vol. 19, no. 3, pp. 21–26, May/June 2013. article first appeared as “Integrating OHSMS, Risk Man-
[3] I. R. Moraru. (2013, Feb. 20). Current trends and future develop- agement & Electrical Safety” at the 2014 IEEE IAS Elec-
74 trical Safety Workshop.
ments in occupational health and safety risk management. [Online].