Exposed Live Electrical Panels - Stay Away From Them!

What should I do when I come across an exposed electrical panel at a job site?  Number 1 - always assume it is live and that it could severely injure you or even kill you!  You must stay a minimum of 6' away from exposed live electrical panels and report the hazard immediately to your Foreman.  Your Foreman should then report the hazard to the general contractor so the hazard can be abated.  All employees should be made aware of the hazard and told to stay a minimum of 6' away until the hazard has been abated.  You should then discuss with your Foreman about working in another area until the hazard has been abated.  Also, do not attempt to cover the exposed electrical panel by yourself as this is very dangerous.  Leave that up to the electrical professionals. 

Some things you can do in the meantime.  If the electrician is nearby, ask him/her if the electrical panel is live or dead.  If you are told the electrical panel is dead, have the electrician prove it to you.  He should be able to touch the buss bars inside the panel or he should be able to show you with a voltage tester that the electricity is not running to and from the panel.  If it is proved that the electrical panel is dead and that no power is running to it, you can then commence working in this area as there is not an electrical hazard present.  If the electrical panel is live, it must be appropriately covered before you commence work in this area. 

Electrical panels are supposed to be covered with an approved cover unless an electrician is working on them.  What is an approved cover?  An approved cover is the metal door that comes with the panel box.  There is also a temporary cover which is made of corrugated plastic.  This type of temporary cover whould say on it that it is A.N.S.I. (American National Safety Institute) approved.  Cardboard is not considered an appropriate cover.  The electrical panel cover/door must be installed by a qualified electrician.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO COVER THE ELECTRICAL PANEL BY YOURSELF!

Why is a live exposed electrical panel a hazard to me if I stay a couple of feet away from it?  Electricity is known to travel a few feet from the panel depending on the job site conditions such as dust and humidity.  Dust and humidity are good conductors of electricity.  Your own body sweat is also a good conductor of electricity.  Keep in mind that you are using tools that could come into contact with the panel.  You could trip and fall towards the electrical panel.  So, stay 6' away and you should be o.k.  Better yet, see to it that the electrical panel gets covered.